eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Posted (6 months 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 8364 times:
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السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته - Murakaza neza dear A.netters,
Also a warm welcome to you, kind-hearted Suryo (Akhmad)
After visiting my siblings and other family members, time came to hit the sky. I was very keen to try out Gulf Air but some troubles early this year force them to axe the 2 months old Ugandan route.
TRIP PLANNING
Last November when the Tanzanian emigration denied the country's exit, i was forced to buy a last minute one way ticket with KLM at a hefty USD 1565 ( YCL cabin), sure they were – and still are – the most expensive out here.
Thanks god with the arrival of the Oryx, now a one way ticket cost only USD480 to London and 550 to Paris. A no brainer!
Before starting a few pictures of the Land of the Thousand Hills
A glimpse of the self proclaimed "Switzerland" of Africa .
Kigali skyline at dawn
The same Kigali skyline, later on
Did you know that fact?
Distance to Alexandria : 6 718 km
Altitude: 2 428 m
Latitude S 02°16'55.962"
Longitude E 29°19'52.470"
The fairly sharp edges of the coast: Lake Kivu bordering The DR Congo
The Memorial of Bisesero: "The Hill of Resistance".
The Canopy Trail: an aerial walkway in Nyungwe Forest - not for those with a fear of heights!
Pylon and wires of the canopy walk, built by the Canadian specialist "GreenHeart Conservation Company Ltd".
The biggest in East Africa, with its highest point situated 90 meters above the ground.
A diademed (or blue) monkey eating fruits in allophylus abyssinicus tree.
Maintained daily, it can support maximum 4 tones.
A family lunch: rabbit, beans ...and a ( room temperature) Primus! Yummy .
Nina, one of my nieces, shyly greets you!
KIGALI AIRPORT
My friend dropped me off in advance because i've been confused with the arrival time of the QR536 and the departure time of the QR537. But it has been proved at least a great idea because the best local football team APR ( the Army Patriotic of Rwanda) was going to play an African Champion league game in Tunisia (that they lost 2-3 in the last minutes)
With no on line check-in available, i've made my way to one of the two counters opened, but it took ages due to some member of this team spread on both lane. After a 10 minute wait a QR agent got opened a third lane specifically for them. Thankfully it has partially relieved from the pain because afterwards an issue on printing out the BP happened. The check in agent, holding my credit card, mentioned a computer problem.
Modernisation? Yes! The Chinese company clearly says NO to the "new airport project at Bugesera" .
The A.P.R. Football relaxing land side
A good friend of mine posing with a local star
Check-in desks, with the intriguing "C-9" on ET screen noticed by Gabrielchew
A total mess!
Time to go seamlessly upstairs to the emigration and then the lounge.
I don't own any Frequent flyer "Elite" status with QR but a friend told me about a nice promotion at the Pearl lounge operated by National Aviation Services (NAS) a renowned provider of ground handling services company based in Kuwait. Apparently they own or operate some lounges in Egypt, UAE too along with having agreements at few European airports like LGW, LHR and AMS too.
Gabrielchew produced a wonderful synopsis of the Pearl Lounge, with his first unreleased images of this relatively new refurbished place, in this awesome TR:
Usd 10 was the entry fee meaningful 50 % off, 12h45 represented the theoretical time of check in inside showed on the receipt, the strict steward did not know why i showed up here only at 13h35, instead of the aforementioned time. He finally waived me inside after a fierce negotiation.
A substantial saving: lounge fee reduced to USD10 instead of 20
Pearl Lounge
The awful seating area: "the-must-be-seen-in-the-lounge-by-everybody" (no privacy)
The paying bar
Cold snacks offering
Beverages and fruits
The best seats approved by (again) Gabrielchew
My light bites
Comfortably settled in and watching Rwandair and Ethiopian birds
Think global, act local .
Boarding was called few minutes after the ET flight to the same destination – Entebbe – and while the first group of passengers got a ride in a Cobus 2000 or 3000, the second group (where i was) must walked towards the aircraft. No complain of course but again the lack of consistence.
Unlike two weeks ago, some details ought to miss. We were welcomed by an Asian crew and given the seat direction, I was sad to do not see any local hostess though. As you could realised during the inaugural flight, the load factor was light and one could choose any upfront seat, what two business men did.
B737 Ethiopian backtracking runway 10
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
Once the wheels up, the snack service enhanced the quantity tried by KLM and ET on the same leg consisting on a juice or water here an starchy edible cake could sponge the drink, well after the J fantasy, it was called a delusional comparison.
The Free Trade Zone
Kigali airport's overview and Kanombe
Armrest tablet and built in USB plug
IFE system activated and basic F&B service for the 55 minutes short hop
Superb livery of the East African majestic cranes: Air Uganda
No passenger left the aircraft in Eco in Uganda, whilst the J cabin remained empty from the initial departure city.
QR537: Leg Entebbe – Doha
After moving to the designated seat, Y cabin got almost full mainly by wazungu, the standard procedures of safety demonstration and take off towards the south. The middle seat remained unoccupied so we both enjoyed extra space.
Belgian Hercule C-130, CRJ200 and MD80 Air Uganda, and a Skycargo
Sjacob a local here, Lukeyboy95 (who crossed here in cement truck) ...
... and Abrelosojos (guessing already), are STRICTLY BANNED from answering the next question .
Other A.netters "Can you name and present this town's main attraction?" (two answers please)
A clue maybe? Perhaps!
Approaching the Lake Turkana in Kenya
Sunset over the Ethiopian desert
Once the service began, an unhygienic discovery partially ruined my appetite, the tray was filthy with some crumbs and other evidence of the lack of cleaning. The hostess was shown this but she did not really care and replied to complain to the local cleaning team in UG or RW. It so was hard to retain myself from a bad comment.
I recall having a choice of beef or fish, and opted for the latter, The food tasted okay, but the content of the tray was filled generously. One can notice that the starter – some green beans – and the dessert – sort of bread and butter pudding with custard – were exactly the same that Sjacob was served in his trip report:
After the coffee service, i've requested to a flight attendant a liquor similar to Baileys or Amarula (served on any international KQ flights) and she answered that Gin vodka or whisky were available only... that's really poor, (no rum or brandy either what a shame!!). So i finally sticked with water.
Greasy and filthy tray .
Would you be able to guess the previous snack service ?
No menu given, fish for main, Sjacob did you like the dessert?
Cabin almost full (nearly 90 %)
The rest of the flight was uneventful, i've tried to watch a movie in the super rich featured IFE, the screen was not really sensitive, and had to hit for the activating the features.
We flew quiet early over Doha (like 1h in advance), but the captain said that the congestion would force us to circle around, and indeed after 30 min we landed before the schedule.
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 2, posted (6 months 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 8413 times:
TRANSIT AT DOHA AIRPORT
Our kind fellow Akhmad perfectly described in one of his TR what everybody thinks about a transit here:
Quote:
Departures and arrivals in DOH always meant bus gates. so I tried to be discrete that time. [...] I got tipped over my shoulder two years ago for taking pictures, so I tried to be discrete that time.
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A "stolen" picture of AHH
DOH was rather crowded at this time of the night. Of course the mega shopping centre called for great bargains. Avoiding the temptation represented the biggest challenge here!
Thanks to one of my Premier credit card from the famous bank that advertises every single international airports in this world , i was granted a free access to the Oryx lounge ( one among the few allowing a free guest), also shared with AF/KL BA and LH Elite members and biz class
Located at the mezzanine it seemed the peak time here with three receptionists very active. The food offering was much better than Entebbe lounge along with the smoking area for those of you nicotine - addicted, otherwise for the rest of its equipment it can not compete with it , also because i could not find any shower .
Walking towards the next stop
Public departure lounge
Foreign airlines & other membership cards admitted here
Main seating area
The couch surfer style? .
Smoking room
One of the computer stations
The farthest buffet from the entrance
Wines, spirits and others can be obtained upon request to staff
The quietest place out there (first door on the left after reception)
.QR007: Leg Doha – London Heathrow
The usual strategy opted is to wait until "the last call", tonight one of the agent (prior the BP scanning) became surprised to do not see any visa for UK, while he saw a AMS stamp. A short explanation was satisfactory and he let me board the plane.
A "silly" dude yelled at me after this low quality photo
I was pretty much exhausted in that part, so i did not pay much attention about the details my apologies!
The 2-4-2 lay out is nice, especially for the window seat, the IFE box decreases considerably the foot-room.
Once airborne we were distributed:
- some candies and cold towel
- the usual stickers for meals duty free or rest
- a hot wrap stuffed with chicken (or vegetarian)
Once trays cleared, i fell asleep straight forward, and was waked up at the breakfast time by a male crew member. Thanks to the useful sticker!
A blurry view of the cabin
Push back on time
Banking left
A petty handful of candies "Zoom"
Choose your stickers
massive IFE box
Amenity kit
Well presented at least even at a late time!
Snack given ( the cool steward served me a second )
Wake up time, very mouthwatering for B/F.
The cool winglet!
Landing on time and taxiing up to the T4, i've tried the convenient e-passport gates but unsuccessful, anyway it was fast too with the many manned counters opened!
Qatar Airways, Airbus A340-600, A7-AGA at London Heathrow
.CONCLUSION
Overall, everything turned up smoothly, apart from few minor spots like the longish check in process, the overzealous lounge agent at KGL and the dirty tray in-flight. A normal flight that won't leave a wow factor, but will stick to what expected.
Why should you CHOOSE Qatar Airways to East Africa?
- The hot services for the flight times and the freebies are among the most satisfactory points.
- The fare, some EUR 230 cheaper (at the time) than the customary and mean one way suggested by the runner up cheapest option.
- Hopefully you can top up your BAEC account soon.
Why should you AVOID Qatar Airways to East Africa?
A "middle of the night" by bus connection ( until December if it's up to date)
The five extra hours are horrendous
You should rather give your hard earned money to an East African operator like Kenya Airways
In term of environment protection (think about our gorillas and wild forests?), the amount of CO2 and CH4 emissions during the extra flights damage seriously the planet's preservation.
Here are some results ( in tones of CO2 and CH4 emissions ) quiet obvious for some of you:
* KENYA AIRWAYS and its well performing 0,67 tones .
KGL – NBO = 0,08
NBO – LHR = 0,59
* Bad Boy = > Qatar Airways with a heavy 0,83 tones (excluding the bus transfers at DOH)
KGL – EBB – DOH = 0,38
DOH – LON = 0,45
* Best practise => SN Brussel Airlines a correct 0,62 tones
KGL – EBB – BRU = 0,58
BRU – LHR = 0,04
To conclude with QR, here the potential destinatios that could be reached locally departing from LHR or KGL instead of enduring the "byway"
How far will you reach at 1327 nm from LHR
.
With three YES and four NOs, you ought to consider another carrier concerning your travel opportunities to QR's East African countries!
Thank you for reading, comments and corrections are always valuable.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 3, posted (6 months 4 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 8116 times:
Hi EastAfspot
Great to follow up on your Africa reports. I like the pictures of the KGL area.
QR seems to do a great job! Nice work logging the A340-600, need to do it myself one day.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 5, posted (6 months 4 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 7021 times:
Very nice report Leonard...QR still seem pretty good.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Gabrielchew produced a wonderful synopsis of the Pearl Lounge, with his first unreleased images of this relatively new refurbished place, in this awesome TR:
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 9, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 5711 times:
Quoting Malayil (Reply 7): What exactly was the immigration issue the guy at DOH had?
younger, and in a transit i went landside to the terrace in AMS, on the way back to catch the next flight, i kindly asked an officer to stamp my passport ( for the only sake of having Schiphol on it), so what he did.
Then this guy at DOH questioned about having a stamp of AMS on a french passport .
Did something happen to you there?
Excluding the routine Vaccine-Preventable Diseases that you normally should be immunized at home, many foreign offices require to get those vaccinations prior going to both Rwanda and Uganda:
- Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B,
- Polio,
- Typhoid,
- Yellow fever
- Meningitis and Rabies
In both countries you are also exposed to Malaria, which can be prevented from :
- Taking a prescription antimalarial drug (Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine)
- Using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites
- Sleeping in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or using bed nets
Apart from my yellow fever vaccination that must be renew soon, I've been affected many times with malaria when i was based in Malawi, never in those countries though.
Quoting lychemsa (Reply 8): That's what scares me about going there.
Of course the recommendations ought to vary from a country to another! do you have a idea of an eventual first destination in Africa? If you plan correctly no big issue should happen. Start with countries like Senegal Morocco or South Africa
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 10, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 5635 times:
Léonard, really cool to see your QR experiece. It's quite good onboard service wise, and, the time on the ground in DOH might also be seen positive as a place to get some 'fresh air' and stretch the legs. Is DOH taxfree shopping really attractive? Because I'm due to fly longhaul on QR next month as well. So, you think the window seat on the A346 is better avoided? Do you know about their 77W?
Anyway, some great pics and a very nice flight all the way. QR seems a very ok choice to me.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 11, posted (6 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 5485 times:
Hi Leonard !
Thanks for another great report and very nice to see you go long haul this time!
I've had some great flights on QR so I think I'd stick to them especially if they are less expensive. My concerns for emissions are very low. I did fly QR out of NBO about five years ago on a 320 but would like to explore the area more in the future.
Not sure when the new DOH airport opens but for sure the experience there will be much improved.
Meals look good but too bad with the dirty tray table.
Looking forward to your next report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 12, posted (6 months 3 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 5184 times:
Hi Léonard,
great report with many nice pictures! QR's product looks decent as usual. Good to see you got on the A346.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Last November when the Tanzanian emigration denied the country's exit, i was forced to buy a last minute one way ticket with KLM at a hefty USD 1565 ( YCL cabin), sure they were – and still are – the most expensive out here.
Thanks god with the arrival of the Oryx, now a one way ticket cost only USD480 to London and 550 to Paris. A no brainer!
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): In term of environment protection (think about our gorillas and wild forests?), the amount of CO2 and CH4 emissions during the extra flights damage seriously the planet's preservation.
Here are some results ( in tones of CO2 and CH4 emissions ) quiet obvious for some of you:
* KENYA AIRWAYS and its well performing 0,67 tones .
KGL – NBO = 0,08
NBO – LHR = 0,59
* Bad Boy = > Qatar Airways with a heavy 0,83 tones (excluding the bus transfers at DOH)
KGL – EBB – DOH = 0,38
DOH – LON = 0,45
* Best practise => SN Brussel Airlines a correct 0,62 tones
KGL – EBB – BRU = 0,58
BRU – LHR = 0,04
I totally support any kind of real environment protection (e.g. protecting rain forests and wildlife, reducing waste etc) but I have serious doubts about the "official" climate theory. It's all about money and taxes IMO. There are numerous alternative views, but those are often being ignored.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): The Chinese company clearly says NO to the "new airport project at Bugesera"
Kigali International Airport is clearly operating at maximum capacity. Why does the company make such statement if the project is set up to accomplish further growth of Rwanda of neighboring countries?
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): ( the cool steward served me a second )
That’s the way I like it!
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): A normal flight that won't leave a wow factor, but will stick to what expected.
You sum it up aptly. Fitting final thoughts, I would say!
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): - Hopefully you can top up your BAEC account soon.
Hopefully, QR will come to Amsterdam soon!
Léonard, I feel like… I was there with you! The stay with your family, the visit to breathtaking sights with yet sometime confronting history, the meeting with local heroes, the flights, the layover, to Doha, the layover, what a fascinating journey.
Thank you so much for sharing and once again, for the great honor!
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 14, posted (6 months 3 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 4668 times:
Thank you Eric, Lars, Udo and Suryo for reading and commenting
Eric
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Léonard, really cool to see your QR experiece
You are welcome
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Anyway, some great pics and a very nice flight all the way.
Dank u wel
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Because I'm due to fly longhaul on QR next month as well.
Very interesting, are you going to Asia?
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): So, you think the window seat on the A346 is better avoided?
Not at all! If you are tall the IFE box might restrict the movement
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 10): Is DOH taxfree shopping really attractive?
IIRC you could get a nice Porsche Panamera S for usd 125 only . Seriously, i found the electronics around 15 to 20 % cheaper and the perfumes up to 40 % cheaper than the retail prices in the UK
Lars,
Quoting The777Man (Reply 11): Thanks for another great report and very nice to see you go long haul this time!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 12): I totally support any kind of real environment protection (e.g. protecting rain forests and wildlife, reducing waste etc)
.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 12): It's all about money and taxes IMO. There are numerous alternative views, but those are often being ignored.
Some are ignored, because a lobby hides them from the general public? Thank you for sharing your opinion on that matter concerning our future!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Why does the company make such statement if the project is set up to accomplish further growth of Rwanda of neighboring countries?
My apologies for mistaken you! I meant that "with these renovations the Chinese company implies there won't be a new airport before a long time" hope it is clear now
The lack of funds slows down local politics' ambitions...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Cool! But, where’s your photo?
Very good question! he merely wanted to show off after!
LOL, (did not know what was it) nope it's a quiche lorraine
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): By the way, good on you for not taking Heineken!
Heineken brews Primus and Mützig here, so not a big difference!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Boiled sweet and refreshing towel! Qatar is among the few airlines in the world to offer preflight service in Economy.
Which other(s) airlines set the standards at this level?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): A packet of cake? Come on! Why did QR not serve any of its delicious hot wraps?
Yes why?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): 32 inch of better padded seat. Not bad!
True! here you can stretch your feet beneath the seat, what is impossible on the bulkhead ones.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Jinja. Main attraction, …err… could it be the Source of The Nile?
Well done, you are exemplary Suryo! Did you knew it?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Was the menu not displayed on the screen? I remember it from my last time flying QR.
more likely, i did not explore the IFE that much, instead i read a magazine
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Gross! QR should have to seriously consider another cleaning company.
Are you kidding? there is barely one company on each platform LOL!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Thank you for showing us around. I was wondering where my brother-in-law and his wife ended up after severe delay they experienced.
What happened? Do you know if it was a former QR lounge? Because many items were branded with the Oryx logo
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Hopefully, such silly encounter will become history once The NDIA is opened.
Except for the second zone flights maybe, boarding by bus!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Léonard, I feel like… I was there with you! The stay with your family, the visit to breathtaking sights with yet sometime confronting history, the meeting with local heroes, the flights, the layover, to Doha, the layover, what a fascinating journey.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Wishing you and your family all the bests.
Suryo mille fois Merci, murakoze cyane
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 14): I meant that "with these renovations the Chinese company implies there won't be a new airport before a long time" hope it is clear now
Yes, thanks for the clarification.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 14): The lack of funds slows down local politics' ambitions...
That’s a shame.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 14): Very good question! he merely wanted to show off after!
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 14): For you which one is the most comfortable between SA, VS and LH
You still remember my A346s? Impressive. My favorite one was the SAA bird due to seating comfort (legroom) and the tail camera views. LH comes last due to cramped seating.
sjacob From Uganda, joined Apr 2009, 41 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 4078 times:
Lovely...wonderful...Weebale nnyo musajja...Weebalire ddala...another amazing trip all the way from Africa...
All the pictures of Africa, EBB and Uganda in general bring back memories, great memories of the place I call HOME...
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): One can notice that the starter – some green beans – and the dessert – sort of bread and butter pudding with custard – were exactly the same that Sjacob was served in his trip report:
I think I had the chicken. I never eaf fish because usually it is sea fish and I dont like sea fish that much.
About the tray, that was un-excusable and the air hostess should have cleaned it. The crew acted irresponsible by not wiping off the dirt. On our flight, we had mainly Japanese crew and trust the Japanese for being so hardworking and well mannered, am sure they would have acted appropriately.
Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): No menu given, fish for main, Sjacob did you like the dessert?
Am not 100% sure, but I remember finishing all I had in my "container"...and I remember something sweet for desert...it was Ok.
Now, the tricks used were; pretending that I didnt hear what he was saying to me, and I continued clicking until he came and tapped my shoulder and I realized he was probably of Indian origin or somewhere close by, so I also yelled back at him and asked him "Where is that written?". Now when talking to people who are non English speakers, always speak so fast and intimidate them...they will kinda recoil and feel a bit "shy" and then they will speak to you gently next time, and remind them that you are the customer... I have used that trick in DOH and NBO....but make sure you dont use it on a policeman...just the ground staff. And also people from non English speaking countries dont usually understand the accent if you speak so fast.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 15): My home country carrier Garuda Indonesia for instance.
Boiled sweets are offered as preflight service on domestic flight. You can see it here: Garuda Experience From Semarang To Denpasar (by akhmad Jul 14 2012 in Trip Reports)
While pre-packed juices are offered on international flights. My best friend Gavin (RvXKaz) has published great video reports here and here
Thank you for the link. Sure i will have a close look on both asap!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 15): A drawback of bulkhead seats apart from not being able to stow your carry-on within your arm reach under the seat
YupI forgot this one
Quoting akhmad (Reply 15): QR could consider Ugandans Mugati naamaggi for instance.
If Akbar Al Baker could take note on this right now... .
Still, well done to spot that dot, Uganda has a great variety of natural attractions! I always like there
Quoting akhmad (Reply 15): A four hour delay as their airplane went tech in PER, resulting in a missed onward connection to LHR and an extended layover up to three hours in DOH.
Oh no, luckily QR offers frequent departure to LHR, Were they accommodated there free of charge at least?
sjacob From Uganda, joined Apr 2009, 41 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 4021 times:
By the way, I forgot to point out, but Looking at the picture of KQ B777 at LHR for me was so lovely...I hope KQ continues to grow BIGGER and BIGGER.
By the way, the loads out of EBB on QR seem healthy, I wonder how EK is doing now that they deploy the A33o entirely to EBB without the support of ADD as it used to be the case before...
By the way, I have a "soft spot" for EK and I will try to fly them next time.
And by the way seeing the Emirates B747 Sky Cargo at EBB has shocked me, I didnt know EBB is capable of receiving B747...
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 20, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 4008 times:
Tukusanyukidde Ssebo Jacob
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): Lovely...wonderful...Weebale nnyo musajja...Weebalire ddala...another amazing trip all the way from Africa...
ndi musanyufu, Weebale Nnyo .
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): All the pictures of Africa, EBB and Uganda in general bring back memories, great memories of the place I call HOME...
For how long do you have to stay away from Home?
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): I never eaf fish because usually it is sea fish and I dont like sea fish that much.
Fair enough, not to many suppliers in Uganda, same as Rwanda .
Do you remember the meal served on the morning sector to ZRH?
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): About the tray, that was un-excusable and the air hostess should have cleaned it. The crew acted irresponsible by not wiping off the dirt.
Cannot agree more, they were not extremely busy too!
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): On our flight, we had mainly Japanese crew and trust the Japanese for being so hardworking and well mannered, am sure they would have acted appropriately.
Your were lucky, honestly, i wish this crew could be more comprehensive
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): but I remember finishing all I had in my "container"...and I remember something sweet for desert...it was Ok.
Yup, nothing overwhelming!
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): Now, the tricks used were; pretending that I didnt hear what he was saying to me, and I continued clicking until he came and tapped my shoulder and I realized he was probably of Indian origin or somewhere close by, so I also yelled back at him and asked him "Where is that written?". Now when talking to people who are non English speakers, always speak so fast and intimidate them...they will kinda recoil and feel a bit "shy" and then they will speak to you gently next time, and remind them that you are the customer
thanks for the hint! might be useful for next time
Quoting sjacob (Reply 17): NBO....but make sure you dont use it on a policeman
that's an understatement... lol ... Strange at NBO, ground staff, policemen, crew are generally open mind. never have nay issue whatsoever!
My " Brother ",
your comment is highly appreciated, now i wish you to enjoy the most of Germany and to discover as much as you can.
I do wish (and hope) to read any TR from you, any time. .
Tunaalabagana Jacob
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): Thank you for the link. Sure i will have a close look on both asap!
I hope you will enjoy them.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): If Akbar Al Baker could take note on this right now... .
If he would take note, I'd like to call out 'Qatar to Amsterdam! Please!'
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): Still, well done to spot that dot, Uganda has a great variety of natural attractions!
Thank you.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): Were they accommodated there free of charge at least?
Yes, at the end, after several urgent requests.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 18): Ok, dedicated to J pax and Elites members or only the latter (i just want to get a comparison point with other lounges in that region)?
Oryx Lounge is dedicated to Qatar Elite members traveling in Economy. The Premium Terminal is only accessible for passengers traveling in Business or First regardless the membership status.
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 22, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 3992 times:
Ki kati
Quoting sjacob (Reply 19): the picture of KQ B777 at LHR for me was so lovely...I hope KQ continues to grow BIGGER and BIGGER.
Fews month ago they released a massive expansion plan, like covering all the African capitals by 2016 or the like. The main issue for KQ was their outdated hub, i'm impatient to set foot asap out there,
Quoting sjacob (Reply 19): By the way, the loads out of EBB on QR seem healthy,
On our both flights the were doing pretty well ( not sure about the mix but lot of tourist at least). Don't forget that Gulf Air tried to resume the route in the same time as QR, but they completely failed...
Quoting sjacob (Reply 19): By the way, I have a "soft spot" for EK and I will try to fly them next time.
Ahh, you too . We need to find the opportunity together!
Quoting sjacob (Reply 19): I wonder how EK is doing now that they deploy the A33o entirely to EBB without the support of ADD as it used to be the case before...
The indian and chinese communities play a major part, what do you think!
Quoting sjacob (Reply 19): I didnt know EBB is capable of receiving B747...
i've seen once a B747*** at Kigali, so i've never doubted about it here, NBO runway has 450 meter more than its counterpart at EBB.
Sula bulungi
*** ( it was a 747 SP, so maybe irrelevant )
[Edited 2012-10-26 14:10:21]
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Yes, at the end, after several urgent requests.
Really???? . With KLM, you don't even need to ask, their customer care and ground staff deal with those issues in not time...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Oryx Lounge is dedicated to Qatar Elite members traveling in Economy. The Premium Terminal is only accessible for passengers traveling in Business or First regardless the membership status.
That's exactly what i wanted to know, now what about Dubai cheers? is it similar J & C are separate to FF status?
Again many thanks for enlightening me
See you later
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 23): Really???? . With KLM, you don't even need to ask, their customer care and ground staff deal with those issues in not time...
That's good to hear about KLM. In case of my in-laws, hopefully, it's just a one off with QR.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 23): now what about Dubai cheers? is it similar J & C are separate to FF status?
That was not the case when we visited Dubai last yea February.
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 25, posted (6 months 2 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 3409 times:
hi again Suryo
Quoting akhmad (Reply 24): Definitely! It is widely confectioned in African countries as well like Angola, Mozambique, São Tome and Principe and Guinea-Bissau.
In this case it might be called with a different name
Quoting akhmad (Reply 24): But, Cathay is slightly better as it flies to AMS.
ahah, be patient one day they will honour your city, hopefully you will be part of the inaugural...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 24): In case of my in-laws, hopefully, it's just a one off with QR.
yup, perfection is hard to reach all time,
Quoting akhmad (Reply 24): That was not the case when we visited Dubai last yea February.
Was it the Marhaba lounge? Does EK use terminal l 1, 2 or 3?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 24): aligator! (Sorry, I cannot help it!)
In a while crocodile...
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
sjacob From Uganda, joined Apr 2009, 41 posts, RR: 0 Reply 26, posted (6 months 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3253 times:
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 22): Fews month ago they released a massive expansion plan, like covering all the African capitals by 2016 or the like. The main issue for KQ was their outdated hub, i'm impatient to set foot asap out there,
Quite an ambitious plan, but to some extent it is achievable as African Middle Class grows more and more every year. However they are too expensive...they need to revise their prices...And yes, me too I dont like NBO, it seems crowded, but they are expanding it, hope it will be much better.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 20): For how long do you have to stay away from Home?
1 year, so far 4 months down...
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 20): Do you remember the meal served on the morning sector to ZRH?
It was basically breakfast...no dinner...just breakfast.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 20): My " Brother ",
your comment is highly appreciated, now i wish you to enjoy the most of Germany and to discover as much as you can.
Thanks brother, hope to see you soonest.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 22): Don't forget that Gulf Air tried to resume the route in the same time as QR
In my opinion, GF didn't understand the Ugandan market. Truthfully, since they don't fly to the most popular destinations in Asia for Africans such as CAN, PEK and specifically Chinese cities, they couldnt survive so long since most Ugandans fly to China and may be BKK for business.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 22): Ahh, you too . We need to find the opportunity together!
Surely, one day...
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 22): The indian and chinese communities play a major part, what do you think!
Yes, the biggest percentage of people flying out of EBB head to Asia...especially China and India so an airline that doesn't cover these routes cant survive in the Ugandan market.
By the way, I forgot to mention but by the time the QR flight arrives to DOH from EBB, DOH is like a cattle craal...Extremely crowded and you can mistake it for an airport in India like DEL or Chennai
Ciao
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 29, posted (6 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2371 times:
Jacob,
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): Quite an ambitious plan, but to some extent it is achievable as African Middle Class grows more and more every year.
.
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): However they are too expensive...they need to revise their prices...
Did you hear about Jambo Jet, the Kenya Airways low cost subsidiary?
They will operate on the East African routes, including Entebbe and also Kenya domestic market
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): I dont like NBO, it seems crowded, but they are expanding it, hope it will be much better.
As European traveller, NBO is charmless in many ways, however as African regular visitor too i truly like this hub, especially the nice views at the 7th floor for spotting, the laid back atmosphear, the smiling staff...
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): 1 year, so far 4 months down...
Well You should extend it you you can!
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): It was basically breakfast...no dinner...just breakfast.
Only one service? the flying time differs by half an hour only
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): Thanks brother, hope to see you soonest.
Maybe for an Airliners.net meeting in Africa... .
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): In my opinion, GF didn't understand the Ugandan market. Truthfully, since they don't fly to the most popular destinations in Asia for Africans such as CAN, PEK and specifically Chinese cities, they couldnt survive so long since most Ugandans fly to China and may be BKK for business.
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): Yes, the biggest percentage of people flying out of EBB head to Asia...especially China and India so an airline that doesn't cover these routes cant survive in the Ugandan market.
Great in-depth analysis!
The discovery of oil besides its tourism potential suddenly makes Uganda attractive for global airlines. I wonder which airlines will benefit the most from these factors? the european giants (KLM, BA, SN), or the Gulf carriers along with TK?
What is the place for your airline Air Uganda? I think it has a huge potential in the regional market and a safe bet for the future!
Quoting sjacob (Reply 26): by the time the QR flight arrives to DOH from EBB, DOH is like a cattle craal...Extremely crowded and you can mistake it for an airport in India like DEL or Chennai
Really? . Next time maybe it will be better to board QR539 that hopefully arrives outside the rush hour there.
PlaneHunter,
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 27): Yes indeed. SAA is one of my favorite carriers.
Still need to try it, thanks for the recommendation .
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 27): I don't like transfers in the middle of the night, so I'd opt for a day flight without amenity kit.
I can only concur with you with that point, at least you have many flight options to MUC.
Suryo,
Quoting akhmad (Reply 28): I just put it that way, then.
Though, I've read somewhere that QR is overrated, especially with Skytrax... so what to believe? .
Quoting akhmad (Reply 28): No, Emirates Business Lounge at Terminal 3.
Thank you for that (bad) news lol, it must have been a great lounge then for you...
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 32, posted (6 months 1 week 8 hours ago) and read 2197 times:
Hi Léonard,
Wow, another excellent narrative of yours. A nice couple of light on QR and good to see you getting on the A346, my all time favourite Airbus! It looked like the cabins on your flights gradually filled up: practically empty on the first leg and well filled on the others. You have a good eye for layout and your pics of the local Africa continue to fascinate me. And I'm sorry but I cannot answer your question about the pictured town near Lake Turkana
Don't worry, EK F&J lounge must be much better, but the other one should be nice too considering a free access!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 30): Our lounge visit was really enjoyable. May I present you my reports about it:
Incredible India: Dubai To Delhi And Beyond (by akhmad Apr 1 2011 in Trip Reports)
Dubai-Amsterdam: A Tribute To Friendship (by akhmad Jun 3 2011 in Trip Reports)
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): I recently flew them myself to and from HKG.
Awesome report, i will have a look again
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): I too was rather pleased with them, but not overly impressed.
You've got the point . Great but not awesome!
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): but I think the IFE boxes were even bigger on the A330's!
LOL, as likely as not!
Hello Nils
Quoting sultanils (Reply 32): Wow, another excellent narrative of yours.
Glad you've enjoyed, those nice words mean a lot for me! thank you
Quoting sultanils (Reply 32): A nice couple of light on QR and good to see you getting on the A346, my all time favourite Airbus!
Really, you should log one asap, a rare bird indeed! Sadly i was to tired to get good pictures of it,
Quoting sultanils (Reply 32): It looked like the cabins on your flights gradually filled up: practically empty on the first leg and well filled on the others.
Guess what it was much better when it was empty ! Entebbe attracts both business and tourism travellers !
Quoting sultanils (Reply 32): And I'm sorry but I cannot answer your question about the pictured town near Lake Turkana
At least you've tried your best to find out! well done
You got the answer in the Kenya airways flight!
Thank you folks, that's really nice from you
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
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From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, 
.
.
. Again!
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?
, i was granted a free access to the Oryx lounge ( one among the few allowing a free guest), also shared with AF/KL BA and LH Elite members and biz class
.
KENYA AIRWAYS and its well performing 0,67 tones 
= > Qatar Airways with a heavy 0,83 tones (excluding the bus transfers at DOH)
=> SN Brussel Airlines a correct 0,62 tones
From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, 
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From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, 
From Uganda, joined Apr 2009, 41 posts, 
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.
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. We need to find the opportunity together!
. With KLM, you don't even need to ask, their customer care and ground staff deal with those issues in not time...
. Next time maybe it will be better to board QR539 that hopefully arrives outside the rush hour there.
From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, 
Sultanils
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