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Date: 9th October 2004
Airline: Japan Airlines
Origin: Singapore
Destination: Kuala Lumpur
Aircraft type: Boeing 767-346ER
Flight number: JL721
Time of departure: 1940
Departure Gate: C4
Arrival Gate: C14
Seat: 63A
Class: Economy
Registration number: JA608J
Departing runway: 20L
Load factor: 75%
Assigned FL: FL220
Arrival runway: 14L
Duration : 40 mins
I had some used mileage points to use, I have been thinking which flights should I go.Since I am currently serving army, I don’t have much leave days , I decided to go somewhere near for a day or two. I was thinking of SQ flights to Jakarta, KL or Bangkok but I have been to Jakarta and Bangkok earlier this year, so I decided to go for KL. Going to KL , I have only one airline in my mind and that is Japan Airlines. I always wanted to try their service and their 767. Looking at photos in a.net , their 767 have the 777 cabin interior and that is another plus !
Cabin shot of JA608J
I booked my ticket via Emirates who did everything for me. I paid about $54 for taxes including KL’s airport. When the day comes, I feel nothing but excitement. I just can’t wait to fly.
Cabin shot of JA608J
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Photo © Shenzhe
On the day itself, my friend informed me that I was going to fly JA608J, he told me that I can know the aircraft registration thru JAL Cargo’s website, that is new ! Anyway, packed my camera equipment which is essential as I planned to go to KUL for plane spotting. Thanks to Jonathan and Raymond for entertaining me ! Anyway, went to airport around in the afternoon, was quite an ordinary day so I decided to save my battery for cabin shots and spotting in KUL. I met my friend Roy who came to see me off. Thanks Roy! I checked in after an early dinner with Roy and I asked whether the flight was empty, the guy said yes and I was looking forward to an empty flight.
Did a bit of walking in the departure area, I went to my gate and saw a lot of passengers waiting in the gate. I was bluffed! Most of the passengers are Japanese as they probably came from Osaka. Soon the announcement came, boarding started. I was one of the few passengers to board the plane. I just couldn’t wait !! Boarded the plane with greetings and bows from the Japanese crews. I felt warmed instantly. The interior cabin of JAL’s 767 is absolutely attractive. The business class seats looks new ! Did they install them not very long ago ? As this 767 has the 777 cabin interior, the interior looks very spacious and the economy seats looks very nice and quite comfortable. For a 6’ feet 3’ guy, I have no problem with the seats.
Pushing back commenced, the engines started one by one. Starting from the right to the left, there is an immediate fuel smell after the engine got started but the smell didn’t last long once the engines are stable. I had a brief chat with a Singapore JAL flight attendant about JAL and why she chose JAL. I forgot her name , she told me she be connecting to a flight in KUL which will take her to Tokyo. Anyway, once the plane reached the runway, the plane paused for a while before applying power and off we go. We took about slightly less then half of the runway to lift off. Our take off was very powerful and smooth. It didn’t take long for the seat belt sign to go off, I took the chance to take some cabin shots, the crews were more then willing to help me take shots of myself in the cabin , they were pretty helpful and sweet ! Anyway, we were served a packet of drink and not long after that , we were descending, preparing for landing. This flight is sure darn fast ! If only JAL flies to Bangkok or Jakarta, then I will be able to enjoy the flight even more.
Landing on runway 14L was smooth, I saw some planes as we passed by, Air Asia’s 737, MH’s A330, B744 and B777. We parked just beside fellow company’s 773ER, JA732J. I was so envious because the earlier attendant I talked to was going to fly on that plane. Anyway, I waited for everyone to disembark before I make my way to the terminal. I browsed around for a while before I headed out met my friend Raymond and Jonathan. Jonathan, who was driving, took me for a little tour around KUL’s airport and the city itself. I was excited because the next days will a spotting day! I just can’t wait!!
My return flight’s trip report coming up next.
This is my rating for this flight.
Check in: 5/10 (I was bluffed that it’s an empty flight)
Service on board: 8/10, (This is what I call a good airline.)
Entertainment: Nil (PTV system was off)
[Edited 2004-10-11 17:46:49]
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