29th August 2006
SYD - PER
QF 575
B 747-338 Reg: VH-EBX
Seat: 49K
Depart time, scheduled 08:20 Actual 08:20
Runway 16R
Arrival time, scheduled 11:25 Actual 11:03
Runway 03

With business expanding in the Perth region, and also some other business reasons, I decided it was worthwhile to fly out for a quick trip. Also I had never been to this part of Australia before so it was a great opportunity to see this area.

Being an early flight, I managed to avoid rush hour and the trip to the airport was very quick. I checked in using the quick check kiosks, as I only had hand luggage. On seeing I had been allocated 40K, and knowing this was on the wing, I changed to 38K. However once I reached the Qantas Club lounge, I realised that in fact 38 was a blank, so I asked at the ticketing counter to be moved to another window seat. The nice lady said 49K was available and she would ‘soft block’ the other seats next to me – can’t argue with that for a 5 hour flight.

After answering some e-mails, I went to have a coffee and see if I could find the aircraft that would be QF 575 this day. With disappointment I noted it was EBX, one of the 2 743s I had already been on [EBU the other].

EBX from the Qantas Lounge

Boarding was quick, due to a very light load, and although the soft block was nice, probably unnecessary.


Another 743 heading for maintenance


Waiting for take off


Another to join the queue

Take off was to the south followed quickly by a right hand turn towards Adelaide, which we would fly right over. Breakfast was offered soon after levelling off, with a choice of cereal or a hot breakfast of bacon & eggs, which I went for.
The advantage of the 743 is the PTVs, unlike the other short haul flights, so I chose to watch “Failure to Launch” – mildly entertaining but passed the time nonetheless. After the movie finished I raised all the armrests, and had a sleep.


Passing over Adelaide


Landfall after crossing the Australian Bight

Due to the lack of the normal strong headwinds, the flight made good time, with arrival well before schedule.

Approach with the airport in sight


Perth International


30th August 2006
PER - SYD
QF 580
B 747-338 Reg: VH-EBX
Seat 26A
Depart time, scheduled 12:25 Actual 12:35
Runway 03
Arrival time, scheduled 18:20 Actual 18:20
Runway 34L

After a very quick 24 hours in the very lovely city of Perth, it was time to go back.
Again I checked in using the quick check, however this was the first time I actually had to wait to use a kiosk – didn’t bode well for an empty flight. My allocated seat was 34A, but I saw that 26A was free so I took it. I knew that the metal for today would also be EBX, so I was in no hurry to have a look.


EBX again

As per usual, I used the computers in the lounge to check on e-mails before enjoying the free food and coffee. Boarding call came on time and I headed down to the gate, and yes it did look like a full flight.
As per usual with full flights, boarding started from the last rows, but everyone pushed like the flight would leave without them.
Although the flight seemed to be full, most people travelling by themselves seemed to have the middle seat free, not as good as a whole row, but it was nice to have some extra space.


VH-EBB next stop MEL


Perth Domestic




Looking back towards the city of Perth


Old open cast mine just out of Perth

The entertainment was turned on about ½ hour after departure with a different list of movies on this leg than yestersdays. I chose Mission Impossible 3, but the scenery of the land below was far more interesting. The meal was served very quickly, helped by the fact I was close to the front. Choice was either chicken something or beef ravioli, which was my choice, followed by an icecream.




Leaving the WA coast


Landfall over South Australia


Port Lincoln


City of Adelaide

We landed on 34L which meant a quick taxi to the gate, and arrival on the blocks on schedule.

Overall good flights, but a smaller plane would have meant full loading and thus less relaxing. It makes a big difference to have that extra space, even in economy, to be able to have a useful days work afterwards.

Next flight: Unless its AKL next week, in 2 weeks I start a oneworld explorer trip first leg is SYD-HKG-CMB-HKG-SYD.

Thanks for reading