Background
I early 2011 my friend Satchmo and I decided to go on a spotting trip to Asia in late October. We had been planning to visit Singapore and Kuala Lumpur from the very beginning and focused on getting on Qantas' A380 between LHR and SIN. I had flown Qantas before, but I wanted to increase the number of A380 carriers in my log to five. At a later date, we also decided to include Jakarta where we had never been before. Of course we tried to get as many new airlines and interesting types as possible and it took a while to create an exciting itinerary. Finally, we booked 10 flights operated by 8 different carriers (including four new ones) and reserved hotel rooms in Singapore (one night), Kuala Lumpur (one night), Jakarta (two nights) and Bangkok (one night). We exclusively combined one-way flights and one-way combos, so we had eight different flight reservations in the end. Here's what the preliminary itinerary looked like:
Munich-London
London-Singapore
Singapore-Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta
Jakarta-Singapore
Singapore-Phuket
Phuket-Bangkok
Bangkok-Mumbai
Mumbai-London
London-Munich
While Satchmo was planning to use our entire time at Jakarta for taking pictures, I decided to squeeze in a domestic day trip. I found an interesting combo on two new carriers and added three more flights:
Now I was looking forward to 13 flights on 10 different carriers - including 6 new ones - and 4 widebodies (details to follow). At that point of time I couldn't imagine that I would end up on 14 flights, 7 new airlines and 5 widebodies.
Sriwijaya Air Surprise
The booking process on Sriwijaya Air's website had been quick and easy. Unlike Lion Air, the carrier accepted my MasterCard without any problems. However, I couldn't find any details about the aircraft type used for the Jakarta-Semarang-Surabaya one-stop service. A.net users Lufthansa747 and Mandala499 who had also given me some general advice about flying in Indonesia suggested that it could either be a 737-200 or 737-300 - with tendency towards the latter. I had already flown on the 737-200 twice and my main goal was getting a new airline, so it wasn't a big issue. Knowing the type in advance would have still been nice, nevertheless.
Btw - after I had finished the booking process, I read a note that Sriwijaya Air would contact me by phone for verification. Lufthansa747 told me that the airline had never contacted him but it really did in my case. A friendly lady called me a few days after booking and asked a few questions - I had never experienced anything similar before.
Back to Jakarta. After we had checked in at the Jakarta Airport Hotel (located at Terminal 2) following our arrival from Kuala Lumpur, we took the shuttle bus to Terminal 1 to have a look at the spotting facilities. I was also planning to find out more about my Sriwijaya Air flight. Apart from that, I was hoping to be able to make a seat reservation.
The outdoor area between the road and the terminal halls can become very crowded during peak times (picture taken on the next day):
When I checked a departures screen for the next morning, I was very surprised to find 09:10 (scheduled time) and 08:05 (actual time) next to my flight number SJ224. This was odd considering that it had already been 08:05 at the time of booking. Well, one more reason to talk to the airline. We soon discovered a Sriwijaya Air office - perfect for me (picture taken on the next day):
A friendly lady welcomed me and tried her best to answer my questions. Her English skills were limited, but that wasn't a big problem. First of all, she confirmed that the flight would definitely depart at 08:05. Later I would find out that the different schedule was only valid for a few weeks. The lady also tried to reserve a window seat in the back for me, but after a few minutes she said that it wasn't possible yet to assign a seat. "Can you tell me the aircraft type?", I finally asked. "Yes. It's a 7-3-2.", she replied. That was a nice surprise and made my day!
That's what I saw from our room on the next morning:
This is Garuda Indonesia 737-800 PK-GFN, wearing the scheme used between 1969 and 1985:
Some more Garuda 737s:
Hotel floor and the terminal's road side:
I had pre-ordered a transfer to Terminal 1 in the evening before, so a friendly hotel employee was already waiting for me in the lobby two hours before departure. After a five minute ride, I got off in front of Sriwijaya Air's check-in hall.
Wednesday, November 2011
Jakarta (CGK) - Semarang (SRG)
Sriwijaya Air SJ224
Scheduled times: 08:05-09:05
Actual times: 08:31-09:26
Flight duration: 00:42 (hrs)
Distance: 262 miles
Economy Class (single class), seat 22F
Boeing 737-2B7 Advanced
PK-CJI (s/n 1054), named "Membalong"
First delivered to US Air as N332AU in 11/1984
The check-in hall was crowded, but I didn't have to wait very long in queue. A friendly Sriwijaya Air agent quickly handed out my boarding pass after she had kindly accepted my request for a seat in the very back:
After paying a departure tax of 40000 Rupiah (= €3,30) and getting my boarding pass stamped at a dedicated counter, I had a light breakfast in a small cafe and finally passed security.
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 were designed to resemble a traditional Javanese house. The airport structures are designed as open pavilions, set within the natural environment, providing shade, shelter, and ventilation. The architect's wish to keep the pavilions and all the circulation spaces beyond the check-in areas completely open to the natural landscape was fully realized in Terminal 1:
The result is that it can become very hot and humid in the open areas, only the waiting rooms themselves are air conditioned. In Terminal 2, windows were installed throughout the pavilions and circulation corridors, separating the interior spaces from the gardens.
My flight was the third one to operate from gate B7 this morning:
Let's go!
A friendly Sriwijaya Air agent checked boarding passes at the entrance and handed out snack boxes. I didn't get one, so I asked her about it. She checked my boarding pass again and said: "There is service on board." So I guess the snack boxes were only handed out to passengers booked on the short hop to Bandar Lampung, just some 120 miles from Jakarta. That's impressive considering that the flying time is probably less than 25 minutes.
Unfortunately, spotting options in the gate area were limited. An inner glass front prevented access to the windows towards the apron - and the sun shade was an additional annoyance:
Well, I was still able to log numerous registrations, so waiting in that area wasn't too bad.
The official boarding time was 7:35, but nothing happened for another 30 minutes. Finally, after I had reinsured that everything was alright with the flight, the agents started the boarding process - exactly 10 minutes after the scheduled departure time. I didn't hear an explanation for the delay at any time.
Anyway, here's the nice little Boeing 737-200 which would fly me to Semarang and Surabaya - it looks fresh and clean, doesn't it?
PK-CJI was built in October 1984 and subsequently delivered to US Air as N332AU. It was re-registered as N288AU four years later and transferred to MetroJet in May 1999. The plane was retired in October 2001 and remained stored until Star Air of Indonesia took it up as PK-ALV in August 2002. Star Air shut down services in June 2005 and the plane went into storage again until Sriwijaya Air added it to its fleet in January 2006. Sriwijaya Air operates a fleet of 14 Boeing 737-200s, 13 Boeing 737-300s and 7 Boeing 737-400s. However, one 737-300 is currently out of service after a landing incident at Jogyakarta in late December.
Young friendly flight attendants in pretty uniforms welcomed me on board with a smile. The cabin was clean and looked as immaculate as the plane's exterior. The bright red old-style seats were alright...
...but legroom was very tight what I found a bit shocking - probably the worst seat pitch I have ever experienced:
Even though I felt very cramped, I didn't mind so much considering that both flights would be short. What was more important was the fact that I had the chance again to enjoy a 737-200 flight.
Nice inflight magazine and nice safety card:
There was also a shopping guide, but I cannot remember seeing the flight attendants offering anything for sale:
As far as I could see, not a single seat remained empty. Two friendly male locals took the seats next to me - actually I didn't see a single stern face in the whole cabin, all people looked relaxed and happy. Try to find that on a morning flight in Europe!
After boarding had been completed, the flight attendants distributed candy - nice!
Parked next to us was 737-400 PK-CJU:
We were finally pushed back 26 minutes late and I thoroughly enjoyed the engine start-up. What a nice blast from the past! Three different "Lions" at once - a 737-400, a regular 737-900ER and a "Dreamliner" 737-900ER:
Our classic 737 rolled straight onto the runway, the two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15A engines started roaring...
...and we soon lifted off after a powerful takeoff run - what an amazing sound!
Numerous stored aircraft...
...and a Garuda Indonesia 747-400 and a Garuda Indonesia A330 parked in a hangar:
There was an announcement during climb, but I couldn't understand a single word due to the engine noise. I was really enjoying the ride on this classic bird:
Less than 10 minutes after takeoff, the flight attendants handed out snack boxes. I felt even more cramped after folding down the table:
The nice red box...
..contained a savory croissant, a piece of cake and a cup of water:
Unfortunately, the croissant didn't taste fresh and contained a strange paste, but the cake was fine. I was still impressed by that kind of service on such a short flight.
You cannot miss the registration when flying on Sriwijaya Air:
Beautiful scenery:
We soon started descending...I was really looking forward to the arrival at user Akhmad's hometown airport:
Final approach along large areas of wetlands:
Touchdown happened 42 minutes after takeoff - the reverse thrust sound was awesome!
I didn't see any of those Wings Air ATR 72s at Jakarta:
PK-CJI stopped at a parking position next to Garuda Indonesia 737-800 PK-GER - user FlyingFinn76 once flew on that frame when it was still operated by Air Berlin as D-ABAD:
All Surabaya-bound passengers were asked to leave the aircraft, too. I chose the rear exit and took the chance to take numerous pictures. Lovely plane, lovely livery:
The plane looked so immaculate - I guess most passengers wouldn't have believed that it was already 27 years old:
After entering the small terminal building, I passed the luggage carousel, but didn't see a sign for transit passengers. I couldn't see a Sriwijaya Air employee either and therefore asked a police officer for the way to the gate area. However, he didn't seem to understand and directed me back towards the apron side of the hall. Finally, I noticed a Sriwijaya Air ground staff member and told him that I was bound for Surabaya. He smiled, checked my boarding pass and quickly opened a door to the gate area for me.
Wednesday, November 2011
Semarang (SRG) - Surabaya (SUB)
Sriwijaya Air SJ224
Scheduled times: 09:40-10:30
Actual times: 09:53-10:38
Flight duration: 00:33 (hrs)
Distance: 168 miles
Economy Class (single class), seat 22F
Boeing 737-2B7 Advanced
PK-CJI (s/n 1054), named "Membalong"
First delivered to US Air as N332AU in 11/1984
Boarding commenced only a few minutes after I had arrived in the gate area. I had lined up immediately so that I would be the first passenger on the apron. A friendly agent checked my boarding pass, I gladly accepted a snack bag and returned to the good old 737-200.
Marvelous engine, enhanced by a nice Sriwijaya-style design:
Very classy tail logo:
Can you see any dirt spots or a single scratch anywhere?
Spotless classic cabin:
I took my seat 22F again and was looking forward to another ride on this great bird.
Bandar Udara Internasional Achmad Yani Semarang - this picture is dedicated to Akhmad:
While boarding was continuing, I had a closer look at the pretty snack bag...
...which contained a (very sweet) chocolate-filled roll and a cup of water:
The cabin was packed again and my impression was that most passengers were new ones - I must have been one of few transit passengers. PK-CJI left the parking position again exactly 27 minutes after arrival:
Indonesian Air Force helicopters:
After entering runway 13, PK-CJI started another powerful and noisy takeoff roll:
Goodbye, Semarang - maybe I'll stay a bit longer next time:
Once again I enjoyed the beautiful scenery - and of course I enjoyed listening to the engine sound:
Descent commenced only some 20 minutes after takeoff:
Large industrial facilities:
Very interesting collection of parked and stored planes - many of them will never fly again:
We touched down after a flying time of 33 minutes and I could enjoy listening to the reverse thrust sound one more time. Two Garuda 737-800s and a Citilink 737-300 in new colors:
Sriwijaya Air 737-300 and one of the two Lion Air "Dreamliners" again - my chance to get one of them was even lower now:
I was glad that no jet bridges were used, so I could take some more pictures of the plane:
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 15384 times:
Wednesday, November 2011
Surabaya (SUB) - Jakarta (CGK)
Lion Air JT575
Scheduled times: 13:10-14:35
Actual times: 13:41-15:11
Flight duration: 01:13 (hrs)
Distance: 430 miles
Economy Class (single class), seat 30A
Boeing 737-96NER
PK-LGI (s/n 2596)
First delivered to XL Airways as G-XLAP in 05/2008
During trip planning, I hadn't been sure whether I should take a Lion Air flight due to safety concerns. However, I had been told by knowledgeable A.net users that it would be fine to fly on the carrier's Boeing 737-900ERs. Unlike Sriwijaya Air, Lion Air showed the aircraft type during the booking process, but when I tried to purchase my ticket, neither my MasterCard nor my Visa Card was accepted. So I had to switch to www.ticketindonesia.info where I was able to book the desired flight without any problem. Reserving a seat hadn't been possible, though.
Back to Surabaya. After stepping into the terminal building, I immediately went to the check-in hall. There were numerous Lion Air counters, but it wasn't possible yet to check in for my particular flight. Finally, two hours before departure, a friendly Lion Air agent welcomed me at a dedicated counter. I had been told before the trip that foreigners are often offered an exit row and that's exactly what the lady did. However, I declined and asked for a seat further back. I got 30A which is located just in front of the 737-900ER's additional door as I would find out later - not exactly what I had been hoping for, but it wasn't a big issue.
After paying the departure tax, I passed security and went to the gate area. Check-in hall from above:
I had lunch at Starbucks and spent some time on spotting before I went to my gate which was totally crowded. Of course I had been hoping for a special scheme, but the chance had always been very low. My plane - wearing regular colors - arrived slightly delayed some 20 minutes before the schedule departure time:
While it looked like most of its sister ships, PK-LGI belonged to a small number of frames which hadn't been delivered factory fresh to Lion Air:
The plane started its career with XL Airways as G-XLAP in August 2008. After the carrier had ceased operations in September 2008, the plane remained stored for a few months before joining Lion Air in December 2008. Later at home, I would find out that PK-LGI was retired only six days after my flight. All four used frames have meanwhile left the fleet. While the two ex-XL Airways planes are still stored, two ex-Futura birds are now operated by JetLite of India. Lion Air's 737-900ER fleet currently consists of 59 planes, another 136 (!) frames are on order (along with 12 737-800s and 201 737 MAX 9s)
Boarding finally started five minutes behind the scheduled departure time. Friendly female flight attendants in nice dresses welcomed me on board which was a good start. However, the cabin looked worn and wasn't as clean as the counterpart on Sriwijaya Air. The leather seats were okay...
...but legroom was almost as bad as on Sriwijaya Air:
The seat pocket neither contained an inflight magazine nor a safety card. I didn't notice safety instructions anywhere else which was very irritating. All I could find was a so-called invocation card...
...containing prayers for Muslims and Christians:
I can only hope that Lion Air hasn't decided to entirely replace safety cards by invocation cards...
The boarding process was very slow, passengers were permanently blocking the aisle while searching for storage space. It was quite warm in the cabin, so I wasn't amused about the growing departure delay. After boarding had been completed, the cabin seemed to be full - it's interesting to note that Lion Air's single-class 737-900ERs are equipped with 213 seats. The two seats next to me had been taken by a nice mid-aged couple.
Parked next to us was sister ship PK-LGW:
We left the gate 31 minutes late and neither the flight crew nor the purser delivered an explanation at any time.
In the background you can see some Lion Air and Wings Air MD-80s - while the former has retired its Mad Dogs, the latter still operates seven frames:
Almost ready for takeoff - note how dirty that wing is compared to the one on Sriwijaya's 737-200:
PK-LGI lifted off after a powerful takeoff roll:
Large areas of wetlands can be found between SUB and the sea:
Wide left turn:
While we were still climbing, the purser or another flight attendant made an announcement, but it was hard to understand. I learned that we would fly at a cruising altitude of 36000 feet, the flying time would be one hour and ??? minutes. The announcement also contained the term "sale", but the flight attendants didn't offer anything during the whole flight. They quickly passed with a trolley once, but I didn't see them selling anything. So Lion Air neither served anything for free nor offered anything for sale on this 73 minute flight - very odd!
I wasn't impressed at all by that flight - but at least the Lion Air winglets were nice:
These headrest covers look rather cheap:
Approach over dozens of ships...
...and through thick and dark clouds...
This looks much better again:
We touched down after a flying time of 1 hour and 13 minutes...
...and taxied to a remote parking position next to this 737-400:
A red and a white winged lion:
Before we had reached the final parking position, heavy - and I mean really heavy - rain set in. Within a few minutes, the whole apron was under water. Deboarding took a while because only the front door was used. The busses stopped very close to the roofed stairs - these guys really made sure that nobody got wet!
Nasty weather...
After a five minute ride, I went straight to the departure hall, left the building and met Satchmo at an observation deck area near the Sriwijaya Air concourse.
Jakarta Spotting & A.net Meeting
There are large and easily accessible observation deck areas on the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 buildings. They are great for registration spotters as well as for photographers. Right in the middle you can see my Lion Air 737-900ER again:
The observation decks don't look pretty...
...but the traffic at Jakarta is all the better. Satchmo had taken many nice pictures in the course of the day. Here's Mihin Lanka's sole A321-200 4R-MRC, once flying for GB Airways and easyJet as G-TTIF:
Picture by Satchmo
Garuda Indonesia PK-GFN in retro colors - one of 52 737-800s in the fleet:
Picture by Satchmo
PK-LFF, Lion Air's first 737-900ER, is still wearing the Boeing Dreamliner scheme:
Picture by Satchmo
And this is PK-LHY, Lion Air's 50th 737-900ER, as it also says on the special tail:
Picture by Satchmo
PK-YVJ is one of two A330-200s in the Batavia Air fleet - it used to fly for Canada 3000, Volare Airlines, Air Madrid and Air Comet:
Picture by Satchmo
The best comes last: PK-CJD is another immaculate looking Sriwijaya Air 737-200:
Picture by Satchmo
PK-CJD used to fly for Britannia, Midway Express, Transmed Airlines, Ryanair and Teebah Airlines. User LXM83 may still remember his ride on the bird when it was operating for Ryanair as EI-CJH.
Shortly before sunset, we returned to the hotel in order to get ready for the meeting with legendary A.net user Lufthansa747 who was a source of inspiration for my trip reports many years ago. After his arrival on Turkish Airlines flight TK066 from Singapore and Istanbul, we went straight to our hotel where we had dinner and a few drinks. Later in the evening, we were joined by one of Lufthansa747's friends who has worked for various airlines. We talked about our beloved hobby for several hours, it was a great get-together. I can only recommend to meet Lufthansa747 - that guy has much to tell. Story to be continued...
Conclusion
Seating comfort was bad, while crews and staff members were nice and friendly on both airlines. However, the 27 year old Sriwijaya Air 737-200 was in immaculate condition inside and outside, while the 3 year old Lion Air 737-900ER was quite worn out. Even though Sriwijaya Air didn't offer culinary delights, it's very impressive to get snacks on such short hops. In contrast, Lion Air neither offered anything free of charge nor offered anything for sale on a much longer flight. I have no desire to experience Lion Air's super low cost product again, but I would definitely choose Sriwijaya Air again. "Your flying partner" is the slogan of that fine airline - is it my flying partner? Yes, absolutely!
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 2, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 15162 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi PH,
what a striking TR.
One of my all time favorites.
The Sriwijaya 732 looked stunning and for sure worth the whole trip. The service also looks fine, you wouldn't find such a snack box on a similar flight within Europe.
Lion Air disappointed me, they seem to be even worser than the LCCs over here.
Also very interesting to see a lot of the nature of Indonesia, mainly during the decent to Suryo's hometown.
Thanks a lot for sharing this fascinating evening read.
Cheers
Johannes
nipoel123 From Netherlands, joined Jan 2011, 247 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 15115 times:
Hi PH,
Lovely, once again. Indonesia looks like a nice country, although LCCs seem to have a service standard that is worse than Ryanair.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 were designed to resemble a traditional Javanese house. The airport structures are designed as open pavilions, set within the natural environment, providing shade, shelter, and ventilation. The architect's wish to keep the pavilions and all the circulation spaces beyond the check-in areas completely open to the natural landscape was fully realized in Terminal 1:
Now I wonder how they do security over there...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Well, I was still able to log numerous registrations, so waiting in that area wasn't too bad.
All an enthusiast needs, a view on planes...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Anyway, here's the nice little Boeing 737-200 which would fly me to Semarang and Surabaya - it looks fresh and clean, doesn't it?
It looks great for a 30 (almost) year old airplane.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Even though I felt very cramped, I didn't mind so much considering that both flights would be short. What was more important was the fact that I had the chance again to enjoy a 737-200 flight.
This is where the enthusiast in a person comes out.
I still find it hard to believe that boeing sees this as a 757 replacement. It doesn't do justice to the 757, the A321 is more like it (although still a bit too small), in my opinion.
Thanks for the great read, what's next (and when )?
Nick
one mile of road leads to nowhere, one mile of runway leads to anywhere
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 5, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 15094 times:
HI Udo.
Nicely put together report for your jaunt through Indonesia. It is a country that fascinates me, is brimming with potential etc. so good to see your landscapes...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): all people looked relaxed and happy. Try to find that on a morning flight in Europe!
Perhaps it was the airy walk through the terminal instead of the mall experience of the west.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): user FlyingFinn76 once flew on that frame when it was still operated by Air Berlin as D-ABAD:
By god, you must have an encyclopaedic memory!
Gives me a little more faith in Indonesian aviation Sriwijaya take such great care of their aircraft. Hopefully the countries airlines are past that serious blot in their copybook.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 6, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 15083 times:
Hi PH
great report, thanks Satchmo for the wonderful spotting pictures!
Congrats on the 737-200... wonderful flying machines. I catched quite a few of those on FR in European skies, but would love to fly this in Indonesia. 2013, me says Something to keep in mind!
The prepacked carton snackboxes seems the norm in Indonesia, on these carriers (except GA probably, judging from my flight on them).
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): Now I wonder how they do security over there...
The structures with gardens are located behind the "regular" parts of the terminals.
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): All an enthusiast needs, a view on planes...
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): This is where the enthusiast in a person comes out.
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): Definitely! I must say that the engine somewhat reminds of Delta's widget scheme.
Yes, you are right!
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): Why don't they just include that in the ticket price?
Very good question, would be so much easier.
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): I still find it hard to believe that boeing sees this as a 757 replacement. It doesn't do justice to the 757, the A321 is more like it (although still a bit too small), in my opinion.
It depends on the mission. The 739ER cannot replace the 757 on transatlantic services.
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 4): Thanks for the great read, what's next (and when )?
I'll start working on part IV soon, but I won't be able to post it before my next Asia mission. The next part will be about three different carriers - three new ones for me on one day.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 5): Nicely put together report for your jaunt through Indonesia.
Thanks for replying, Luke!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 5): Perhaps it was the airy walk through the terminal instead of the mall experience of the west.
Probably - but I didn't enjoy that heat in early morning!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 5): By god, you must have an encyclopaedic memory!
Well, it wasn't my memory...there are some useful websites (airfleets, flightmemory etc).
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 5): Gives me a little more faith in Indonesian aviation Sriwijaya take such great care of their aircraft.
Sriwijaya Air seems to take special care of its aircraft. All the other SJ planes looked immaculate as well.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 5): Hopefully the countries airlines are past that serious blot in their copybook.
Well, there are still a few dubious carriers.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): great report, thanks Satchmo for the wonderful spotting pictures!
Hi Eric, thanks for your comments!
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): Congrats on the 737-200... wonderful flying machines. I catched quite a few of those on FR in European skies, but would love to fly this in Indonesia. 2013, me says
I had my first 732 flight on FR - after missing it at the first attempt. Yes, try to get one of these beasts next year.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): The prepacked carton snackboxes seems the norm in Indonesia, on these carriers (except GA probably, judging from my flight on them).
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 8, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 15012 times:
Thanks Planehunter for posting this just before my Indonesia trip! Did you have any issues taking photos in airports, or was it ok?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I had already flown on the 737-200 twice and my main goal was getting a new airline, so it wasn't a big issue. Knowing the type in advance would have still been nice, nevertheless.
Same for me, I just want to tick off a new new airlines
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Btw - after I had finished the booking process, I read a note that Sriwijaya Air would contact me by phone for verification. Lufthansa747 told me that the airline had never contacted him but it really did in my case. A friendly lady called me a few days after booking and asked a few questions - I had never experienced anything similar before.
Someone called me the day after I bought my SJ ticket - she spoke excellent English, and everything was completed very quickly
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 were designed to resemble a traditional Javanese house. The airport structures are designed as open pavilions, set within the natural environment, providing shade, shelter, and ventilation. The architect's wish to keep the pavilions and all the circulation spaces beyond the check-in areas completely open to the natural landscape was fully realized in Terminal 1:
Looks quite nice
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Very interesting collection of parked and stored planes - many of them will never fly again:
Wow, that's a big graveyard
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Unlike Sriwijaya Air, Lion Air showed the aircraft type during the booking process, but when I tried to purchase my ticket, neither my MasterCard nor my Visa Card was accepted. So I had to switch to www.ticketindonesia.info where I was able to book the desired flight without any problem. Reserving a seat hadn't been possible, though.
I didn't have any issues on the Lionair website - meyabe they've updated it recently
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I had been told before the trip that foreigners are often offered an exit row and that's exactly what the lady did.
That's what I'm hiopinh got. My SJ flight is 4 hours long, so an exit would be lovely
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): However, the cabin looked worn and wasn't as clean as the counterpart on Sriwijaya Air. The leather seats were okay...
Those red headrests, as you mentioned, make it loks really cheap and tacky, kind of like a Chinese bus
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 14977 times:
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Thanks Planehunter for posting this just before my Indonesia trip!
Hi Gabriel, thanks for commenting!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Did you have any issues taking photos in airports, or was it ok?
No, you can take pictures as much as you want, nobody cares.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Someone called me the day after I bought my SJ ticket - she spoke excellent English, and everything was completed very quickly
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): I didn't have any issues on the Lionair website - meyabe they've updated it recently
Probably, yes.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): That's what I'm hiopinh got. My SJ flight is 4 hours long, so an exit would be lovely
Make sure to check in early. Btw - I just read that SJ offers hot meals on certain international flights. Maybe you also get one on that long domestic flight.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Those red headrests, as you mentioned, make it loks really cheap and tacky, kind of like a Chinese bus
LH4532 From Germany, joined Sep 2011, 78 posts, RR: 12 Reply 10, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 14968 times:
Guten Abend PlaneHunter ,
It has been great for me reading this part of your TR series . I am impressed that snack boxes are handed out on the short flights . When I fly within Germany I often get a granola bar . You sure know how to arrange something special . You are a good example for that .
volvair From Germany, joined Oct 2011, 167 posts, RR: 10 Reply 12, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 14856 times:
Hi PH,
very good to see the continuation of your series up so soon, and a very great report once again! Thanks a lot for the little insight into Indonesian aviation. Definitely something different even for the PlaneHunter I guess.
Your account of your 732 flights made me remember and relive some parts of my AeroSur 732 flight last year, thanks for that.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Her English skills were limited, but that wasn't a big problem.
Good to hear, this is not always the case with airlines in less developed countries with mostly domestic operations.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter):
After boarding had been completed, the flight attendants distributed candy - nice!
A very nice touch indeed, Sriwijaya really seems to offer a nice product... from the cleanliness to the service.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 14844 times:
Hey, PH,
very nice pictures and a real good way to show us more around you´re Asia trip.
Count me in for the 732, these machine looks like really good.
Strange to hear that an airline called you back after booking,
The 739 is still missing here, but I prefer the 732 anyway.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6083 posts, RR: 56 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 14780 times:
Hi PlaneHunter!
Thanks for another fantastic report with fantastic pictures !
You were very lucky to catch the 732 again ! Legroom seems really bad though, almost as bad as SK's 736 Good that the flights were short.
Very impressive by the snack bag especially for such short flights.
Personally, I prefer newer 737s for a faster acceleration, especially the 733 and 735 have been awesome to fly in.
Lion Air seems a to be not so great; very scary with the "invocation card". I don't think they'll be flying to Europe anytime soon.
CGK looks like a great airport for spotting and I think I spent a few hours on that observation about 15 years ago. Traffic was very slow back then.
Very much looking forward to the next installment!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 16, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 14754 times:
Quoting volvair (Reply 12): very good to see the continuation of your series up so soon, and a very great report once again!
Servus volvair, many thanks for your comments!
Quoting volvair (Reply 12): Thanks a lot for the little insight into Indonesian aviation. Definitely something different even for the PlaneHunter I guess.
Yes, it was really different. I already visited the country in 1997, but I didn't make a domestic trip back then.
Quoting volvair (Reply 12): Your account of your 732 flights made me remember and relive some parts of my AeroSur 732 flight last year, thanks for that.
I still remember well your great report!
Quoting volvair (Reply 12): A very nice touch indeed, Sriwijaya really seems to offer a nice product... from the cleanliness to the service.
And it will also renew the fleet in the near future - two used 738s to be introduced soon, E190s are on order as well.
Quoting volvair (Reply 12): Oh yes, indeed. I just had a look at my 732 videos again. I'd really like to have another ride on one of those great planes.
Just do it!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 13): very nice pictures and a real good way to show us more around you´re Asia trip.
Hi Markus, thanks for your feedback!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 13): Strange to hear that an airline called you back after booking
Yes, I was really surprised when they called me at work.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 13): The 739 is still missing here, but I prefer the 732 anyway.
Well, it depends on the operator! There are many 732 operators which I wouldn't trust.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Thanks for another fantastic report with fantastic pictures !
Hi Lars, thanks a lot for your reply!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): You were very lucky to catch the 732 again !
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Personally, I prefer newer 737s for a faster acceleration, especially the 733 and 735 have been awesome to fly in.
But what about the sound?
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Lion Air seems a to be not so great; very scary with the "invocation card". I don't think they'll be flying to Europe anytime soon.
No, I don't think so either. Would be interesting to see a report about a Hadj flight to Saudi Arabia on their 744s.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): CGK looks like a great airport for spotting and I think I spent a few hours on that observation about 15 years ago. Traffic was very slow back then.
CGK is excellent for spotting - traffic keeps growing quickly.
AlwaysOnAPlane From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2010, 299 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 14656 times:
Hi PH.
Thoroughly amazing read and some very exciting equipment.
The 732 has always been close to my heart as this is the type I used to fly on back in my younger days when taking a holiday with my folks. The start of a fascination with commercial aircraft. We took a few trips on these birds operating for Britannia.
It's great to see this type of equipment (732) being so well looked after. It looks factory fresh and obviously well loved.
I'm glad to see you got a shot with the thrust reverser buckets opened. I can imagine the sound.
Well, Lion looked a bit of an exact opposite. Lacking a profesional image in a few key areas. Anyway, good to see some action from the 739. Nothing in the books for me on this sub type.
As ever, kudos to Satchmo for some great spotting pictures.
Thanks again PH for a great evening read.
Cheers, Lee.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 782 posts, RR: 2 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 14538 times:
Hi PH,
Very nice report once again! Nice to fly the old classic 737-200.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 were designed to resemble a traditional Javanese house
Looks very cool!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Anyway, here's the nice little Boeing 737-200 which would fly me to Semarang and Surabaya - it looks fresh and clean, doesn't it?
It sure does, inside and outside look very nice!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...but legroom was very tight what I found a bit shocking - probably the worst seat pitch I have ever experienced:
Looks very tight indeed.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): We soon started descending...I was really looking forward to the arrival at user Akhmad's hometown airport:
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 19, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 14378 times:
Hi PH,
another great report, and a not-so-visited region. And extra lucky on the 732, very rare nowadays. Sriwijaya are certainly taking good care of them, it could almost be new!
Some good pictures from Jakarta as well. A shame you had no time to visit the city, I'm sure it too is an interesting place, but I guess the lure of extra flights was too much
Lion Air seem to be a mixed bag, new planes (also rare, 739) but no free service, not even BOB. Did it look like many locals took snacks onboard themselves, as if they knew about this?
And finally, the Jakarta airport hotel has a great corridor, right on the terminal roof! Definitely one for the A.netter!
nipoel123 From Netherlands, joined Jan 2011, 247 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 14139 times:
Hi PH,
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 7): I'll start working on part IV soon, but I won't be able to post it before my next Asia mission. The next part will be about three different carriers - three new ones for me on one day.
Don't feel rushed, quality takes time .
Nick
one mile of road leads to nowhere, one mile of runway leads to anywhere
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 17): The 732 has always been close to my heart as this is the type I used to fly on back in my younger days when taking a holiday with my folks. The start of a fascination with commercial aircraft. We took a few trips on these birds operating for Britannia.
Good old times!
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 17): It's great to see this type of equipment (732) being so well looked after. It looks factory fresh and obviously well loved.
All other SJ planes looked similar, very impressive.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 17): Well, Lion looked a bit of an exact opposite. Lacking a profesional image in a few key areas.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 17): As ever, kudos to Satchmo for some great spotting pictures.
He'll be happy to hear that.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 18): Very nice report once again! Nice to fly the old classic 737-200.
Quoting signol (Reply 19): another great report, and a not-so-visited region.
Hi signol, thank you for replying!
Quoting signol (Reply 19): And extra lucky on the 732, very rare nowadays.
Quoting signol (Reply 19): Sriwijaya are certainly taking good care of them, it could almost be new!
Some airlines could learn a lesson!
Quoting signol (Reply 19): Some good pictures from Jakarta as well. A shame you had no time to visit the city, I'm sure it too is an interesting place
Maybe next time...
Quoting signol (Reply 19): Lion Air seem to be a mixed bag, new planes (also rare, 739) but no free service, not even BOB. Did it look like many locals took snacks onboard themselves, as if they knew about this?
No, I didn't see one taking snacks on board. JT's no-frills concept is really odd.
Quoting signol (Reply 19): And finally, the Jakarta airport hotel has a great corridor, right on the terminal roof! Definitely one for the A.netter!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24914 posts, RR: 60 Reply 22, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 13739 times:
Hey Udo a nice report as expected. Thats the best looking 732 I have seen for a long time . I could hear the roar of those engines also . Something really nice to experience these days in a world of quiet types.
Love the interior of the 732 also really nice . I also like the tropical airport designs really nice .
Thanks for the nice read and photos.
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 24, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 13656 times:
Hi PH,
A very nice surprise to see this report popping up! The perfect comparison between old and new, immaculate and worn down (in the order of appearance!). SJ looks good - very impressed by the cleanliness and good condition of that old classic -200 model. I thought SJ was one of the worse Indonesian airlines almost down there with Adam Air but I guess I was wrong. Or maybe they have really picked up their act - the Indonesian domestic market seems to be a very dynamic and fast moving one.
Lion Air on the contrary looks just like Ryanair with a bit larger planes. Not very impressive - apart from the rare plane types of course. Good thing you didn't experience a tail strike on your flights...
That slogan "Your flying partner" is hilarious, BTW.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): A friendly lady called me a few days after booking and asked a few questions - I had never experienced anything similar before.
Maybe not too many Indonesians are that well versed in booking flights online so they want to make sure they got the details right. It is also a way of fighting fraud by double checking that the passenger actually exists and wants to travel.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Young friendly flight attendants in pretty uniforms welcomed me on board with a smile. The cabin was clean and looked as immaculate as the plane's exterior. The bright red old-style seats were alright...
Not sure if I like the red color here. A bit too much in-your-face and offensive.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...but legroom was very tight what I found a bit shocking - probably the worst seat pitch I have ever experienced:
Hmm it looks very tight indeed. But I guess the seat being cloth helps a bit.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...and we soon lifted off after a powerful takeoff run - what an amazing sound!
...which I sadly will probably never get to hear
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Touchdown happened 42 minutes after takeoff - the reverse thrust sound was awesome!
I betcha! That thrust reverser looks so nice.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): PK-CJI stopped at a parking position next to Garuda Indonesia 737-800 PK-GER - user FlyingFinn76 once flew on that frame when it was still operated by Air Berlin as D-ABAD:
Hey, thanks for the mention. Interesting to see that bird with its new masters on the other side of the world!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Bandar Udara Internasional Achmad Yani Semarang - this picture is dedicated to Akhmad:
I think he is there right now - very appropriate!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Very interesting collection of parked and stored planes - many of them will never fly again:
I guess Indonesia is a bit like Russia (or pretty much all the former Soviet Union countries) - every self respecting airport has a collection of rusting, less or even less airworthy plane hulks.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Lion Air's 737-900ER fleet currently consists of 59 planes, another 136 (!) frames are on order (along with 12 737-800s and 201 737 MAX 9s)
I've been wondering what an earth are they going to do with all those planes? Well at least half of those orders will be canceled anyway, but still. I know Indonesia is a huge market with 200+ million people, but still - there is a lot of competition there even though the most pathetic attempts have already perished. Interesting times ahead I guess.
Looks typical low cost style with a bad seat design.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I can only hope that Lion Air hasn't decided to entirely replace safety cards by invocation cards...
Hah. This is what you get with religious zealots.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The announcement also contained the term "sale", but the flight attendants didn't offer anything during the whole flight. They quickly passed with a trolley once, but I didn't see them selling anything. So Lion Air neither served anything for free nor offered anything for sale on this 73 minute flight - very odd!
Maybe they said something about the sales not being available due catering problems or whatever?
Anyway quite weird that Lion doesn't serve anything for free - those cardboard snackboxes or bags seem to be the norm in Indonesia judging from the many reports on this board. Surely this puts them at a disadvantage against the competition and they sure have a lot of seats to fill in all those 739s... Are they fares then cheaper than the competition?
What is it with the color red and Indonesian airlines?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Garuda Indonesia PK-GFN in retro colors - one of 52 737-800s in the fleet:
Very nice livery, I like it a lot. BTW kudos to Satchmo for amazing photography (once again).
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Shortly before sunset, we returned to the hotel in order to get ready for the meeting with legendary A.net user Lufthansa747 who was a source of inspiration for my trip reports many years ago.
What do you know - he was also a major source of inspiration for me!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 25, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 13536 times:
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24):
A very nice surprise to see this report popping up! The perfect comparison between old and new, immaculate and worn down (in the order of appearance!).
Hi P, many thanks for your feedback!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): SJ looks good - very impressed by the cleanliness and good condition of that old classic -200 model. I thought SJ was one of the worse Indonesian airlines almost down there with Adam Air but I guess I was wrong.
Oh no, SJ has never had a deadly accident - in contrast to many other existing (and no longer existing) Indonesian carriers. And I have never read any negative reports about SJ.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): Lion Air on the contrary looks just like Ryanair with a bit larger planes. Not very impressive - apart from the rare plane types of course.
No, definitely not. I'm glad to have a flight in my log, that's it.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): Good thing you didn't experience a tail strike on your flights...
Oh yes, I was happy that we didn't land in the middle of the heavy rain storm...
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): That slogan "Your flying partner" is hilarious, BTW.
Simply fantastic slogan!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): Maybe not too many Indonesians are that well versed in booking flights online so they want to make sure they got the details right. It is also a way of fighting fraud by double checking that the passenger actually exists and wants to travel.
Good points!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): ...which I sadly will probably never get to hear
Who knows? I had been thinking the same. There are still many active frames. The number of trustworthy operators is limited, though - and it keeps shrinking.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): Interesting to see that bird with its new masters on the other side of the world!
It's fascinating to see how certain planes change owners.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): I think he is there right now - very appropriate!
Yes, he is. Perfect timing!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): I guess Indonesia is a bit like Russia (or pretty much all the former Soviet Union countries) - every self respecting airport has a collection of rusting, less or even less airworthy plane hulks.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): I've been wondering what an earth are they going to do with all those planes? Well at least half of those orders will be canceled anyway, but still. I know Indonesia is a huge market with 200+ million people, but still - there is a lot of competition there even though the most pathetic attempts have already perished. Interesting times ahead I guess.
Good point. We discussed that with Lufthansa747 and his friend who knows a lot about Indonesian aviation. JT may soon be in serious trouble to find parking spaces for its fast growing fleet.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): Maybe they said something about the sales not being available due catering problems or whatever?
Probably, yes. Would be very odd, nevertheless - SUB-CGK is a trunk route.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): Surely this puts them at a disadvantage against the competition and they sure have a lot of seats to fill in all those 739s... Are they fares then cheaper than the competition?
They certainly offer low fares in general.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): What is it with the color red and Indonesian airlines?
The flag's red and white - maybe a reason?
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): BTW kudos to Satchmo for amazing photography (once again).
He'll be happy to hear that.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 24): What do you know - he was also a major source of inspiration for me!
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 488 posts, RR: 3 Reply 26, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 13199 times:
Hi PH,
Great 3rd installment in this series. We don't usually get too many reports about Indonesian carriers so this report especially piqued my interest.
Sriwijaya Air don't look too bad but I'm not impressed by the legroom. At least you got offered some snacks & I'm sure the fact that you were on 732 made it up.
Lion Air got you from A to B which is about all you can expect from them. I'm surprised that they didn't offer anything for sale considering they are an ULCC.
BTW great spotting pics by Satchmo. There isn't a shortage of interesting carriers & types at CGK.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 27, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 13077 times:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 26): Great 3rd installment in this series. We don't usually get too many reports about Indonesian carriers so this report especially piqued my interest.
Hi aflyingkiwi, thanks for your comments!
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 26): Sriwijaya Air don't look too bad but I'm not impressed by the legroom. At least you got offered some snacks & I'm sure the fact that you were on 732 made it up.
SJ was fine except for the legroom. I'm wondering if that's standard on the carrier.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 26): Lion Air got you from A to B which is about all you can expect from them. I'm surprised that they didn't offer anything for sale considering they are an ULCC.
Lion Air is like Ryanair, offering a flying bus service.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 26): BTW great spotting pics by Satchmo. There isn't a shortage of interesting carriers & types at CGK.
The variety of airlines/aircraft at CGK is excellent.
CrimsonNL From Netherlands, joined Dec 2007, 1618 posts, RR: 42 Reply 28, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 12949 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Hi PH, thanks for sharing. Great job getting another 732, and interesting to read that Sriwijaya Air has a bunch of them left! The 739 doesn't look too bad but I too would be hesitant to fly on Lion Air..
lufthansa747 From Philippines, joined May 1999, 3174 posts, RR: 47 Reply 29, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 12914 times:
Finally catching up with your fantastic series here! Haven't followed the forum lately due to my own issues here...
Sriwijaya is a great little airline, I have flown on their 1974-delivered 732 and it was in the same excellent shape as well. The legroom is bad as I believe they just arranged ancient style seats so that all aircraft in the fleet have the same number of seats. Their F/As are great as well.
Lion is a flying bus, did they not even hand you a cup of water anymore? That used to be standard. Thank your lucky stars you were not on their MD81 with "Fly is cheap" painted on the fuselage, overflowing toilet inside. Compared to that, the 739s are a great improvement.
It was great meeting you guys, looking forward to do it again! But You and P. are giving me way too much credit...
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 30, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 12888 times:
Quoting CrimsonNL (Reply 28): Hi PH, thanks for sharing. Great job getting another 732,
Hi Martijn, thanks for replying!
Quoting CrimsonNL (Reply 28): interesting to read that Sriwijaya Air has a bunch of them left!
It's currently the largest 732 operator.
Quoting CrimsonNL (Reply 28): The 739 doesn't look too bad but I too would be hesitant to fly on Lion Air..
There are better options to get the 739!
Quoting lufthansa747 (Reply 29): Finally catching up with your fantastic series here!
Hi Lari, thanks a lot for your comments! Good to see you here again.
Quoting lufthansa747 (Reply 29): Sriwijaya is a great little airline, I have flown on their 1974-delivered 732 and it was in the same excellent shape as well.
Very good to hear!
Quoting lufthansa747 (Reply 29): Lion is a flying bus, did they not even hand you a cup of water anymore?
No, nothing.
Quoting lufthansa747 (Reply 29): Thank your lucky stars you were not on their MD81 with "Fly is cheap" painted on the fuselage, overflowing toilet inside. Compared to that, the 739s are a great improvement.
No, I had never had a desire to fly anything else but their 739.
Quoting lufthansa747 (Reply 29): It was great meeting you guys, looking forward to do it again!
Yes, would be great!
Quoting lufthansa747 (Reply 29): But You and P. are giving me way too much credit...
SRQKEF From Iceland, joined Jun 2011, 692 posts, RR: 1 Reply 31, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 12773 times:
Hi PH, great report! I've been going through your older reports recently while waiting for this one and only have 5 left. All of them are great!
On my trip RTW later this month, I'm flying LIM-CUZ-LIM. I was trying to book a flight on Peruvian that uses 732s to Cuzco but unfortunately I couldn't complete the booking. Had to book a "boring" TACA roundtrip instead. I have a MetroJet 732 flight from 1998 in my log but I was 6 months old back then so I don't remember much.
I'm going to Indonesia too but will fly to DPS, not CGK and SUB. Will come in on either CX 744 or GA 738 and leave to SIN on either the KL 77W flt or QR 77L.
SUB is actually a pretty big place in Icelandic aviation history, surprisingly. In 1978, LL 1, a Loftleidir Haji charter from Jeddah to Surabaya via Colombo crashed on final in CMB because the ILS didn't work at the airport and located the runway 3 miles souther than it actually was. 183 died and only 79 survived. Of the 13 people in the Icelandic crew, 8 passed away. My grandfathers brother was working as an mechanic in CMB for Loftleidir because of the charters and was watching it land in the fog when he saw a fire in the forest around the runway. Very sad story. The Indonesian Aviation Authority blamed it on 'pilot error' but it was later proved that the ILS hadn't been OK.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 32, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 12754 times:
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 31): Hi PH, great report! I've been going through your older reports recently while waiting for this one and only have 5 left. All of them are great!
Hi Sveinn, thank you very much for your nice comments! I'm glad you enjoyed reading my reports!
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 31): On my trip RTW later this month, I'm flying LIM-CUZ-LIM. I was trying to book a flight on Peruvian that uses 732s to Cuzco but unfortunately I couldn't complete the booking. Had to book a "boring" TACA roundtrip instead.
Oh, that's bad. Sometimes it can be really tricky to book flights on airline websites. Will you write a report about your TACA trip?
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 31): I have a MetroJet 732 flight from 1998 in my log but I was 6 months old back then so I don't remember much.
At least you have been on one!
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 31): I'm going to Indonesia too but will fly to DPS, not CGK and SUB. Will come in on either CX 744 or GA 738 and leave to SIN on either the KL 77W flt or QR 77L.
Do you consider taking the KL 77W all the way to Europe? It's not really the most comfortable plane out there. Do you have time for a domestic day trip from DPS?
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 31): SUB is actually a pretty big place in Icelandic aviation history, surprisingly. In 1978, LL 1, a Loftleidir Haji charter from Jeddah to Surabaya via Colombo crashed on final in CMB because the ILS didn't work at the airport and located the runway 3 miles souther than it actually was. 183 died and only 79 survived. Of the 13 people in the Icelandic crew, 8 passed away. My grandfathers brother was working as an mechanic in CMB for Loftleidir because of the charters and was watching it land in the fog when he saw a fire in the forest around the runway. Very sad story. The Indonesian Aviation Authority blamed it on 'pilot error' but it was later proved that the ILS hadn't been OK.
That's indeed a very sad story. I had never heard about that before.
SRQKEF From Iceland, joined Jun 2011, 692 posts, RR: 1 Reply 33, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 12748 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 32): Oh, that's bad. Sometimes it can be really tricky to book flights on airline websites. Will you write a report about your TACA trip?
Yeah, it can be pretty hard. I'm planning on writing a rpeort about the whole trip.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 32): Do you consider taking the KL 77W all the way to Europe? It's not really the most comfortable plane out there. Do you have time for a domestic day trip from DPS?
No, from SIN I'll head on to BKK, then DEL, then BOM, then DXB before going home on the EK 380. Unfortunately my stay in Bali will only be around 2 days, so I think me and my dad will just rest there. The whole plan can be found in 'Your 2011/12 booked flights' thread in Travel Polls & Prefs.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 32): That's indeed a very sad story. I had never heard about that before.
No it's not well known. It was the 4th biggest accident ever at that time, so it's surprising that it's nearly forgotten.
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 35, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 12478 times:
Hi PH,
good to follow your Indonesion tour, an excellent read again. Quite impressed by the service from Sriwijaya, definitely a nice airline. And congrats of logging one of the classic 737-200, for sure a great airplane. I really like how the engines are mounted under the wing and the deployment of the thrust reversers.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The architect's wish to keep the pavilions and all the circulation spaces beyond the check-in areas completely open to the natural landscape was fully realized in Terminal 1
Wow, that looks great, doesn't feel like an airport at all.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I can only hope that Lion Air hasn't decided to entirely replace safety cards by invocation cards...
Hmm, did they even do a safety briefing? Or do they completely rely on the help from divine beings for their safety on board?
Sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 36, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 12214 times:
Hello PlaneHunter,
A very nice next part of your Indonesian flying adventures! Greats pics and story all the way. The contrast in aircraft couldn't big bigger here and as you say, those Sriwiwiijaja's B732's look and feel excellent! That makes me remember my sole B732 flight I had some 7 years ago, on Aerocontinente from CUZ to LIM. That was one amazing experience as well with probably the longest takeoff roll I have ever experienced.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): This is Garuda Indonesia 737-800 PK-GFN, wearing the scheme used between 1969 and 1985:
That's one cool looking retrojet. And a good catch on film afterwards by Satchmo as well.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The plane looked so immaculate - I guess most passengers wouldn't have believed that it was already 27 years old
- Actually quite young for a 737-200, she sure looks well maintained.
Of the two carriers Sriwijaya looks the better carrier, the planes, though older, look in better shape and you get service on board too!
Thanks for the pictures of the viewing deck, I'm really hoping to get out there either in November or early next year, some serious spotting to be done!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1242 posts, RR: 34 Reply 38, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 11865 times:
Hi PH,
So many nice unusual reports on the forum at the moment, this being one of them. Congrats on scoring the 732.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): A friendly Sriwijaya Air agent quickly handed out my boarding pass after she had kindly accepted my request for a seat in the very back:
Love the old style boarding pass.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 were designed to resemble a traditional Javanese house. The airport structures are designed as open pavilions, set within the natural environment, providing shade, shelter, and ventilation.
Simply beautiful!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): but legroom was very tight what I found a bit shocking - probably the worst seat pitch I have ever experienced
That does look awful, worse than easyJet!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): There was an announcement during climb, but I couldn't understand a single word due to the engine noise. I was really enjoying the ride on this classic bird:
I’m sure it was a great experience. Just look at the "vintage" wing & engine, such a refreshing change
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The seat pocket neither contained an inflight magazine nor a safety card. I didn't notice safety instructions anywhere else which was very irritating. All I could find was a so-called invocation card...
So now we know why there was no safety card. I find that very unsettling and think I’d have felt rather ill at ease on board. Glad you had a safe flight.
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
LXM83 From Switzerland, joined May 2005, 569 posts, RR: 5 Reply 39, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 11684 times:
Hello PlaneHunter
Great report, always a pleasure to read about something different.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): "Yes. It's a 7-3-2.", she replied. That was a nice surprise and made my day!
I'm sure about that! The 732 is an amazing aircraft, I simply love the thrust reversers. That's a good reason to sit somewhere in the back in order to catch a picture of it when it deploys.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Very interesting collection of parked and stored planes - many of them will never fly again:
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 40, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 4 days ago) and read 11423 times:
Hi PH
Another great intra-asia trip report
Great too see you got the 732 in your log!
Sriwijaya looks like a good airline, nice to see what good cleaning and maintenance can do!
Lion Air just looks like a greyhound bus IMO
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 41, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 11366 times:
Hi PH!
Great report as usual, with some great pictures!
Sriwijaya does indeed look good, I'd love to fly a 732 before they are all gone from the skies.
Lion looks so-so. Will be interesting to see how they will develop with their huge orders.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter):
Touchdown happened 42 minutes after takeoff - the reverse thrust sound was awesome! thumbsup
flykev From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2006, 1349 posts, RR: 6 Reply 42, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 11110 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
PH, another great trip report on some exotic airlines accompanied with some great photos.
The 737-200 certainly does look good for such an old aircraft however the seating does look cramped.
Lion air doesn't look anything to write home about and I guess the lack of safety cards is a concern.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your next trip.
Kev.
The white zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 43, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 7 hours ago) and read 10898 times:
Great trip report as usual! Nice to get on another 737-200!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The outdoor area between the road and the terminal halls can become very crowded during peak times (picture taken on the next day):
Thanks for the picture of CGK. I only arrived there once (in the dark), nice to see what it looks like during daylight!
moosecamel88 From Singapore, joined May 2011, 46 posts, RR: 1 Reply 44, posted (1 year 2 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 10769 times:
Hello PH!
Thank you for the wonderful report with lots of pics! I enjoyed reading through it! I really like the fact that Indonesian carriers offer snacks for passengers to munch on even for short domestic hops!
F9Animal From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4736 posts, RR: 30 Reply 45, posted (1 year 2 months 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 10752 times:
Nice trip report!! And wonderful shots of the 200! It sure must have been a treat. I will never forget my last 737-200 ride. LAS to LAX on America West first class. The seat was comfy, and had the best service ever on such a short flight. Not to mention, I flew LAS to LAX routes over 100 times.
countvis From UK - England, joined Feb 2012, 54 posts, RR: 0 Reply 46, posted (1 year 2 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 10616 times:
Thank you so much for this amazing TR with fantastic photos. The B732 is an amazing machine to fly on in this day and age, and your trip report has allowed me to get a feel of what taking a flight on such and aircraft is like.
EL-AL From Israel, joined Oct 2001, 1122 posts, RR: 5 Reply 47, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 10407 times:
Hey PH,
Wow, what a beautiful report.
I miss those B732s so much, I used to fly them a lot from Tel Aviv to Eilat on Arkia when I was young, always asked for the window seat right above the thrust reverser.
As for the airlines ... well, low cost is low coat, and in asia it can get really low...
Thank you for another fantastic report - it was a great read.
Jonathan
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): A very nice next part of your Indonesian flying adventures! Greats pics and story all the way.
Hi Nils, many thanks for your feedback!
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): The contrast in aircraft couldn't big bigger here and as you say, those Sriwiwiijaja's B732's look and feel excellent!
Absolutely, SJ's 732 was a real winner.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): That makes me remember my sole B732 flight I had some 7 years ago, on Aerocontinente from CUZ to LIM. That was one amazing experience as well with probably the longest takeoff roll I have ever experienced.
Wow, that sounds exciting! Any pictures for a retro report?
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): The amount in local currency is for sure quite exorbitant
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): And most probably, they wouldn't have bothered either
Well, who knows...
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): Quite impressive. That'll make Lion Air the n°1 B739 operator, no?
Yes, they have 61 737-900ERs now, 134 more are on order. Korean Air is the largest 737-900 non-ER operator (16 frames).
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 36): I sure hope it's no allusion to their not-so-good safety reputation?
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 37): - Now that is my kind of hotel room view!
The perfect spotter room!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 37): Of the two carriers Sriwijaya looks the better carrier, the planes, though older, look in better shape and you get service on board too!
Yes, I was quite impressed by SJ.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 37): Thanks for the pictures of the viewing deck, I'm really hoping to get out there either in November or early next year, some serious spotting to be done!
Sounds good! You will have fun there! And don't forget to book a daytrip including SJ!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 38): So many nice unusual reports on the forum at the moment, this being one of them. Congrats on scoring the 732.
Hi Hannah, many thanks for your comments!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 38): That does look awful, worse than easyJet!
Yes, it was really bad.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 38): Hope you brought that home as a sounvenir….
No, you had to damage the bag in order to reach the content.
Quoting LXM83 (Reply 39): Great report, always a pleasure to read about something different.
Hi LXM83, thank you for your reply!
Quoting LXM83 (Reply 39): The 732 is an amazing aircraft, I simply love the thrust reversers.
I can only agree.
Quoting LXM83 (Reply 39): Amazing, that's a huge number of aircraft!
Yes, but I fear the enormous growth will have negative consequences for numerous smaller airlines.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 40): Another great intra-asia trip report
Many thanks, Marc!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 40): Great too see you got the 732 in your log!
Well, I had already enjoyed two 732 flights before that trip. But it was nice to get the type again.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 40): Sriwijaya looks like a good airline, nice to see what good cleaning and maintenance can do!
Absolutely! Many airlines could learn a lesson.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 40): Lion Air just looks like a greyhound bus IMO
Probably even worse...
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 41): Great report as usual, with some great pictures!
Hi Martin, thank you for commenting!
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 41): Sriwijaya does indeed look good, I'd love to fly a 732 before they are all gone from the skies.
You should really try to secure a flight on that type. The number of trustworthy operators is shrinking, through. Any plans to visit Indonesia, Canada (Air North, Canadian North, First Air) or Chile (Sky Airline)?
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 41): Will be interesting to see how they will develop with their huge orders.
I hope they won't drive nicer airlines out of the market.
Quoting flykev (Reply 42): PH, another great trip report on some exotic airlines accompanied with some great photos.
Hi Kev, thanks a lot for your feedback!
Quoting flykev (Reply 42): Lion air doesn't look anything to write home about and I guess the lack of safety cards is a concern.
Yes, I can only agree.
Quoting flykev (Reply 42):
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your next trip.
I hope it will be ready within a week.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 43): Great trip report as usual! Nice to get on another 737-200!
Hi Robert, thank you for replying!
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 43): Is the hotel directlt connected to the terminal?
It's located in the terminal building - excellent location if you don't want to leave the airport.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 43): Old school boarding pass for a old school airplane.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 43): Didn't realise Batavia Air had two A330-s. They sure printed A330 on their livery pretty big.
No doubt about the type when flying that airline!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 44): Thank you for the wonderful report with lots of pics! I enjoyed reading through it!
Hi Mustafa, thank you very much - I'm glad you enjoyed reading!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 44): I really like the fact that Indonesian carriers offer snacks for passengers to munch on even for short domestic hops!
Very impressive! Hopefully that won't change - but Lion Air's growth may negatively affect service levels.
Quoting F9Animal (Reply 45): Nice trip report!! And wonderful shots of the 200! It sure must have been a treat.
Hi F9Animal, thanks for your comments! It was indeed a great experience.
Quoting F9Animal (Reply 45): I will never forget my last 737-200 ride. LAS to LAX on America West first class. The seat was comfy, and had the best service ever on such a short flight.
Sounds very good. I once got rebooked onto a HP 732 from PHX to PHX-LAS-
Quoting F9Animal (Reply 45): Not to mention, I flew LAS to LAX routes over 100 times.
Wow, that's a lot!
Quoting countvis (Reply 46): Thank you so much for this amazing TR with fantastic photos.
Hi countvis, thanks for leaving these nice comments!
Quoting countvis (Reply 46): The B732 is an amazing machine to fly on in this day and age, and your trip report has allowed me to get a feel of what taking a flight on such and aircraft is like.
Good to hear!
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 47): Wow, what a beautiful report.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for your feedback!
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 47): I miss those B732s so much, I used to fly them a lot from Tel Aviv to Eilat on Arkia when I was young, always asked for the window seat right above the thrust reverser.
Yeah, good choice!
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 47): As for the airlines ... well, low cost is low coat, and in asia it can get really low...
Sure, Lion Air shows how low it can get.
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 47): Thank you for another fantastic report - it was a great read.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 49, posted (1 year 2 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 10197 times:
Hi PH
Apologies for taking so long to getting around to posting a comment on what was an excellent trip report. Nothing less than amazing in terms of feeling like I was there with you on those flights. Great stuff!
I really enjoyed seeing the B732 again as well - it's such a shame it's no longer flying in many parts of the world today. I really associate that aircraft with my youth as they were once so incredibly common. Great that you were seated "correctly" to be able to watch the bucket reversers come out on landing !
Your experiences seemed great - what a good idea for a day trip.
PS I really liked the Garuda retrojet - again, those colours remind me of the first time I saw Garuda in Sydney back in 1986 - a B747 in those colours rotated right in front of me! I was transfixed.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 50, posted (1 year 2 months 1 hour ago) and read 9977 times:
Quoting palmjet (Reply 49): Apologies for taking so long to getting around to posting a comment on what was an excellent trip report. Nothing less than amazing in terms of feeling like I was there with you on those flights. Great stuff!
Hi Palmjet, many thanks for your comments! I'm glad you liked it.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 49): I really associate that aircraft with my youth as they were once so incredibly common.
Yes, there used to be many of them. Now there are only some 200 active frames left.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 49): Your experiences seemed great - what a good idea for a day trip.
I had no idea how it would turn out.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 49): PS I really liked the Garuda retrojet - again, those colours remind me of the first time I saw Garuda in Sydney back in 1986 - a B747 in those colours rotated right in front of me! I was transfixed.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 51, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 9855 times:
My friend PH,
The past three weeks felt so unreal. You told me that this marvelous report was due when I was bound for Asia. You published it when I was in Semarang. Eventually, I came around replying after I got home while recalling the nice memories of my own visit.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Unlike Lion Air, the carrier accepted my MasterCard without any problems.
Kudos to SJ!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I read a note that Sriwijaya Air would contact me by phone for verification. Lufthansa747 told me that the airline had never contacted him but it really did in my case. A friendly lady called me a few days after booking and asked a few questions - I had never experienced anything similar before.
Nevertheless, it was still less cumbersome than JT.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I was very surprised to find 09:10 (scheduled time) and 08:05 (actual time) next to my flight number SJ224.
Rather confusing indeed. At least, SJ mentioned the correct departure time on your confirmation.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): This is Garuda Indonesia 737-800 PK-GFN, wearing the scheme used between 1969 and 1985:
Can you imagine how I gazed in amazement at Garuda’s aircrafts when I was five years old?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): However, one 737-300 is currently out of service after a landing incident at Jogyakarta in late December.
Sad incident.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): but I cannot remember seeing the flight attendants offering anything for sale:
I assume you could make an inquiry if you wished to buy anything.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): actually I didn't see a single stern face in the whole cabin, all people looked relaxed and happy. Try to find that on a morning flight in Europe!
What an appropriate comparison.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Three different "Lions" at once - a 737-400, a regular 737-900ER and a "Dreamliner" 737-900ER:
Great shot!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): After boarding had been completed, the flight attendants distributed candy - nice!
I always look forward to it when I fly Indonesian domestic routes.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): There was an announcement during climb, but I couldn't understand a single word due to the engine noise
Could the announcement have been, “Do you enjoy the music?”
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I was really looking forward to the arrival at user Akhmad's hometown airport:
Me too. Ever since you told me about your itinerary.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): You cannot miss the registration when flying on Sriwijaya Air:
SJ caters our needs.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Touchdown happened 42 minutes after takeoff - the reverse thrust sound was awesome!
They did it specially for you, I assume. Thrust reversers are rarely deployed after approach from the sea as the runway length is sufficient.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I chose the rear exit and took the chance to take numerous pictures.
And no one would bother. That is my hometown airport at its best.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I guess most passengers wouldn't have believed that it was already 27 years old:
You have said it. I believe you!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): He smiled, checked my boarding pass and quickly opened a door to the gate area for me.
Everyone is so accommodating at SRG.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I had lined up immediately so that I would be the first passenger on the apron.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 52, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 9595 times:
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): You told me that this marvelous report was due when I was bound for Asia. You published it when I was in Semarang. Eventually, I came around replying after I got home while recalling the nice memories of my own visit.
Hi Suryo, thanks so much for your nice feedback! I'm sorry it took so long to publish that report.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): They did it specially for you, I assume. Thrust reversers are rarely deployed after approach from the sea as the runway length is sufficient.
Interesting, thanks! So I was really lucky.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): I feel honored. Thank you for the dedication.
You're welcome, my friend.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): Do not forget to visit the public viewing area as well.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): Honestly, you are the legendary one.
Now I feel honored, Suryo!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): PH, I am sorry for my late reply. I just wanted to read this amazing story thoroughly and could not help doing it many times before commenting.
No worries! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): Thank you so much for writing and sharing your experience at my hometown’s airport.
You're welcome, it was a pleasure.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 51): I feel inspired to write my own experience.
parton87 From Sweden, joined Sep 2008, 524 posts, RR: 2 Reply 53, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 5 days ago) and read 9313 times:
Hello PH
Thanks for the great story. Nice report with the earliest to the latest 737 model! The 732 look to be in a very good condition for it´s age! Better then the so much newer 739! Lionair doesn´t look that good and they haven´t the best safety record either...
RussianGirl From Russia, joined Jan 2011, 89 posts, RR: 2 Reply 55, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 8640 times:
Hi Udo!
Thanks for very interesting report! The most exciting part of your TR is contrast between 2 jets! A clean and pretty, but old B732 and dirty, but young 739!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I read a note that Sriwijaya Air would contact me by phone for verification. Lufthansa747 told me that the airline had never contacted him but it really did in my case. A friendly lady called me a few days after booking and asked a few questions - I had never experienced anything similar before.
Good! You're lucky!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): "Can you tell me the aircraft type?", I finally asked. "Yes. It's a 7-3-2.", she replied. That was a nice surprise and made my day!
Congrats!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Anyway, here's the nice little Boeing 737-200 which would fly me to Semarang and Surabaya - it looks fresh and clean, doesn't it?
Yes!It's in a very good shape!
Again, thanks for great and interesting story!
Anastasia
initious From Singapore, joined Dec 2008, 1011 posts, RR: 16 Reply 56, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 8398 times:
Hi PH,
Wonderful that you managed to fly on a 732, something that I have never managed to do so till now. SJ's bright red seats look pretty cool.
Service looked pretty ok for a LCC although sorry to hear that the food did not taste as good. I'm sure fellow a.netter akhmad is very glad that the legendary PH has landed on his homeland. Will you be visiting Shantou (my hometown) soon? :P
The B739ER looks great in JT's livery. I guess it makes up for the lack of service on your flight.
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 57, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 8258 times:
Hi Plane Hunter. Great report!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I had already flown on the 737-200 twice and my main goal was getting a new airline, so it wasn't a big issue. Knowing the type in advance would have still been nice, nevertheless.
Must say you're quite lucky to have flown this rare type before, and getting to fly it again must've been a big bonus. I had always had in mind you took this flight for the sole purpose of getting on the B732.
Perhaps a common practice for some airlines when buying domestic Indonesian flights. Same thing seemed to happen with Eric.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): That's impressive considering that the flying time is probably less than 25 minutes.
I hope they at least served those passengers any form of drink to go along with the snack.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...but legroom was very tight what I found a bit shocking - probably the worst seat pitch I have ever experienced:
The tightest legroom I've ever experiences was on Sterling's B737-700, I think that was some 26 or 27". Had to endure that for nearly 6 hours flying ARN-AGA. But flying such a rare plane must've taken some of that pain from you
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Our classic 737 rolled straight onto the runway, the two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15A engines started roaring...
Now that's a view we don't get to see everyday!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): You cannot miss the registration when flying on Sriwijaya Air:
Wish that was a standard feature on all airplanes, finding the reg can sometimes be a bit tricky, and asking the crew may sometimes result in some negative or suspicious response. At least that's the experiences I've gotten, but maybe things are different for you.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): user FlyingFinn76 once flew on that frame when it was still operated by Air Berlin as D-ABAD:
Wow, it's really a small world it seems. Flying to Suryo's home airport, and meeting up with an old friend of P
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The plane looked so immaculate - I guess most passengers wouldn't have believed that it was already 27 years old:
Hmm, only 27!? I thought those planes were older than that. SAS MD's are in that age, and they too are in immaculate condition.
CamiloA380 From Sweden, joined Feb 2008, 484 posts, RR: 22 Reply 58, posted (1 year 1 month 1 week 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 8096 times:
Hi PH,
Thanks for sharing your experience! It was a pleasure to read it!
It really reminds me of the trip I had to Asia in February this year, for the SIN Air Show, and 3 days in Jakarta, CPH-FRA-SIN-FRA-CPH, and in between there SIN-CGK-SIN which was with LionAir too . Consider myself lucky to have gotten to fly on their newest and second-newest member of their fleet with sky interior.
Thanks once again, was really interesting to read!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Must say you're quite lucky to have flown this rare type before, and getting to fly it again must've been a big bonus.
In 2002 I booked a SZG-STN-PIK-STN-SZG trip on FR in order to get my first 732 - but the flight to STN was late and I didn't make it on the 732 to PIK. Then I quickly booked a new FR trip, FKB-STN-DUB-STN-FKB, and finally got the desired type (the plane even wore Vodafone special colors). One year later, I got on a 732 again which hadn't been planned at all. I was supposed to fly PHX-LAS-ONT on America West 757 and A320, but the first flight was cancelled and I was rebooked on a nonstop flight to ONT.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): I had always had in mind you took this flight for the sole purpose of getting on the B732.
No, my main goal was getting a new airline. I would have been satisfied with a 733 or 734, too.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Perhaps a common practice for some airlines when buying domestic Indonesian flights. Same thing seemed to happen with Eric.
I'm still wondering when they do it and when they don't. It never happend to our Asia expert Lufthansa747.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): I hope they at least served those passengers any form of drink to go along with the snack.
I think the boxes always contain a cup of water.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): The tightest legroom I've ever experiences was on Sterling's B737-700, I think that was some 26 or 27". Had to endure that for nearly 6 hours flying ARN-AGA.
That sounds horrible!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): But flying such a rare plane must've taken some of that pain from you
Absolutely!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Now that's a view we don't get to see everyday!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Wish that was a standard feature on all airplanes, finding the reg can sometimes be a bit tricky, and asking the crew may sometimes result in some negative or suspicious response. At least that's the experiences I've gotten, but maybe things are different for you.
I have had similar experiences. Never ask for a registration on an American carrier...
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Wow, it's really a small world it seems. Flying to Suryo's home airport, and meeting up with an old friend of P
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Hmm, only 27!? I thought those planes were older than that.
PK-CJI is indeed one of the younger frames. The last one was built in 1988, btw.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): SAS MD's are in that age, and they too are in immaculate condition.
The average age of SAS's MD-80 fleet is 22.3 years. The oldest frames were built in 1985.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 57): Must've been an expensive lunch?
Yes, as usual!
Quoting CamiloA380 (Reply 58): Thanks for sharing your experience! It was a pleasure to read it!
Many thanks, Camilo! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting CamiloA380 (Reply 58):
It really reminds me of the trip I had to Asia in February this year, for the SIN Air Show, and 3 days in Jakarta, CPH-FRA-SIN-FRA-CPH, and in between there SIN-CGK-SIN which was with LionAir too
Sounds like a grea trip!
Quoting CamiloA380 (Reply 58): Consider myself lucky to have gotten to fly on their newest and second-newest member of their fleet with sky interior.
You were indeed lucky! I guess you also had different seats - how did you like them?
Quoting CamiloA380 (Reply 58): Thanks once again, was really interesting to read!
CamiloA380 From Sweden, joined Feb 2008, 484 posts, RR: 22 Reply 60, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 7112 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 59): You were indeed lucky! I guess you also had different seats - how did you like them?
Yes the new ones with skyinterior has blue leather seats. It was quite ok! Service was not great but acceptable, at least the flight attendants were cute . The seat itself was comfortable, as I do like leather seats. I was so concentrated though thinking that it was my first time flying in a 739ER, first time with SkyInterior, first time intra-Asia flight, and first time in an Asian airline.
BZNPilot From Belgium, joined Feb 2006, 257 posts, RR: 3 Reply 61, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 7000 times:
Hi PH,,
VERY nice report from you, as usual. And great pictures.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Anyway, here's the nice little Boeing 737-200 which would fly me to Semarang and Surabaya - it looks fresh and clean, doesn't it?
It looks classic and clean. I love that white-red-blue paint scheme!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): What was more important was the fact that I had the chance again to enjoy a 737-200 flight.
Indeed, what a rarity these days. It's neat that there are some still flying in various parts of the world.
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 62, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 6646 times:
Hi PH,
Looks like I missed commenting on this report. Another great report from you as usual. I really loved the winglets of the Lion Air...nice, great photos there. Can't believe the other 737 is 27 years old....it looks brand new. Just hope it continues to fly as brand new too.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4917 posts, RR: 55 Reply 63, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 6576 times:
Wow. I FINALLY found it again . Awesome report. I am pretty impressed with how Srijiwaya's 732 appear - just like First Air, in immaculate condition. It is also amazing how similar food looks in Indonesia - I have got the same "doggy bag" on quite a few airlines last year.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 64, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 6425 times:
Quoting CamiloA380 (Reply 60): Service was not great but acceptable, at least the flight attendants were cute
At least something!
Quoting CamiloA380 (Reply 60): I was so concentrated though thinking that it was my first time flying in a 739ER, first time with SkyInterior, first time intra-Asia flight, and first time in an Asian airline.
Sounds good!
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 61): VERY nice report from you, as usual. And great pictures.
Many thanks, BZNPilot! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 61): I love that white-red-blue paint scheme!
Yes, very classy scheme.
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 61): It's neat that there are some still flying in various parts of the world.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 62): Looks like I missed commenting on this report. Another great report from you as usual.
Hi flightsimboy, thanks for commenting! It's never too late!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 62): Can't believe the other 737 is 27 years old....it looks brand new.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 62): Just hope it continues to fly as brand new too.
That's what I hope, too.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 63): Wow. I FINALLY found it again . Awesome report.
Thanks Alex, good to see you found it!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 63): I am pretty impressed with how Srijiwaya's 732 appear - just like First Air, in immaculate condition.
These carriers take good care of their oldies!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 63): It is also amazing how similar food looks in Indonesia - I have got the same "doggy bag" on quite a few airlines last year.
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