Hey folks  

Somewhere in mid-September, few of my colleagues and I got aware of one really important seminar for us in Copenhagen, Denmark. I was really thrilled, as this would be my first ever time to visit Denmark and it's capital city. Also, from the aviation side I expected a lot of goodies as CPH is one of the largest airports visited by many airlines, from lowcost to major international carriers (Delta, Thai, SAS...).

The time passed by, and the day finally arrived. Our itinerary stated that we are about to fly outbound leg to CPH with JatAirways flight JU 370, operated by Boeing B737-300 equipment, while our inbound leg would be flight JU 371, a week after.

Flight: JU 0370
From: Belgrade (Nikola Tesla/Surcin) BEG/LYBE
To: Copenhagen (Kobenhavn/Kastrup) CPH/EKCH
Date: November, 12th 2006
Departure: 08H45
Arrival: 11H05
Equipment: Boeing B737-3H9 YU-ANH
Crew: Cpt. Dimic, FO. Zivanov
Class: Economy (Y)
Seat: 10F - Overwing exit

As our flight was about to depart at 08H45, I woke up around 06 am, finished all the things I usually do in the morning, and at around 0640 my Dad drove me to the airport. In about 15 minutes, with almost no morning highway rushour (as it was Sunday) I was in front of Belgrade Airport Terminal Building. Took my bags out of the car, said bye to my Dad, and went straight to Terminal 2 Check-In hall. The moment I entered the hall I saw enormous number of passengers as about 6-7 flights took place in almost the same time. However, one check-in counter seemed a bit deserted so I decided to take my chances there.

The lady checked me in, in no time. I asked for overwing exit seat and I got it with absolutely no problem. She issued me a boarding pass, after tagging my bag, and checking out my passport as well as the ticket.



As you can see, the boarding pass states that our predicted boarding time will be 08H05, meaning 40 minutes before departure. Gate we will be using today is going to be A1.

Anyway, after having my boarding pass, I proceeded to the upper floor to the passport control. I expected that I am going to be inspected a lot at the customs/passport/security checkpoint, however it was no brainer   Passed through X-ray machine, as well as my hand baggage with laptop inside. No one said a single word, which is excellent   Immediately afterwards, went to the border control, gave my passport, the lady checked the visa inside, my passport data as well as boarding pass, stamped them and I was in the transit area   As I highly addicted aviation fan, the first thing I did is to check the airplanes at the gates  One of the highlights is this JU B737 prepairing for a flight to Prague.



The rest of my "gang" soon arrived, and after double espresso, first boarding call was made "Jat Airways announcing departure on flight 370 to Copenhagen, gate A1". In about 10 minutes, we were on our way to the gate.

As we could see, the aircraft flying the route today will be YU-ANH. A year ago it was returned from Nigeria, where it was operating for Aero Contractors. Remnants of the old, orange colour scheme were still visible, especially on the engines.

View Large View Medium Photo © Josep Manchado

View Large View Medium Photo © Uwe Lokowand

When we entered the gate area, it seemed that flight will have only around 60 passengers, and nothing more than that, which is good as it meant there will be no hectic boardings and waiting for delayed passengers whatsoever. At around 08H30, we went through the finger, straight to the aircraft, greeted by not that young purser. She took a look to my boarding pass, and directed me to my seat (which I already knew where it is, but hey it is her job to do that
   ). After taking my seat, the other passengers boarded the aircraft. Soon, the doors were closed, before that followed with "Boarding completed" and "Slides in armed and locked position". Immediately afterwards, cabin crew started their usual welcome and safety demonstration. During pushback, cpt. initiated start of engine No. 2, followed with that lovely whine sound 737 makes   Soon, both engines were started, while flight attendants were finishing their demonstration. As we were about to take off immediately (in less then 2 mins after pushback), cabin crew got the notice to take their seats.

Captain spooled up two mighty CFM56-B1 engines of our 737, and we were almost rocketed into the sky.... After only 15 second takeoff roll, we initiated right hand turn towards TISAK point which is most common intersection for north bound SIDs. Soon, the airport was on our down right side, and I saw two B737 lining up the runway for departure.... The first cloud layer appeared, and we continued our climb even more to the early November morning sky   Our route would take us over Northern part of Serbia, then to Hungary (will be flying over Budapest), Slovakia, Poland (western of Warsaw), North Sea and eventually, Copenhagen. Our predicted flying time is 02H10.

Soon, cabin crew started with their service: drinks, followed with snack, and drinks again (coffee also this time). I have to admit that coffee is excellent   Leveled into the cruise (36000 ft) I asked the purser to check with the captain if I can visit the flight deck, she came back in around 20 mins and I went with her to the cockpit. Talked to the guys up front for a bit, and came back to the seat. We had some strong turbulence over Poland, so captain turned the Fasten Seat Belt signs for some time.

The time passed by really fast, and we started our descent into Kastrup. It was really steep descend, followed with strong speed brakes action on the wings. After few turns we were alligned with the ILS (I forgot what's the runway identifier). I was impressed when I saw the windmills in the sea   Really good thing. Also, we were flying over water for a long time before finally flaring over the runway. 5 mins before schedule we touched terra firma, and hard braking action got our 737 to high speed exit. While leaving the runway, Spanair A320 from Malaga was about to land.





After not that short taxi, we were, chocks on, on C30 gate at Non-Schengen part of the terminal building, next to the Delta 767 bound for Atlanta, SAS A330 and A340 (both with VOLVO World Racing Tour marks) as well as new colors Thai 747 and a lot of MDs and Dash8 from SAS.

Soon, we went out from the passport and customs and we were off to the city   Second part follows soon