N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Posted (1 year 1 month 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 13899 times:
Trip Background
This is a group of four; Yirina, Roni, Derek and me travelling from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Dhaka, Bangladesh in December 2011 onboard the famous Biman Bangladesh DC-10.
Three of us, Roni, Derek and me also made the return journey the next day. Derek (an Emirates pilot) and I have my eyes set on Dhaka for over a long time. We believe it is one of the great places on earth for spotting in Dhaka. With Yirina coming to Dubai for her training and Roni also interested to join, the trip on Biman is born! There are no better authentic ways to reach Dhaka than flying the national airline of Bangladesh!
Roni and I went to Al Rumaithy Travel, the GSA of Biman Bangladesh at Abu Dhabi to purchase ticket. Derek received his E-ticket via the new revamped Biman website. Ticket one way was 700AED, roundtrip 1560 AED. The travel agent promised to give us the best seats onboard
I have previously travelled on Biman in 2006 once, from Bangkok to Rome via Dhaka and Jeddah. I have such fond memories of my journey and believe once is definitely not enough for such great classic airliner and airline!
You can see the previous trip report here:
We have a Pre-flight Christmas party at my apartment in Abu Dhabi. Only a few were able to attend include the both gorgeous Yirina and her friend Daniela (a Etihad FA) with personal greeting on their T-Shirt!
They made the Famous Czech Potato Salad. Here is Yirina’s creation
We also celebrated with some Emirates Business Class wine and glasses
Biman flies from Terminal 2 of Abu Dhabi, the hidden terminal which serves flight mainly to South Asian destination and used by airlines such as Biman, PIA, Air Blue, Shaheen, Air Arabia Egypt and Sudan Airways etc.
Night scenes at Abu Dhabi Terminal 2
We arrived 2 hours prior to the flight and met with Roni, who travelled from Bahrain to join us. The spirit was very high!
It’s Christmas and our present is to fly Biman!
The scenes outside Terminal 2 of Abu Dhabi. Very lively indeed, we could not help but noticed we are the only non-South Asian origins and being closely watched on all our actions. I personally really enjoyed the attention from them and they’re all very nice and harmless people, just with a curious mindset
Check- in area at Terminal 2 of Abu Dhabi
The departure screen of AUH Terminal 2. Can you spot the unusualness?
I was the tour leader and my duties include getting my members of the tour the best seats onboard and looking after their well beings!
After received our boarding pass, a photo shoot is compulsory.
Close up look on the boarding pass and Biman ticket jacket.
Terminal 2, airside view. Getting very crowded at night.
We somehow managed all getting lounge access. The kind lady allowed all of us into the lounge, although technically we can only have 2 persons. We took some food and rest, quietly prepare for our DC-10 journey ahead.
The flight information display shows our flight BG028 remains on-time. In fact it is early, must be a first for Biman?
Boarding on-time, let’s go!
Due to the National day of Bangladesh on 16 Dec, Dhaka airport will be closed for some air show exercises, our Biman flight have to operate strictly on-time to avoid late arrival penalty into Dhaka. Our schedule is to arrive Dhaka at 10am with curfew starts at 10:30am. Despite the notorious reputation on delays, I am pleasantly surprised on Biman’s performance that night and did not worry a thing.
Boarding was done via bus taking us to the plane on the remote apron. “The only way to board”
A nice way to board the DC-10 at 2am
We were joined by another group of 3 aviation enthusiasts (1 Australian and 2 UK expat working in Abu Dhabi) at boarding. So the group expanded to a total of 7 of us!
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 1, posted (1 year 1 month 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 13980 times:
Welcome onboard BG028, Abu Dhabi to Dhaka via Chittagong
S2-ACO
Flight schedule: does not mean much on Biman since they are so flexible, but we will be in Bangladesh ASAP!
Once onboard, You’re already inside Bangladesh without even flying there! You couldn’t help but notice the 1970s décor. Indeed a very big cultural change. Although we were allocated row 4, we managed to occupy row 1 and tonight it was our territory and the onboard lounge!
The leg room from the centre row 1! Taken from my and Roni’s camera.
Adoring the old school crew jump seat.
Derek enjoys his window seat in Row 4. Look at the wall decoration!
OMG, where are we at now ?
Views overhead without center bin. The DC-10 wideness is undisputable.
Roni, looking satisfied and ready to fire off his exotic journey!
We remained onboard for over 1.5 hours, due to the lack of ATC clearance from Muscat, Oman ATC. The flight path towards South Asia was very busy. The ground GPU did not work. All doors were opened to let fresh air into the cabin.
We were moving around for more photos when the DC-10 remains on the ground.
Clearly, we have missed the curfew imposed because of the flying display on National Day in Dhaka.
Some water were offered to the hot and thirsty passengers
At 03:50am, our DC-10-30 finally airborne out of Rwy13R from Abu Dhabi, heading to Chittagong first then Dhaka.
The purser working on this morning’s flight face a nightmare. He had to put up with not only 1 or 2, but all seven aviation enthusiasts’ madness!
Biman’s crew did not rush to begin the in-flight service. Rather, they let the passenger to have some sleep and serve the supper/breakfast towards mid-flight after the sunrise. We took some much needed rest at this early stage of the flight.
We were all granted access to cockpit after our plane reached cruising level. We took turns to visit the cockpit and each of us spent 10-15 minutes inside. The pilots were very co-operative and used to entertain visitors.
Capt Abdul Majed was in charge. He has over 30 years of flying experience, flying the B707, Fk27, Fk28 and the DC-10.
The view to die for, as we fly Eastbound chasing the rising sun. We were over middle of India at this point.
Sun is rising higher in the cockpit by this time. It was clear all the way through India.
Meal Service
During our cockpit visit, the meal and drinks service have begun. My body clock was at around 5-6am Abu Dhabi time but getting hungry.
It is either Chicken curry or spicy lamb with fried rice. They both were very tasty.
Even with a proper dessert cake to eat at 6am!
RC Cola. They still exist! What a surprise!
Cabin Tour
After the cockpit visit, the party continues in the early morning, with lot of conversation and aviation chats.
The front Economy cabin overview.
Old school analog dials. Not sure there is still music for the ear.
As the rest of the cabin awake, we went down to the back of the plane for some quick sightseeing.
The unique window shade of DC-10 at its doors. Turn to dim.
Self- service in the DC-10 middle galley.
The giveaway answer to the previous owner of this DC-10!
View of middle Economy Class section. The fabric is green.
No entertainment onboard, this is the only thing to keep your eyes to stare at
View of rear Economy Class. Colors changes again! Biman have one of the most colorful cabin ever!
Total capacity of the plane is 314 all economy configuration, we have 307 passenger onboard with us.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 2, posted (1 year 1 month 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 13895 times:
Transit in Chittagong
We landed 1 hr 30mins behind schedule around 10:05am after the brief delay on the ground in Abu Dhabi. Weather was quite foggy but clearing up in Chittagong. We were told another DC-10 inbound had bypassed Chittagong due to the fog and went straight to Dhaka! All passengers were asked to deplane and the one continue to Dhaka to go to Transit Lounge. We took some more photos of our Big 10 parked at the gate.
City of Shah Makhdum (R.A.)
Frontal view of the plane.
Admiring the DC-10 from the transit lounge!
Chittagong terminal. Quite airy and comfortable.
Swissair is still flying and from Chittagong to Dubai?
During the transit, I took the opportunity to spot other domestic arrivals through the window.
BG028 Chittagong – Dhaka
Boarding re-commenced about 2 hours later at 12pm. Due to another DC-10 bypassed Chittagong and flew to Dhaka direct, we have over 170 passengers joining. Our continuation flight operated to maximum capacity of 319 out of 314 on the short hop to Dhaka. (perhaps 5 infant or they were seated on crew jumpseat?)
Fruit juice were handed out prior to takeoff
This time Roni and I chose to split up with the group to sit at the back of the DC-10. Notice how happy everyone are!
Crew seats are equally colorful on the Biman DC-10
Happy passengers smiling for the camera! Several foreigners joined from Chittagong include a few Russians.
I brought this Russian tourist to meet with Yirina, who have a soft heart for Russian and Iranian (or both).
The peaceful passengers in the dense 2-5-2 configuration.
Welcome to Dhaka
At 13:15 local time, Capt Abdul Majed confidently landed the plane on Rwy 14 of Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport . The weather was foggy in Dhaka and I am not sure it was a visual or ILS landing, as I know sometimes the ILS is out of service in Dhaka. It was a great high nose, high pitch and fast but smooth landing. I have full confidence in Biman pilots.
At parking bay, the view of DC-10 cockpit. Farewell and many thanks Capt Abdul Majed.
The grand form of arrival. Posing for photos!
Deplane view. Another DC-10 parked opposite and its tail facing us.
Very busy ramp activity in Dhaka. Thai, Kuwait, Saudia, Gulf Air, Emirates all landed around the same time due to the airspace closure earlier.
We were taken back to the terminal by Biman bus (non Cobus standard)
Due to several large passenger airliners arrived at the same time, there are at least 1,000 passengers at immigration. I managed to push in front of the line and we pass through within 20 minutes. Most nationalities can obtain Visa on Arrival in Dhaka. Visa fee range from 10 USD to 130 USD various.
I have never seen this many of people at once in the immigration of an airport.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 3, posted (1 year 1 month 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 13829 times:
Dhaka, Bangladesh
We stayed at the Westin Hotel in the new city of Dhaka. It was very foggy the whole afternoon and evening. We were exhausted and didn’t do much exploring outside of the hotel. I will have to come back to Dhaka another time for more sightseeing and cultural exchanges.
Deluxe room of Westin Hotel Dhaka.
Yirina, who felt sick during the trip have to leave our group early with her morning Emirates flight to Dubai and Prague. So we left the hotel early together and went back to the airport. The weather was very foggy in the morning.
Bargaining on taxi fare to the airport.
Despite the poverty, there are also charms from Dhaka. People we met are all friendly, gracious, patient and very easy going.
Outside at the terminal.
Ticket booth. Visitor need to buy ticket to get inside of the terminal.
Yirina, with such a big heart, has brought lot of candies and lollies for the poor people in Bangladesh. She ran out of time so we have to hand these gifts out at the airport quickly.
The crowd received her gift very well.
A group photo of us in front of the Dhaka airport terminal.
Inside the terminal. it was clean, spacious and surprisingly modern. We did not ask to pay the entrance fee to get in. I suspect this is for local visitor only.
View of the terminal from level 2.
The FIDS screen.
The mosaic tile painting portraying Bangladesh at each window
I took a moment to enjoy the splendid art.
Crazy crowd at arrivals.
Shahjalal International Airport view from outside.
After dropping Yirina, we managed to meet up with a Biman pilot, Mr Abdullah who I first met in 2006 on my DC-10 flight from DAC-JED. He took us to a nearby house for some awesome spotting!
Spotting Session in Dhaka
Some selected spotting photos. Traffic was busier than usual due to the morning fog delayed most of the morning traffic. There were lots of surprises as the arrivals were hindered from tree and they “pop” out in the last seconds. There were no scanners or computer to monitor the traffic. I much prefer to the old way of spotting without any gadget or schedules. Obviously, I love surprises and treated it as a bonus! What’s the spotting fun if you can find out all the movement before hand?
Highlight of the afternoon! The leased Biman B747-400. Operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic, the Biman crew told me it cost the company $5,000 per hour to operate this plane. The other unknown highlight was the British World Cargo B747-8F, my first time seeing a B747-8 in operation.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 4, posted (1 year 1 month 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 13749 times:
Check –in and the Balaka VIP Lounge
After a splendid day of spotting, we headed back to the terminal the second time that day. This time, to check-in for our evening flight BG027 to Abu Dhabi via Chittagong
Biman Check-in area, made up of a few counters only.
We received the original Biman Boarding pass!
Banners advertising the new B777-300/ER flagship.
After immigration, we head for the lounge for some comfort.
Upstairs, lounge level.
We went pass the Maslin Lounge, operated by Biman.
We went pass the Maslin Lounge, operated by Biman.
Our Priority pass entitle us to use the Balaka VIP Lounge, operated by Sheraton Hotel.
Food Corner
Scenes at the lounge
Dhaka airside area
BG027 Dhaka – Chittagong – Abu Dhabi
S2-ACR “A New Era”
Boarding was via aerobridge in Dhaka
Int’l passengers were boarded first, before domestic passengers arrived to join.
It turned out this is another quite full flight, lot of passengers are flying domestic sector from Dhaka to Chittagong.
Juices were handed out prior to departure. Our flight pushed back 30 mins late, with a flying time of only 28 minutes. We made up the time in Chittagong.
BG027 continuation from Chittagong – Abu Dhabi
Passengers transit to Abu Dhabi were asked to remain onboard. The cabin became quite empty.
We have a total of 277 pax to Abu Dhabi tonight. Most of them are joined from Chittagong.
The dinner service began after take-off. I was given both choices plus the retro RC Cola. Dinner choices were Chicken curry or Fish and Chips.
After the dinner, the fun began! I started to take photo with fellow passengers who keep trying to chat with me. They all asked the same type of question, “Where are you from?”
Since it wasn’t a full flight, we took the whole row 1 to convert it to an open Suite. It is the most comfortable way to travel onboard Biman.
Roni also onboard the Biman Bangladesh Suite 1E
Again, our group was invited to visit the cockpit during cruise. This time we were allowed to stay “as long as we would like”. The captain was very accommodating, showing us his family photo on the phone. For Roni, he was given a certain special privilege inside the cockpit but I can’t disclose on that here Perhaps you can ask him personally.
We initially flew past Calcutta, then passing inland of India and then cross the Arabian Sea/Gulf of Oman making inland over Oman and continue westward towards Abu Dhabi.
Our routing tonight is displayed on Derek’s iPad.
Some night time cockpit photos.
I have secured 2 observer seats for landing in Abu Dhabi. I invited Roni for his first time in the cockpit landing to his birth place, Abu Dhabi.
Over Al Falah, suburbs of Abu Dhabi with the lit up skyline at midnight.
100% concentration from the pilots putting down the wheels of S2-ACR on Rwy31L of Abu Dhabi. With the usual very smooth high pitch landing, it brought us to the end of our weekend trip from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Dhaka, Bangladesh. We made it 10 minute early than schedule. Another perfect record for Biman!
Conclusion
With several months of planning and waiting, we achieved everything in this trip include cockpit access, jumpseat landing, friendship making, fantastic spotting and experienced the culture. I have nothing but sweet memories of flying Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Biman is every aviation enthusiasts’ dream. They are extremely friendly towards aviation geeks, with very accommodating and hospitable crew. None of my flights were significantly delayed. There aren’t many other countries to offer as much opportunity on vintage aircraft these days like Bangladesh. About the Bangladeshi people, I really like them. They are among my favorite. All the people I have met there are very softly spoken, genuine, relaxed and easy going. It is the spirit of the people of Bangladesh making our trip a very successful one. Once again, Bangladesh is truly the land where DC-10 and Fk-28 still roams free! We will be back for more! Lastly, I would like to thank my fellow trip companions to make the trip extra enjoyable. Thank you for reading this group trip report.
Here are some interesting videos taken by Roni include a 12 minutes cockpit landing into Abu Dhabi.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 6, posted (1 year 1 month 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 13188 times:
Excellent timing to post this Sam! My DAC-KTM A310 flight is coming up in 2 days time! Nice to have some commentary after seeinf Roni's FB photos. I'll see if I can get a cockpit visit....
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): Very lively indeed, we could not help but noticed we are the only non-South Asian origins and being closely watched on all our actions. I personally really enjoyed the attention from them and they’re all very nice and harmless people, just with a curious mindset
Ha, very nicely put!
Quoting N178UA (Reply 1):
Flight schedule: does not mean much on Biman since they are so flexible, but we will be in Bangladesh ASAP!
Haha
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): Four lavatories block at the back. Note the broom.
Looks better than the lav on my DC10 flight (report out soon)
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): Due to several large passenger airliners arrived at the same time, there are at least 1,000 passengers at immigration. I managed to push in front of the line and we pass through within 20 minutes. Most nationalities can obtain Visa on Arrival in Dhaka. Visa fee range from 10 USD to 130 USD various.
Wow, thats busy. I was the only person where when I arrived last week. I had to ask the officers to get back to work!
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): Yirina, with such a big heart, has brought lot of candies and lollies for the poor people in Bangladesh. She ran out of time so we have to hand these gifts out at the airport quickly.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 8, posted (1 year 1 month 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 12257 times:
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 6): Excellent timing to post this Sam! My DAC-KTM A310 flight is coming up in 2 days time! Nice to have some commentary after seeinf Roni's FB photos. I'll see if I can get a cockpit visit....
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 6): Quoting N178UA (Thread starter):BG027 Dhaka – Chittagong – Abu Dhabi
S2-ACR “A New Era”
Ah, the plane I flew on CCU-DAC
That's very nice flying the big 10 on such a short flight! The plane must climb like a rocket!
Looking forward to see your TR You are a student, seems to travel a lot and permanently off the beaten track? Enjoy the nicest time of your life!
yapple From Singapore, joined Apr 2011, 63 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (1 year 1 month 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 12191 times:
Hi Sam,
Incredible trip report as usual! I'm very surprised they were THIS accommodating to aviation enthusiasts! Bangladesh (along with Biman) looks as it would be a 'must-visit' country in my list (A shame they almost never operate the DC-10s to Singapore, mostly 738s and 310s with the occasional 77W sub).
Excellent photos too, I will assume that there is no problem with photography in Bangladeshi airports?
Yap
P.S took a photo with you before the SQ748 flight but haven't got the time to send you!
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 11, posted (1 year 1 month 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 11531 times:
Nice report! Looks like you and the gang had a blasting time onboard the DC-10, and congratulations for catching that type! How did you manage to access the cockpit in-flight if I may ask? Suppose the post 9/11 safety regulations aren't as strict in Bangladesh
"Wheels Up!"
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
Thai744 From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 249 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (1 year 1 month 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 11491 times:
Hi Sam,
Really nice trip report on a carrier that we don't see a lot of around here!
It was quite timely to read this, as I just bought your beautiful aviation photo book at the aviation shop in Pioneer Centre in HKG yesterday - what a coincidence!
Love the throw-back to the 70's with Biman Bangladesh - really "old school" and reminds me of when I used to fly Garuda in my youth.
One small - really small - point you might want to bear in mind,. (And I used to work for an NGO in Asia, so I have experience with this), with Yinna handing out candies and lollies to the locals, you might want to re-think this in future. It probably isn't a major problem somewhere like you were, where it wouldn't happen often, but quite often in nations such as this people can't access dental care, and if they are given a lot of candies and lollies by visitors it can impact their dental health, particularly children. Not a criticism, just an observation, but thought I'd mention it. As I said, it is quite often a problem in places tourist frequent more often such as Cambodia, Vietnam etc, but worth remembering wherever we travel in the developing world.
Anyway, fantastic report, and hope to see more from you soon.
Regards,
Thai744
SIN7 From Singapore, joined Jun 2007, 162 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 11207 times:
Hi Sam,
Oh man, what a TR!
Just as we bid good bye to SQ's 747, we have SQ's DC10 still flying for BG.
The flower cabin wall and seat fabrics are SQ's. I still have a pic I took inside the DC10 ages ago and it's the same!
Would have loved to be on the trip with you guys!
The hotel looksvery posh.
Thanks for the post!
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 14, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 11186 times:
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 12): One small - really small - point you might want to bear in mind,. (And I used to work for an NGO in Asia, so I have experience with this), with Yinna handing out candies and lollies to the locals, you might want to re-think this in future. It probably isn't a major problem somewhere like you were, where it wouldn't happen often, but quite often in nations such as this people can't access dental care, and if they are given a lot of candies and lollies by visitors it can impact their dental health, particularly children. Not a criticism, just an observation, but thought I'd mention it. As I said, it is quite often a problem in places tourist frequent more often such as Cambodia, Vietnam etc, but worth remembering wherever we travel in the developing world.
Thanks for raising this. Looking back what we did, we aren't very thoughtful at all. I appreciate your input. We have to consider more next time doing this.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 12): It was quite timely to read this, as I just bought your beautiful aviation photo book at the aviation shop in Pioneer Centre in HKG yesterday - what a coincidence!
The book was totally sold out, I will contact the lady in the shop for a few more copies. I only have 4 copies left myself. Thank you for your support!
Quoting Yirina77 (Reply 10): Sam, thank you so much again for creating the Trip report.
Here is the movie from this trip:
Hi Yirina, thanks for the video, I forgot about the Chilli Sauce and the fish net for Coke
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 11): How did you manage to access the cockpit in-flight if I may ask?
I believe it was our charms and enthuasism moved the pilots and cabin crew
Quoting SIN7 (Reply 13): Just as we bid good bye to SQ's 747, we have SQ's DC10 still flying for BG.
The flower cabin wall and seat fabrics are SQ's. I still have a pic I took inside the DC10 ages ago and it's the same!
Would have loved to be on the trip with you guys!
Oh wow, so it was SQ? I always thought it was BG who's doing this. Biman's Fk28 and A310 also have the SAME pattern of flower. Are you sure this is all inherited from SQ?
airtropolis From Singapore, joined Apr 2000, 138 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 11000 times:
Quoting SIN7 (Reply 13): The flower cabin wall and seat fabrics are SQ's. I still have a pic I took inside the DC10 ages ago and it's the same!
Thanks for confirming that, I remember from Silver Kris magazines when I was a kid, seeing this safari patterned seat fabric. I must say that in the 70s and 80s, SQ was certainly not as sophisticated in terms of corporate image as it is now, even compared to CX (loved the green cloud/wave motifs for their seat fabrics) and especially LH, seat fabrics and designs were not as consistent as they are now. I am surprised they have used and maintained the same fabrics (BG I mean) for over 30 years
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 10883 times:
Hi Sam
Great work on catching Biman and the DC10.
It's really nice how much pictures you where able to take, including the Cockpit pics.
Dhaka looks cool as well.
netdhaka From Bangladesh, joined Feb 2004, 181 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 10801 times:
Thanks for sharing. Really wonderful report! Best part of it, you seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed your trip and got the best out of it. You got access to the cockpit and other areas of the airport that is unthinkable in the western world.
You were not asked for the entrance fee to the terminal because the guards probably thought that you were a passenger. Being a local (expat now), I am asked to show passport and booking confirmation before being let into the terminal.
I was expecting this report after seeing some of your photos. Very unique report in many ways, not least of which is the fact that you really enjoyed it. I rarely see this level of enthusiasm about trips on the many reports that I read here frequently.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 18, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 10713 times:
HI Sam (And Roni)
An extraordinary report, and well done to you all for making it such a fun occasion.
Stunning aircraft and equally stunning photos. You've made me a convert to the DC-10. I hope I will one day be able to fly them... perhaps on that short domestic hop.
Who would have thought that so much time has passed that this retro feel is almost back in fashion in some peoples eyes. I think it looks like a disco.
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): The view to die for, as we fly Eastbound chasing the rising sun. We were over middle of India at this point
Probably one of the best photos I have ever seen on this forum.
Shudu From South Africa, joined Sep 2011, 19 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 10682 times:
Hi Sam,
One thing I can always count on when I come across one of your reports is the uniqueness and freshness of it. You manage to log airlines that only a few, me included, have never heard of and I appreciate that a lot. You have a great way of keeping reports diverse and interesting, not only the in-flight sequences, I also appreciate that you also manage to teach us a little bit about the people and the culture of your exotic destinations. You can put your trip reports in magazines, sell them and make truck loads of money...hahaha!
Thank you for your time and putting the report together and I hope you never get tired of it. We want more!!
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1734 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 10509 times:
Hi Sam,
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): Boarding was done via bus taking us to the plane on the remote apron. “The only way to board”
Yes, the only way to board... in warm weather, at least
Quoting N178UA (Reply 1): Once onboard, You’re already inside Bangladesh without even flying there! You couldn’t help but notice the 1970s décor. Indeed a very big cultural change. Although we were allocated row 4, we managed to occupy row 1 and tonight it was our territory and the onboard lounge!
The row 1 lounge. It has a nice ring to it, I must say.
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): We were all granted access to cockpit after our plane reached cruising level. We took turns to visit the cockpit and each of us spent 10-15 minutes inside. The pilots were very co-operative and used to entertain visitors.
Very nice dawn in-flight cockpit visit. I've also had such an experience on an AF A380 over the coast of France... Of course, I guess the DC-10 cockpit looks more "real", and not just a bunch of computers
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): It is either Chicken curry or spicy lamb with fried rice. They both were very tasty.
Looks like a good meal.
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): The unique window shade of DC-10 at its doors. Turn to dim.
Haha, I love these sorts of things.
Quoting N178UA (Reply 2): We landed 1 hr 30mins behind schedule around 10:05am after the brief delay on the ground in Abu Dhabi. Weather was quite foggy but clearing up in Chittagong. We were told another DC-10 inbound had bypassed Chittagong due to the fog and went straight to Dhaka!
I guess you were lucky, managing to land at Chittagong...
Quoting N178UA (Reply 3): Inside the terminal. it was clean, spacious and surprisingly modern. We did not ask to pay the entrance fee to get in. I suspect this is for local visitor only.
DAC airport looks OK. I'd heard less than stellar reviews about it beforehand...
Quoting N178UA (Reply 4): After the dinner, the fun began! I started to take photo with fellow passengers who keep trying to chat with me. They all asked the same type of question, “Where are you from?”
Hah. Curiosity. Did they ask you why you were taking so many pictures of the airplane?
Quoting N178UA (Reply 4): With several months of planning and waiting, we achieved everything in this trip include cockpit access, jumpseat landing, friendship making, fantastic spotting and experienced the culture. I have nothing but sweet memories of flying Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Biman is every aviation enthusiasts’ dream. They are extremely friendly towards aviation geeks, with very accommodating and hospitable crew.
Good to see it was a successful trip. I definitely enjoy reading about your adventures in places off the beaten path.
Thanks very much for taking the time to write-up the report
AirAfreak From United States of America, joined Apr 2012, 244 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (1 year 1 month 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 10350 times:
Hello Sam!
I've been following your reports for quite some time and I'd like to thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and your travels in your reports!
I love the DC-10! When I saw the DC-10, it brought me back to my experiences and now I will have to book a trip with Biman to add this carrier to my list of DC-10 flights! You are so lucky to have sit in the cockpit for the landing. I was only 7 years old when I was allowed to sit in the cockpit of a Pan Am 747SP, but this was during cruise and I had no camera, sadly. Oh well, you've given me hope!!!
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 23, posted (1 year 1 month 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 9837 times:
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 16): Great work on catching Biman and the DC10.
It's really nice how much pictures you where able to take, including the Cockpit pics.
Dhaka looks cool as well.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 18): Who would have thought that so much time has passed that this retro feel is almost back in fashion in some peoples eyes. I think it looks like a disco.
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter):
The view to die for, as we fly Eastbound chasing the rising sun. We were over middle of India at this point
Probably one of the best photos I have ever seen on this forum.
Quoting netdhaka (Reply 17): I rarely see this level of enthusiasm about trips on the many reports that I read here frequently.
Quoting AirAfreak (Reply 22): I've been following your reports for quite some time and I'd like to thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and your travels in your reports!
My pleasure to present Biman and Bangladesh in my TR. I would love to go back after this year's Monsoon.
[quote=dc9northwest,reply=21]Hah. Curiosity. Did they ask you why you were taking so many pictures of the airplane?
The guys in Bangladesh are really very nice and enjoy taking photograph together. They're bunch of sweet guys
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 26, posted (1 year 1 month 23 hours ago) and read 9133 times:
Quoting Shudu (Reply 19): You can put your trip reports in magazines, sell them and make truck loads of money...hahaha!
Hi Shudu
Thanks for the kind words. I am planning to publish my 2nd book late this year, which will have features of some of my TRs. I hope it will do well.
Quoting TUGMASTER (Reply 25): As you may know, doing this on Saturday.....
& i believe we're meeting for a pre-flight beer in AUH, with UK Dispatcher + CedarJet.....
I am in a prolonged sickness for a week now. But I should be able to make it for the pre-flight drinks
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6080 posts, RR: 56 Reply 27, posted (1 year 4 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 8674 times:
Hi Sam!
Nice report from the BG DC-10 and even better to do it with a lot of friends! I'm more of a fan of the L-1011 than the DC-10 but always nice to fly on something old even today.
Really like the pictures of the BG 77W......looks very tempting....
Always very much looking forward to your report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
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