Newbie From Singapore, joined Sep 2001, 3 posts, RR: 0 Posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 2576 times:
Thought you might be interested in the most unusual flight I ever took. It's a little short on technical detail, but I hope you still enjoy the info.
Flight from Singapore Changi to Christmas Island.
Plane - Boeing 737
Airline - It had an MAS badge on the tail, but that was the only way of identifying it. See below for description of the inside.
Flight time - 1 hour 40 minutes.
This was a special flight, taking various business people to Christmas Island for a media announcement. I arrived at Changi Terminal One for check-in. There was just one specially designated desk for the 15 or so people taking this flight. After checking in, we were escorted straight to the departure gate. Walking past the flight departure screens I could see our flight had been designated XX 1.
From the departure lounge I could see that the only markings on the place were an MAS tail badge.No other markings.
Inside it was more like a private jet. The front third was normal airline seating, albeit very plush and with economy-plus leg-room. The rear two thirds, though were amazing. Three sets of four huge, leather seats around big tables (the seats facing front and rear). Also two huge sofas, with deep shag-pile carpet. A small bar area. In the rear, 2 washrooms, with gold plating everywhere.
We took off at around 7pm for the short flight to Christmas Island. Looking after the passengers were 4 flight staff in some kind of uniform...not normal MAS. Shortly after take-off we were offered drinks. I had a scotch and soda in a huge crystal tumbler. Dinner was then served. Three fantastic courses, without doubt the best food I've had in the air.
We arrived at Christmas Island after dark, so couldn't see anything outside. When we touched down, the only other plane there was a Royal Australian Air Force VC10 (I think).
The terminal building was small, and a simple functional concrete block
On the return journey the next day, the pilot circled at low level (I'd estimate around 3000feet) around the Island shortly after take-off so we could have a close look at what we'd already seen from the ground (the proposed site of a satellite launch pad).
It was a great flight on an unusual plane to an unusual location. I was told the plane is meant to be used by the Malaysian Government, but it can be leased for private use.
LH526 From Germany, joined Aug 2000, 2257 posts, RR: 17 Reply 1, posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 2479 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi
great trip-report, very interesting to see some reposrt from this remote area on earth.
I think you flew on the MASstar Boeing 737-700, a grweta plane used for occasional private chartes and VIP services.
Can you please contact me via email (It's in my profile) I have some questions to you regarding that flight. Thanks a lot!
best regards
Mario
Trittst im Morgenrot daher, seh ich dich im Strahlenmeer ...
USAFHummer From United States of America, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 54 Reply 2, posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 2385 times:
I dont think the RAAF has VC-10's...the RAF still does however...a most interesting report though, thanks for posting it!
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
OdiE From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 1641 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 2358 times:
Airbus Lover From Malaysia, joined Apr 2000, 3248 posts, RR: 10 Reply 4, posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 2364 times:
But hold it right there guys!!!
When was this flight taken?
9M-BBJ no longer exists and is now M53-01. I saw it 1 June 03 with its MASTAR titles and MAS logo gone and rego changed to M53-01 flying as a VIP replacement of M47-01 (sold to Mayor of Moscow) Global Express.
Perhaps the sale of 9M-BBJ to the Government/Air Force is not too long ago?
UN_B732 From United States of America, joined Jul 2001, 4286 posts, RR: 5 Reply 5, posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 2328 times:
I wonder what the ....press anouncment was about..if it's not confidential.
Newbie From Singapore, joined Sep 2001, 3 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (9 years 11 months 3 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 2347 times:
Thanks Odie....that's exactly what I flew on....and i sat in the rear facing window seat in the picture.
The flight was about 18 months ago.
And the press announcement was the signing of the deal between the Australian Govt and the Asia-Pacific Space Centre, allowing the latter to build a satellite launch pad on the Island.