abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 10480 times:
Feedback always appreciated.
I > Background:
As many of you know, I had cut my trans-Siberian short to take an interesting adventure on board Ir Aero (http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/209040/) to Vladivostok. We had to somehow get to Beijing and it seemed the only flight available was from relatively nearby Khabarovsk (KHV). None of us wanted to do another short flight on a regional airline, so we settled for an interesting road trip.
Khabarovsk was a pleasant town and we actually had a great time. It is an interesting city, and a pleasant escape from the rest of Russia. I really enjoyed the Asian influence on the city as it seems to have mellowed the residents, and made them more "open" than their counterparts inland.
So the ticket we found to get us to Beijing was on Vladivostok Avia (aka: Vladavia) - I am actually surprised that this might be the first report of Vladavia on A.Net on its KHV-PEK run. As an additional bonus, the flight was supposedly on a Tupolev Tu-204 - a type, I had never flown before.
II > Pre-Flight:
a) Before Airport:
Vladivostok Air (aka: Vladavia) is the largest carrier in the Russian Far East and Siberia, with scheduled domestic flights within Russia and international flights to Asia, and Europe, as well as charter flights - all the way to Africa. With a modern fleet of 320, 330, T20 among others, XF flies from its main hub at Vladivostok International Airport, and secondary hubs at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport and Khabarovsk Novy International Airport.
Unlike all the excitement of booking with Ir Aero, ticketing with Vladavia was very simple. In fact, I though Vlad Avia had the smoothest booking engine of all Russian airlines. Located at http://www.vladivostokavia.ru/en/, I was amazed at the clean design and efficiency of use. Within a few minutes, I had booked the group KHV-PEK tickets - for the first time, I got no errors or anything at a Russian site. Moreover, since there was no ability to request seats, I took the moment to email their reservation desk and was shocked when an English speaking agent called my Russian mobile phone and confirmed the group and what seats we wanted. Who would have thought?
b) At Airport:
After a last night of debauchery in Mother Russia, it was time to head back. Most of us ended up sleeping well past noon as our creaky "30's bodies" moaned the effect of partying like we were in our 20's. Very sad indeed. Anyways, it took us around 2 hours to pack and checkout, and wearily make it to KHV airport. Now, KHV airport is like other airports in Russia, a fascinating construct of how you forget local culture and embrace uninspiring Ikea-like airport infrastructure that seems to be mushrooming everywhere in the world. Seriously people, these generic airports are beginning to get on my nerves.
Thankfully, the inside of the airport was more like Ma-Russia, and we were welcomed at the Vladavia counter by a rather nice lady. She was very intrigued by our "tour group" and developed an affinity for my Indian friend (and fellow A.Netter). Apparently, Bollywood movies are huge in Siberia (go figure) and she went off on this long conversation and even sang some sing to him in Hindi. He just rolled his eyes and apparently said that he is getting a lot of these random comments (in Brasil, the top TV "telenovella" is some Indian love story) ... but either way, what was a 5 minute check-in process turned out to be an amusing 20 minutes or so. None of us cared, but I think the people in the queue behind us had other opinions .
After check-in, we had some time to kill, and went upstairs to the "fine dining" restaurant - some of us got a bite to eat while others plane spotted. A new Airbus A-320 had just pulled in, and the crew were all taking pictures of the aircraft with them in it. I was amused because I find the 320/737 so generic and here it was an exotic commodity. As I began wondering where the T20 was, a bad feeling crept through me of an equipment swap.
Quick immigration and security later, we pulled into the rather uninspired waiting area. There really was not much going on and we waited until boarding was called 45 minutes prior to the flight. There was the usual Russian madness to join the boarding process ("ILBST" is fully in gear here), and we fought our way to the gate ... and to my sheer disappointment, the brand new 320. Oh well. I think the disappointment would be greater and unbearable if it was some historical aircraft! Boarding was via staircase and we soon found ourselves in the most generic 320 cabin. It was such a huge contrast from days earlier. Y load was around 90%.
Airport - External:
(Khabarovsk Airport: Old)
*
(New)
Check-in:
Airport - Internal:
(FIDS)
NONE
*
(Post Security @ KHV)
*
Scenes of the tarmac:
(I was severely reprimanded after taking this picture)
Lounge
NONE
Boarding:
(Gate Area)
NONE
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
These days, I have moderate expectations from Economy Class on a medium haul flight - service consisted of a drink and meal service as soon as take-off.
b) Aircraft + Seats:
One of the highlights would have been flying my first Tupolev 204 - but as mentioned above, this was not to be. The Airbus 320 was as generic as you could get. Being new, the aircraft was clean and sterile - reminded me of a flight I once did on a new indiGo 320 a few years back - the entire white fuselage with generic blue seats looked a tad too boring for me. The positive side was clean bathrooms - with no "poo-poo". Small gains huh ?
The seat itself was actually OK - the pitch was very tight, but the recline was generous. Now, that worked well until the person in front decided to put her/his seat in recline.
(Notice the difference between these seats, and say LH's slim-line)
*
Cabin:
*
*
(Blanket ++)
NONE
(Bathroom)
c) Meal + Beverage:
30 minutes into the flight, the meal service commenced. This consisted of first a drink service where I proceeded to take a ginger ale (still nursing that hungover) and some water - they were served in those frat house party glasses. Then, dinner was served. I was actually positively surprised to see the offering - first a plate was given to me with bread, some cold cuts, couple of sushi, and a rather nice looking dessert. I thought it was decent offering for a 22,30 flight - so imagine my surprise when I was asked what I wanted for my main course?! Taken aback slightly, I chose the salmon over the chicken. While served with a rather uninspiring rice and corn, it was fresh and juicy. I have had far worse salmon in JCL.
Topping up the surprisingly good meal service was nice café. Overall, I felt really satisfied - though as my Israeli other half said that it could have been because my benchmark had been so lowered after the "meals" on our last flight ...
(Pre-takeoff @ KHV)
*
(Beverage & Dinner)
*
d) Inflight Entertainment:
Perhaps the single biggest disappointment on the flight was the lack of any IFE. Now, this was a brand new 320 with drop-down screens and safety briefings using these screens. Would it have been too hard to actually use them. For a flight of this length, I found this very poor. Their in-flight magazine was fairly informative - too bad I seem to have lost it along the way.
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.: No magazine - these were given @ take-off @ IKT)
NONE
e) Crew:
Well, there was no Olga on this flight. However, the crew were not particularly charming either. There was no real attempt to be warm and hospitable when I boarded the aircraft, during service, or when I disembarked. They did their service efficiently and without any drama. I guess that is what I had to settle for.
IV> Post-Flight:
Unlike most carriers who use the Norman Foster designed T3 @ PEK, Vladavia uses T2 - so as I have said before - swap the beautiful terminal filled with white people with a functional basic building with people who look as diverse as China’s increasingly fascinating foreign policy. Tons of flights to the “Stans” and those random other routes. Landing was smooth, and we were done with immigration and the like in a flat 15 minutes.
(Beijing - Terminal 2 Arrivals - depart AND arrive at 2230)
V> Impressions + Scores:
Vladavia gave me a no non-sense approach to getting me from point A to B. On these type of flights, I do not have major expectations, and I guess XF went ahead and matched what I thought of. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of their online booking engine and customer service, and also by the nice dinner on board. This was balanced by a non-existent IFE, and a crew that seemed to display a notion of hospitality, I was not aware of ...
Overall, neither a thumps up or down. If offered the choice, I would fly XF if the price and schedule was right again. I would not go out of my way to avoid it; nor, fly it.
(Note on Codes: Y – Economy, J – Business, F – First :: I/D – International/Domestic :: SR/MR/LR – Short/Medium/Long Haul)
(Note on Date: Dates are modified to be +/- 3 days from actual flight date to not reveal actual flight pattern)
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 1, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 10369 times:
great report as usual. I was actually checking these days kind of similar routings as I would like to go this or next year to Russia to make the Transib railway... and of course their would be several options to go back to CCS
okapi From France, joined Jun 2006, 184 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 10368 times:
My Goodness! What happened to Mr A's stunning trip reports?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): service consisted of a drink and meal service as soon as take-off.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The positive side was clean bathrooms - with no "poo-poo". Small gains huh ?
No poo-poo? No cat food? No low altitude flying with impressive drops to allow passengers to place phone calls? And where is Olga? Come on! This story about some charming check-in employees who sings Hindi songs to one of your friends? Well, you've raised the bar very high after the Olga Airlines TR. And here you are again, once again, sharing the delights of travelling around the world, for the sole purpose to discover how diverse it is.
More seriously, I just thoroughly enjoy every single report of yours and this is no exception. Thanks for sharing. I also must admit that I really appreciate the Khabarovsk Airport pictures. The airport looks very interesting indeed.
Can't wait for your trip to Central Africa (did you say you're going to Cameroon or Uganda?)
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 3, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 10343 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 1):
great report as usual. I was actually checking these days kind of similar routings as I would like to go this or next year to Russia to make the Transib railway... and of course their would be several options to go back to CCS
Cheers and thanks
Avianca
= Avianca, what the **ll? I thought you and I are going to trot the world together . I have been away from home for 3 weeks now - am going to send you a PM now that you are back to CCS. It was time you left LIM - though, I must admit, LIM has better good than CCS.
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): My Goodness! What happened to Mr A's stunning trip reports?
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): No poo-poo? No cat food? No low altitude flying with impressive drops to allow passengers to place phone calls? And where is Olga? Come on!
= You know, I was thinking, no matter that I did, the next report was going to be "disappointing" after Olga Avia . But the other part of me wonders - so you people on A.Net don't care about my safety and just want me to live dangerously for your benefit ...
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): This story about some charming check-in employees who sings Hindi songs to one of your friends?
= Haha. I have to find this picture where random beauty salons and other stuff all had Indian posters - my Indian friend was weirded out.
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): And here you are again, once again, sharing the delights of travelling around the world, for the sole purpose to discover how diverse it is.
= . The world is indeed diverse and amazing.
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): More seriously, I just thoroughly enjoy every single report of yours and this is no exception. Thanks for sharing. I also must admit that I really appreciate the Khabarovsk Airport pictures. The airport looks very interesting indeed.
= Glad you enjoyed.
Quoting okapi (Reply 2): Can't wait for your trip to Central Africa (did you say you're going to Cameroon or Uganda?)
Take care!
oKp
= A larger trip to Africa is being planned - but the next report will cover an area of the world which surprisingly has VERY little trip reports - bonus points if you can guess where ...
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 4, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 10323 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): = Avianca, what the **ll? I thought you and I are going to trot the world together . I have been away from home for 3 weeks now - am going to send you a PM now that you are back to CCS. It was time you left LIM - though, I must admit, LIM has better good than CCS.
jaja, we will trot the world together, dont worry !!!
Well right now I am still in MDE arriving in CCS in around 2 weeks, looking forward to meet soon in order to plan our trips!
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1735 posts, RR: 4 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 9963 times:
Hello again Alex,
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): But the other part of me wonders - so you people on A.Net don't care about my safety and just want me to live dangerously for your benefit ...
Heh. Well, how else are we going to get a TR on all these wonderful machines? But seriously, even in coldest Siberia, the risks aren't that bad (at least in summer--in winter hypothermia is probably quite a big risk).
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): As an additional bonus, the flight was supposedly on a Tupolev Tu-204 - a type, I had never flown before.
Really? Not even on CU's Tu-204s?
Well, it's a shame about the A/C swap... I really like the looks of the Tu-204 even if it's the most boring wing-engine configuration.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Now, KHV airport is like other airports in Russia, a fascinating construct of how you forget local culture and embrace uninspiring Ikea-like airport infrastructure that seems to be mushrooming everywhere in the world. Seriously people, these generic airports are beginning to get on my nerves.
It is ridiculous; they're all starting to look exactly the same. These sorts of "Ikea-Airports" often give a cold feeling of which I'm not a fan.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Apparently, Bollywood movies are huge in Siberia (go figure) and she went off on this long conversation and even sang some sing to him in Hindi.
Who would have thought!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The Airbus 320 was as generic as you could get. Being new, the aircraft was clean and sterile - reminded me of a flight I once did on a new indiGo 320 a few years back - the entire white fuselage with generic blue seats looked a tad too boring for me. The positive side was clean bathrooms - with no "poo-poo". Small gains huh ?
So, keeping in mind all these aspects, A320 or An-24? Now that you have flown on the An-24 would you ever choose it over a much more boring 320 or 737 given all its inherent disadvantages (I mean: speed, noise, etc)?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Overall, neither a thumps up or down. If offered the choice, I would fly XF if the price and schedule was right again. I would not go out of my way to avoid it; nor, fly it.
That's what I'd call a typical airline nowadays. It seems XF isn't too bad.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 6, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 9887 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 4): jaja, we will trot the world together, dont worry !!!
Well right now I am still in MDE arriving in CCS in around 2 weeks, looking forward to meet soon in order to plan our trips!
Cheers
Avianca
= Sounds good. I am still thinking the HAV - LAD - TMS - LAD flight ... thoughts?
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): Heh. Well, how else are we going to get a TR on all these wonderful machines? But seriously, even in coldest Siberia, the risks aren't that bad (at least in summer--in winter hypothermia is probably quite a big risk).
= Haha -- I was joking man. I can die anywhere anytime - so why worry?
= No. I keep forgetting they have those - maybe a weekend trip from CCS. I am not a big fan of Cuba though - so that is a big deterrent.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): It is ridiculous; they're all starting to look exactly the same. These sorts of "Ikea-Airports" often give a cold feeling of which I'm not a fan.
= Yup. Thankfully, the Asian airports (HKG, SIN, DEL, etc.) have maintained their culture and integrated it as they build new terminals. How is the scene in Romania?
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): So, keeping in mind all these aspects, A320 or An-24? Now that you have flown on the An-24 would you ever choose it over a much more boring 320 or 737 given all its inherent disadvantages (I mean: speed, noise, etc)?
= What do you think ?
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): Legroom looks really bad there unfortunately.
= Absolutely. Just look at the angle shot.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): That's what I'd call a typical airline nowadays. It seems XF isn't too bad.
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 7, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 9862 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 6): Sounds good. I am still thinking the HAV - LAD - TMS - LAD flight ... thoughts?
couldnt agree more, we should start to plan this...
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 6): = No. I keep forgetting they have those - maybe a weekend trip from CCS. I am not a big fan of Cuba though - so that is a big deterrent.
lets plan this as well, the fares are right now pritty cheap... around 2200 to 2500 bolos...
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 8, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 9852 times:
Hi Alex !
Thanks for another report with nice pictures!
XF seems nice but too bad you missed out on the Tu-204......
Meals looks fantastic and size is very impressive!
I guess I'm not that surprised about the indifferent crew; had the same experience on SU about ten years ago. Perhaps a cultural trait of Russia ?
Too with no IFE at all; they could at least have had a moving map display on......
Looking forward to your next report!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): but the next report will cover an area of the world which surprisingly has VERY little trip reports - bonus points if you can guess where ...
Domestic flights in Canada or Brazil ?
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1735 posts, RR: 4 Reply 9, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 9821 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 6): Haha -- I was joking man. I can die anywhere anytime - so why worry?
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 6): No. I keep forgetting they have those - maybe a weekend trip from CCS. I am not a big fan of Cuba though - so that is a big deterrent.
I see. Why are you not a fan of Cuba?
One of my friends here at UChicago wants to go to Cuba sometime. There are definitely enough interesting aircraft in Cuba to make a trip worth it for me. Of course, I'm technically not allowed to spend any money in Cuba which makes such a trip in a grey area legally. Not that that ever stopped anyone.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 6): Yup. Thankfully, the Asian airports (HKG, SIN, DEL, etc.) have maintained their culture and integrated it as they build new terminals. How is the scene in Romania?
Basically, the bigger airports are moving towards the bland architectural style with nothing special, as you can see from the Sibiu airport picture in my TR. CLJ, TSR, TGM also have new, boring terminals. OTP on the other hand is quite nice IMO and not just the simplest possible architecture they found.
Places like BBU (getting shut down very very soon it seems) have their "flair", but BBU is one of the worst airports I've been to functionally speaking (worse than CDG-but no need to connect). Small airports, like SCV, are rustic (check out the arrivals lounge pic) and maintain their flair--I actually think it looks good for an airport in arguably the poorest region in the EU.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 11, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 9545 times:
Hi Alex,
Good read, thanks, shame you missed out on the T20 though, that would have been cool!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): the ticket we found to get us to Beijing was on Vladivostok Avia
- I wanted to fly these guy's on an upcoming trip I have, sadly the schedules did not work.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): since there was no ability to request seats, I took the moment to email their reservation desk and was shocked when an English speaking agent called my Russian mobile phone and confirmed the group and what seats we wanted. Who would have thought?
- That's more than impressive!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): dinner was served. I was actually positively surprised to see the offering - first a plate was given to me with bread, some cold cuts, couple of sushi, and a rather nice looking dessert. I thought it was decent offering for a 22,30 flight - so imagine my surprise when I was asked what I wanted for my main course?! Taken aback slightly, I chose the salmon over the chicken. While served with a rather uninspiring rice and corn, it was fresh and juicy
- Not a bad looking meal for Y, much better than some stuff seemingly offered as 'food' these days.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 12, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 9454 times:
Hi Alex,
great report about another exotic airline! I really enjoyed this one. It's amazing how all these Russian carriers keep adding Western-built aircraft.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The Airbus 320 was as generic as you could get. Being new, the aircraft was clean and sterile - reminded me of a flight I once did on a new indiGo 320 a few years back
It seems you had VP-BFY, an ex-Thomas Cook bird, built in 1997. It's much older than the Tu-204s.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 13, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 9262 times:
Nice report on a rather rare airline. I was planning a few flights with them and S7 a few years ago in the Far East, but my plans fell through - looks like they are quite a good/reliable airline
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I was actually positively surprised to see the offering - first a plate was given to me with bread, some cold cuts, couple of sushi, and a rather nice looking dessert. I thought it was decent offering for a 22,30 flight - so imagine my surprise when I was asked what I wanted for my main course?! Taken aback slightly, I chose the salmon over the chicken. While served with a rather uninspiring rice and corn, it was fresh and juicy. I have had far worse salmon in JCL.
Very impressive for Y. SHame there was no IFE, and you missed out of the Turpolev
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 15, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 9080 times:
Hi Alex,
great report, really interesting to see the pics from KHV. I always wondered how this airport would be like since during my work I usually took KHV as enroute alternate for our 777 Etops flightplanning. Thanks for the pictures.
The white Il-76 from Aviacon Zitotrans is often seen at EIN in The Netherlands, operating flights for the Army afaik. Why did the Russians make trouble to you after making this picture? Nothing to be seen except the aircraft.
Sorry to hear about not scoring a ride on the Tu204, I would love to fly on one. But what's up with the Tu204 (or 214?) without engines. Is this ex Dalavia judging from the colours?
As already mentioned by PH, your aircraft VP-BFY is not really new, you can also see this in the pictures of the 'old' interior and overhead panels in the cabin. The cabin looks well maintained though, friendly staff, user friendly websites, good catering. It seems to be a really nice airline to me.
Thanks,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 8371 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 7): couldnt agree more, we should start to plan this...
= Absolutely. Let me know when you are back, and we shall start. Their schedule seems very erratic. The biggest issue is going to be getting that rare Angolan visa. I would love to spend at least a few days in the country - outside LAD, it is supposed to be incredibly nice.
Quoting Avianca (Reply 7):
lets plan this as well, the fares are right now pritty cheap... around 2200 to 2500 bolos..
= Ya ... maybe, use it to connect to the aforementioned?
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): XF seems nice but too bad you missed out on the Tu-204......
= Ya. I might get a chance with CU as suggested.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Meals looks fantastic and size is very impressive!
= It was!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): I guess I'm not that surprised about the indifferent crew; had the same experience on SU about ten years ago. Perhaps a cultural trait of Russia ?
= In general, I agree with you - but, I also had a great SU crew (reviewed the flight) on MOW-DEL and also on a SEA-SVO flight once. Did you fly them J or Y?
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Domestic flights in Canada or Brazil ?
The777Man
= Haha. Pretty impressive - now, can you think of the airline/routing? I will be mightily impressed!
= I am all for socialism and all-inclusive development ... but Cuba is ANYTHING but. I mean, how can you claim to be about equal access when you have islands where the locals cannot even go to!
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 9): One of my friends here at UChicago wants to go to Cuba sometime. There are definitely enough interesting aircraft in Cuba to make a trip worth it for me. Of course, I'm technically not allowed to spend any money in Cuba which makes such a trip in a grey area legally. Not that that ever stopped anyone.
= Are you an American citizen or Romanian?
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 9): Well, I don't know if you caught my report regarding my domestic trip in the summer of 2010: Romanian TR: Bucuresti-Suceava Via Timisoara (by dc9northwest Dec 24 2010 in Trip Reports)
= Ohhh ... my read for tomorrow. I will post comments there.
Basically, the bigger airports are moving towards the bland architectural style with nothing special, as you can see from the Sibiu airport picture in my TR. CLJ, TSR, TGM also have new, boring terminals. OTP on the other hand is quite nice IMO and not just the simplest possible architecture they found.
Places like BBU (getting shut down very very soon it seems) have their "flair", but BBU is one of the worst airports I've been to functionally speaking (worse than CDG-but no need to connect). Small airports, like SCV, are rustic (check out the arrivals lounge pic) and maintain their flair--I actually think it looks good for an airport in arguably the poorest region in the EU.
= There is nothing worse than CDG . Don't ever forget that ... though, increasingly, I am getting annoyed @ FRA.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 9): Well, for fun, the An-24. To get somewhere, the A320. That's what I'd do.
= Agred.
Quoting kiramakora (Reply 10): Another exotic report. Alex, give us a hint of what is next!
= Think exotic planes ...
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 11): Good read, thanks, shame you missed out on the T20 though, that would have been cool!
= Agreed Mark. Next time?
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 11): - I wanted to fly these guy's on an upcoming trip I have, sadly the schedules did not work.
= What was your planned routing?
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 11): - Not a bad looking meal for Y, much better than some stuff seemingly offered as 'food' these days.
Cheers
Mark
= Agreed.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 12): great report about another exotic airline! I really enjoyed this one. It's amazing how all these Russian carriers keep adding Western-built aircraft.
= Ya. Did you read the Ir Aero report?
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 13):
Nice report on a rather rare airline. I was planning a few flights with them and S7 a few years ago in the Far East, but my plans fell through - looks like they are quite a good/reliable airline
= Where were you planning to fly?
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 14): Nice TR! You sure are lucky to get to travel the world like this! Do you keep a flightlog? If so, how many flights do you have?
Rgds,
Sveinn
= Been on around 3,300 flights. I will have to check.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 15): great report, really interesting to see the pics from KHV. I always wondered how this airport would be like since during my work I usually took KHV as enroute alternate for our 777 Etops flightplanning. Thanks for the pictures.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 15): The white Il-76 from Aviacon Zitotrans is often seen at EIN in The Netherlands, operating flights for the Army afaik. Why did the Russians make trouble to you after making this picture? Nothing to be seen except the aircraft.
= No idea ... this Russian bloke came screaming at me with "Nyet" "Nyet" and I was like OK. My Israeli better half and the Croatian friend were not amused at his violent behaviour.
Amazing isn't it when an aircraft you know suddenly is spotted in somewhere so random.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 15): Sorry to hear about not scoring a ride on the Tu204, I would love to fly on one. But what's up with the Tu204 (or 214?) without engines. Is this ex Dalavia judging from the colours?
= PH. Thoughts?
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 15): As already mentioned by PH, your aircraft VP-BFY is not really new, you can also see this in the pictures of the 'old' interior and overhead panels in the cabin. The cabin looks well maintained though, friendly staff, user friendly websites, good catering. It seems to be a really nice airline to me.
Thanks,
Eric
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 12): It seems you had VP-BFY, an ex-Thomas Cook bird, built in 1997. It's much older than the Tu-204s.
PH
= Eric, ya - pretty neat airline for sure. Now, both of you - actually this was new - the aircraft that is pictured (VP-BFY) was the other 320 - this is the picture I took thinking it was ours - before the security guard came screaming at us. So technically, I should say of the picture "sister ship". You two have great eyes!
Both, in fact. I am a dual passport holder... I'm pretty sure the US doesn't want me to spend money in Cuba even if I would enter on a Romanian passport though.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): There is nothing worse than CDG . Don't ever forget that ... though, increasingly, I am getting annoyed @ FRA.
Heh... Well, I don't know. Not as bad as 2B, I guess Never changed planes at FRA... And we used boarding bridges both times, surprisingly. I can't form an opinion on such little data.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): I am all for socialism and all-inclusive development ... but Cuba is ANYTHING but. I mean, how can you claim to be about equal access when you have islands where the locals cannot even go to!
Yes, I had heard about this. Quite strange. But I guess given the two currencies it only makes sense you have two types of domestic destinations--for locals and for foreigners... I'm curious if it's possible to get a taste of the real Cuba.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): No idea ... this Russian bloke came screaming at me with "Nyet" "Nyet" and I was like OK. My Israeli better half and the Croatian friend were not amused at his violent behaviour.
Don't you just love the Eastern Bloc school of thought? Forbidden, no, no! No photo! State secret! (combine this last one with a 40 year old An-24 and you have irony that hipsters can only dream about) How is a normal aircraft photographed hundreds of thousands of times a state secret? Who knows!
EricR From United States of America, joined Jul 2010, 1457 posts, RR: 1 Reply 18, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 8061 times:
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 7971 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):I guess I'm not that surprised about the indifferent crew; had the same experience on SU about ten years ago. Perhaps a cultural trait of Russia ?
= In general, I agree with you - but, I also had a great SU crew (reviewed the flight) on MOW-DEL and also on a SEA-SVO flight once. Did you fly them J or Y?
Y. Actually, the ARN-SVO was not bad and it featured older Olga type of F/As. The young model-looking F/As on SVO-PEK had very poor sense of service.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):Domestic flights in Canada or Brazil ?
The777Man
= Haha. Pretty impressive - now, can you think of the airline/routing?
YUL-YVR vv or YUL-YYZ vv ?
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 7688 times:
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 17): Both, in fact. I am a dual passport holder... I'm pretty sure the US doesn't want me to spend money in Cuba even if I would enter on a Romanian passport though.
= Oh come on. Just risk it and use your Romanian passport to enter. Why not fly to a place like (say) Venezuela or Mexico or Canada and then take an interesting Cubana flight? I recommend Cayo Coco, but I hear there are resorts now and very touristy.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 17): Heh... Well, I don't know. Not as bad as 2B, I guess Never changed planes at FRA... And we used boarding bridges both times, surprisingly. I can't form an opinion on such little data.
= Fair enough. I have had really poor luck with FRA of late and getting bus gates each time - does not matter if they are long haul (CCS) or short haul (BLQ).
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 17): Yes, I had heard about this. Quite strange. But I guess given the two currencies it only makes sense you have two types of domestic destinations--for locals and for foreigners... I'm curious if it's possible to get a taste of the real Cuba.
= I think you can in Havana - harder elsewhere.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 17): Don't you just love the Eastern Bloc school of thought? Forbidden, no, no! No photo! State secret! (combine this last one with a 40 year old An-24 and you have irony that hipsters can only dream about) How is a normal aircraft photographed hundreds of thousands of times a state secret? Who knows!
= I know. But, it is definitely not all throughout the Eastern Bloc though - for example, no real problems in places such as Litthuania, Latvia, Serbia, etc.
Quoting EricR (Reply 18): Look on the bright side, at least they allowed you to keep the picture.
= Aaah ... but I sneak it though claiming I had deleted it, and showing them pictures of Khabarovsk nightlife .
Quoting The777Man (Reply 19): Y. Actually, the ARN-SVO was not bad and it featured older Olga type of F/As. The young model-looking F/As on SVO-PEK had very poor sense of service.
= Absolutely agree on this one! You know, I also find this true in many parts of the world.
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1735 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 7664 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 20): Oh come on. Just risk it and use your Romanian passport to enter. Why not fly to a place like (say) Venezuela or Mexico or Canada and then take an interesting Cubana flight? I recommend Cayo Coco, but I hear there are resorts now and very touristy.
Oh, trust me, just because the US has stupid policies doesn't mean I wouldn't go. Indeed I was thinking about flying to CUN or MEX and taking the Tu-204 from there (a detour through CCS or BOG probably wouldn't fly if I go with my friend--unless it's much cheaper!). A non-US CC also helps a lot given the restrictions.
I was actually trying to see whether a sidetrip to CCS or BOG would fit so I can say I've been to South America as well. Thing is, it probably won't happen until 2013, possibly spring break, so it's a bit early to plan--stuff will change.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 20): I think you can in Havana - harder elsewhere.
Yes, it seems so. I was just reading Superfly's TR to Cuba from 2001 earlier today.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 20): I know. But, it is definitely not all throughout the Eastern Bloc though - for example, no real problems in places such as Litthuania, Latvia, Serbia, etc.
Yeah, true, I had no problems in the Baltic states. And it's changing in Romania too; it's much better than 5 years ago.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 20): Fair enough. I have had really poor luck with FRA of late and getting bus gates each time - does not matter if they are long haul (CCS) or short haul (BLQ).
Yeah, even in 2004, there were a lot of aircraft on parking stands. I was actually surprised when I got lucky both times.
I had a look at it - but honestly, I'm not a fan of old Russian-built aircraft. I would never take a flight on those.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 16): Now, both of you - actually this was new - the aircraft that is pictured (VP-BFY) was the other 320 - this is the picture I took thinking it was ours - before the security guard came screaming at us. So technically, I should say of the picture "sister ship". You two have great eyes!
Alright - but the newest A320 in the fleet is a frame built in 12/2000 (ex-Iberia).
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 23, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 7613 times:
globalflyer From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 807 posts, RR: 2 Reply 24, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 7410 times:
Hi Alex... Nice read. I have always been curious about XF. I would see them in ICN and wanted to try them to BKK but never had the chance. Actually a trip up to VVO sounds kind of cool. So sorry Olga was not on the flight!
Landing on every Continent almost on an annual basis!
25 SuperCaravelle: I've been following your reports for quite a while now, and they are always very enjoyable, so allow me to say thank you for your efforts in general a
26 akhmad: Hi Alex, What a delightful report. First you gave us the taste of Africa, this time is for Russia! I am pleasantly surprised to learn that your online
27 abrelosojos: = Well, let me know if you end up taking the flight via CCS. You can experience the TU-204 fleet that makes her appearance here - and you MUST go to
28 The777Man: I guess it could be Air North or something like that ? Perhaps you went to Churchill to look at the polar bears ? I'm not so familiar with those rout
29 dc9northwest: Just looked at pictures from Los Roques--it really looks amazing! I will let you know when I know something concrete. I'll send you any luck I can, b
30 stipica: Hi A. ! hehehe jumping from decade to decade is an interesting process ... come on you're still young efficiency and manufacturers-construction monopo
31 dc9northwest: Stipica, I hope you don't mind a funny story about FCO that happened to me. I was boarding an (ex-)AirOne A320 and was taking some pictures. The agen
32 MSS658: Hi Alex Great trip report, enjoyed the read! How come I learn somthing new every time I read these reports of yours ? Seems like you had a good flight
33 signol: Excellent Alex, as usual, thanks! Now, is this the sign of things to come for Russian aviation? No Olga, clean, modern aircraft, edible food... Almost
34 abrelosojos: = Just wait and watch. I am preparing a self-desribed "bonanza" ... would love to go to Churchill. Apparently, there are "seasons" to go watch polar
35 dc9northwest: I'll be done next year. I'm in my 3rd year now. Hah, yes, it's a shame Venezuela looks so expensive (airfare from the US, at least). But I'll get the
36 The777Man: It sounds very promising ! I'd love to go there too but so many places to visit so not sure when I will go there. Don't think Calm Air has been featu
37 abrelosojos: = Have you looked at COPA? = Whatever you do, you must visit Ålesund. Is it on your plans? = I was in Miami for a meeting and saw the UP 732 on an I
38 The777Man: Hi Alex ! Not sure about Calm Air; planning to start adding new countries to my list and been to Canada so it may be a while. It doesn't have to be a
39 dc9northwest: I have now. A bit better (25%) but still a lot for the distance IMO. On the other hand a ticket to Bogota then a separate ticket seems reasonable. It
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Never changed planes at FRA... And we used boarding bridges both times, surprisingly. I can't form an opinion on such little data.
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