Calling All A345 B727 Fans..............

a345b727 · Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:26 pm

After many years of reading (and thoroughly enjoying) the Anet forums, have finally taken the plunge and joined up. You'll see from my username that I'm an unashamed fan of the A345 and B727. From the comments I've read in the past, I'm one of the apparently rare breed of aircraft enthusiasts who has a foot in both A and B camps (tongue firmly in cheek......).
Am calling on any other A345 and/or B727 fans out there to share their love for, and experiences of, these great airliners.
Have flown the B727 but sorry to say that the A345 is still on the to do list. Living in SIN so the SQ SIN EWR flight would have been sensational, but the business class ticket cost was an insurmountable issue unfortunately, and now it's gone...............

apfpilot · Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:30 pm

I too loved the 727, I didn't use to be quite so fond of it but I think it is a matter of you don't know what you've got till its gone, combined with the fact that it seemed to be all I used to fly on when I was a kid. I think my last flight on one would have been 2000ish on DL from BUF-ATL.

cf105arrow · Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:22 pm

Slightly off topic but since you are an a345 fan. Any clue what happened to the two ex TAM / ex AC birds? are they still AC owned? put of for sale or just laying in some desert?

s4popo · Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:31 pm

Quoting CF105Arrow (Reply 2):
Slightly off topic but since you are an a345 fan. Any clue what happened to the two ex TAM / ex AC birds? are they still AC owned? put of for sale or just laying in some desert?

seem to be stored, but not sure exact location

http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-a340-445.htm
http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-a340-464.htm

Ty134A · Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:36 pm

Welcome!

Oh well, that is a strange combination of favourites! I've been on both, B727 on Ansett and Northwest some time ago, and on Iran Aseman not too long ago. I also was on the 345 twice, both rides EK.... and it was dissapointing! I love the plane but rather not fly on it.

But here's one thing I recommend: go to Moscow, book AHYs 345 to GYD, go on to IKA and ride Asemans B727s until you go crazy! A return ticket in Iran will only be about 60 US$, maybe less....

Have fun posting!

LH707330 · Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:06 pm

Quoting s4popo (Reply 3):
Quoting CF105Arrow (Reply 2):
Slightly off topic but since you are an a345 fan. Any clue what happened to the two ex TAM / ex AC birds? are they still AC owned? put of for sale or just laying in some desert?

seem to be stored, but not sure exact location

http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-a340-445.htm
http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-a340-464.htm

They were leased to TAM, stored in Malta, and are/have been flown back to Brazil to get returned soon.

EPA001 · Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:10 pm

Quoting a345b727 (Thread starter):
Have flown the B727 but sorry to say that the A345 is still on the to do list

Nice topic.

I loved the B727 to fly on as a passenger. Some of by best flights ever were on that airplane (UA flights). I share your view that the A340-500 is one of the best aircraft to be a fan of. Still the best looking airliner ever to me, by far. Also I have not travelled on the A340-500, but had several flights on the A340-600 (LH-flights). Those I also really, really liked.

Piedmont727 · Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:24 pm

as the username says I love the way the 727 looks and sounds

brilondon · Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:26 pm

Quoting apfpilot (Reply 1):

I too loved the 727, I didn't use to be quite so fond of it but I think it is a matter of you don't know what you've got till its gone, combined with the fact that it seemed to be all I used to fly on when I was a kid. I think my last flight on one would have been 2000ish on DL from BUF-ATL.

I loved flying the 727. I had flown on AC, EA and DL with the 727. The last time was in spring of 2002 on DL from ATL to BUF. I have also flown on AC's A345s but did not like the experience.

GSPSPOT · Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:42 pm

Most of my early flying was on DC9s and 727s of SO, EA and the first NA. To me growing up in the 1970s, 727s were the "big" planes that flew into my region, so I've loved them starting then until today.

My only experience with the A340 was the original version (-300?) from FRA to ATL in the mid-90s. It was a nice enough ride, but I don't remember too much. Sure wish I could have afforded to fly one of the SQ or TG 345s from North America while they were around though!

[Edited 2014-01-24 15:46:20]

col · Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:42 pm

Good selection of favorites. Have flown 727's - AA, DL, UA, LH, AF and IB. 345 of SQ and EK. Both planes were nice to fly on offering reliable service. With all the retirements happening now, I do tend to look for older aircraft to use for my trips before they are gone. With moving to Asia it is getting more difficult.

ORDJOE · Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:57 pm

I took the A345 on TGs BKK-LAX route that is now done via ICN. This was my first long haul flight on a foreign airline, and
throughly impressed. I got the exit row just by asking, which was a help for a 16 hour flight (I think it was normally 17 hours, but had quite a tail wind and was going 700mph+ a lot of the flight)

It was a nice elegant looking bird, but end of an era I suppose.

As for the 727, flew on those a lot out of ORD in the late 80s and 90s, was quite young though so I do not remember much.
I know birds are loud on take off, which I actually love the sound of the engines reving up.

Mortyman · Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:01 am

Welcome ! I have never flown the Airbus A345, however I have flown the Airbus A343 ( Air Tahiti Nui ). Love the Aircraft. I think the A340 is the most elegant Aircraft still flying. Flown the Boeing B727-200 several times ( American Airlines, Mexicana, Lufthansa, Pan Am and Sterling ) Miss that aircraft in commercial traffic ...

planeguy727 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:13 am

Huge 727 fan. Flew many of them over the earlier years of my life (AN SYD-ADL-ASP was a favorite). Was fortunate to get my last flight on the type in the early 2000 on DL before retirement (SYR-ROC-ATL).

Enjoyed the A345 on LAX-SIN and SIN-EWR. Booked specifically to get on these flights before then ended. More money that I wanted to spend, but having missed a few other opportunities thinking about $$$ I decided to just do it. Figured I could make more money but won't again get the chance to do A345 with SQ in J on the then two longest n/s flights. Such a unique combination it just had to be done. No regrets at all!

PA727 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:14 am

PA727 says it all. Spent a fair amount of time on 727s with Pan Am and some with TWA and American. The engine sound was a dream, and with the number two engine above the fuselage, it had a substance, muscle and sexiness the DC 9 and MD 80 couldn't match. The larger tail and rear structure added to the muscular appearances, not to mention full extension of the flaps on landing.

It's only after the 727 had flown off into the sunset that I developed an appreciation for the MD's, but that is mainly because of the 2x3 seating arrangement and being some of the last birds of a previous generation.

Everyone has a favorite, and for me it will always be the 727.

Viscount724 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:51 am

Quoting PA727 (Reply 14):
The engine sound was a dream, and with the number two engine above the fuselage, it had a substance, muscle and sexiness the DC 9 and MD 80 couldn't match.

The 727's number 2 engine isn't above the fuselage. It's at the rear of the fuselage in line with the passenger cabin and at the same level as the other two engines. The air intake for the engine is above the fuselage with an S-duct leading to the engine, much like the L-1011.

[Edited 2014-01-24 17:04:40]

[Edited 2014-01-24 17:05:58]

dwightm · Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:57 am

I used to fly PSA between LAX & SJC about 4 to 5 times a week, mostly on 727s until the MD-80s and the 146s came along. 727 was my favorite passenger jet. Plus fast boarding and de-boarding from front & rear at SJC.

GSPSPOT · Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:59 am

Quoting PA727 (Reply 14):
The engine sound was a dream, and with the number two engine above the fuselage, it had a substance, muscle and sexiness the DC 9 and MD 80 couldn't match. The larger tail and rear structure added to the muscular appearances, not to mention full extension of the flaps on landing.

It's only after the 727 had flown off into the sunset that I developed an appreciation for the MD's, but that is mainly because of the 2x3 seating arrangement and being some of the last birds of a previous generation.

OMG - were you and I separated at birth?? lol

WesternA318 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:20 am

I've flown on 727's from Western, TWA, Delta, Olympic, Continental, PSA and Air1. I miss them quite a bit, as for the A345, I've flown only once, on the EWR-SIN route connecting onwards to SYD. It was a nice bird...but the A380 I connected on afterwards eclipsed it.

PC12Fan · Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:25 am

Quoting a345b727 (Thread starter):

You sir, are the reason A.net exists. Like me, you are an airliner fan. And although the 727 isn't my favorite Boeing bird, it is near the top of the list. The A345 however, is on the top of the list as my favorite from Airbus.

Welcome to A.net!

BN727227Ultra · Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:38 am

Flew on EA -100s, and BN NW and TW -200s. Closest I've been to a 340 was seeing an LH -600 at ORD

727LOVER · Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:56 am

I think my username gives it away!!!!!

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Ab345 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 2:21 am

Welcome friend! As you can see we share an affection for the 345 (username) ! Unfortunatelly also haven't gotten a chance to fly on it yet. Planning a trip to BKK with Thai sometime this year and maybe I ll get to finally!

a36001 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 3:28 am

Nice topic...and welcome.

The A345 is by far the most beautiful model of the A340 range and such a massive shame the aircraft was not more popular in numbers with the airlines for what ever reasons. The aircraft suited all liveries that were put on it, and those huge engines compared to its older cousin the -200 and -300 looked more proportionate. Actually (and I know this may sound strange) but the way the engines sit on the pylons on the -500 and -600 always amazed me. They seem to sit slightly above and forward of the wing rather than below and forward. Strange observation much?

kaitak · Sat Jan 25, 2014 3:57 am

Welcome to A.net

Quoting a36001 (Reply 23):
The A345 is by far the most beautiful model of the A340 range and such a massive shame the aircraft was not more popular in numbers with the airlines for what ever reasons

I'd have to say that the A345 is the most beautiful airliner flying, period. And it's pretty darn difficult to fly on it, because it's mostly been relegated to "off the beaten track" routes, mostly from the Middle East. I don't actually count as a Middle Eastern princeling, so I can't fly the VIP aircrat (of which there are quite a few now). However, I am thinking of going to Japan at some stage in the near future and was looking at interest in EY's AUH-ICN sector, with a connecting flight to KIX.

Unfortunately, it's not too hard to see why the A345 failed; it's the fact that it had four engines compared to the 777's two and the latter can do much the same; sad, but true. Still, I guess history is littered with airliners that didn't make the grade for one reason or another and yet are still much loved by enthusiasts: how poor aviation would be now if they were never made at all ... no Convair 880/990, no Tristar, no Mercure, no IL86/96, no 764/753 etc.

birdbrainz · Sat Jan 25, 2014 4:03 am

My father was a UA 727 captain. He would occasionally fly the 7am SJC-ORD flight in the late 80's.

I was an off-campus Santa Clara University student at the time, and would always time my route to school such that I would be exiting onto De la Cruz Blvd from 101 south just as the heavily laden 727 would pass overhead at less than 500 ft.

Windows down, it would thunder right over me. What a way to start the day!

ubeema · Sat Jan 25, 2014 4:32 am

I have flown a B727-200 operated by the defunct Air Afrique or RK in mid to late 80s. I believe it was on lease. I was a kid then and we used to fly it between DLA and BZV. What I enjoyed the most was using the staircase by the tail of the plane. My brother and I will purposefully seat in the back of the plane to get off there, while our parents will get off by the front.

Almost exactly 3 years ago I thought I would finally fly the A340, exactly the A343 operated by Air Mauritius between JNB and MRU. I was disappointed when I approached the jetway and did not see the quads, it was the A332 instead but that was a first too. I previously flown an AF A333. Luckily for me on the same business trip, i was now flying back to the US from DAR to DFW via LHR. As i was talking to our travel assistant she told me i could fly DAR-DXB on EK and DXB-LHR-DFW on BA. The kicker was EK had the A345, and i just said get me on that one. I was ecstatic she didnt even know why i was flying backward. I enjoyed the trip in J, it was super comfortable.

ubeema · Sat Jan 25, 2014 4:42 am

Here is a picture for RK B727-200

a345b727 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 6:11 am

Thanks very much for the warm welcomes, and for the posts. Am glad that the topic struck a chord with a good number of Anetters.
Thanks for the possible routings advice Ty134A and kaitak. Has given me food for thought for a possible trip.
And nice work with the photos 727LOVER. Really liked the AA one taking off, with the heavy exhaust. Brings back fond memories of the TN 727s thundering overhead out of ADL many years ago.
Miss those days, however the EK 77W going over at low altitude on takeoff is a reasonable modern day alternative. Great, loud sound. Can feel it go through you.

UK_Dispatcher · Sat Jan 25, 2014 6:13 am

Quoting birdbrainz (Reply 25):
My father was a UA 727 captain. He would occasionally fly the 7am SJC-ORD flight in the late 80's.

I was an off-campus Santa Clara University student at the time, and would always time my route to school such that I would be exiting onto De la Cruz Blvd from 101 south just as the heavily laden 727 would pass overhead at less than 500 ft.

Windows down, it would thunder right over me. What a way to start the day!

What an awesome memory. Anything I had forgotten about B727 noise was reinforced one night a few years whilst sitting outside the Birchwood hotel near JNB when our beers and conversation were overwhelmed by a heavily laden B727 freighter climbing out and banking right over us. The sound was phenomenal!

TheRedBaron · Sat Jan 25, 2014 6:37 am

Flew the 3 holer on Mexicana, Delta, Pan Am, United, Iberia, Western Airlines...Loved that darn tank...

The A343 once no 345...

TRB

deltacto · Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:47 am

Quoting ubeema (Reply 26):
What I enjoyed the most was using the staircase by the tail of the plane.

Getting on or off via those rear stairs were the best.
I remember flying BOS-DCA on a DL 727-200 back in 1992. Senator Ted Kennedy was on the flight.
When we arrived DCA there were no jetways available. So we parked on the ramp and the pilot announced we would deplane via the rear stairs. I was right behind Senator Kennedy going down the rear stairs, across the ramp, then inside the terminal and up another flight of stairs.
He was not at all happy!

bunumuring · Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:54 am

Welcome mate,
A fellow Australian and a fellow 'newbie' ...
I am fortunate enough to have flown on an Emirates A340-500 Sydney to Christchurch a number of years ago as the start of a self-designed aircraft enthusiast's trip of New Zealand. It was a wonderful flight and I loved every moment of it. The Airbus felt luxurious and was so smooth. It was a memorable flight and i am so glad I chose to fly on the A340-500.
As a side note, I was thrilled when I was able to buy the exact plane in 1/400 scale recently to add to my collection of die cast aircraft.
After flying the A340-500 to Christchurch, I flew a Qantas/Jetconnect 737-300 to Auckland before returning to Sydney on an Emirates 777-300ER. The Boeing was wonderful too, but didn't feel as smooth nor as luxurious as the Airbus.
I too believe the A340-500 is the best looking Airbus yet built. I hope many survive for second lives as VIP/government jets ...
Keep smiling,
And happy Australia Day for those who understand...
Bunumuring

b727fan · Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:14 am

My last flight on the awesome 727 was on DL from CVG-ATL, back in 2004! Love that plane and hope to someday get a chance to fly on it again. Unique design, and especially the wing view accompanied by the sound is something to remember. Thanks for the post

DexSwart · Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:29 am

Hey there!

Well, as a 17 year old I can say that I'm extremely lucky! I've flown on both.
Once with EK from CPT back to DXB on the A345.

But for me, the 727 was and always will be the most amazing aircraft ever.

I grew up in Zambia, however, I'd fly down to DUR twice a year from Ndola, via JNB.

In earlier times, I'd fly Interair, with the hopes of getting on their 727 as much as possible. Then, I'd manage to get onto Nationwide's 727 as well down to DUR!

Alas, now it's standard A319 and 737 fare. Save for Airlink's Avro.

There was something about its mighty take off that was... Simply arousing! No other aircraft could compete. Not even the mighty 777!

It was reliable, always comfortable, quiet, and, you got to board via the tail come stairs! It was simply a stunning aircraft.

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Connie58 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:29 am

Used to work on the B727-200s in the late 60s early 70s.
They did the job and did it well.

b773 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:38 am

I have flown on 3 EK A340-500 flights.
AKL-SYD
SYD-DXB
SYD-CHC

I love the A340-500 too although SYD-DXB is a loooong flight in Y!!

Here is a pic of my flight SYD-CHC flying over the Southern Alps:

bunumuring · Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:40 am

... And I should mention that I have flown many many times on Ansett and TAA/Australian 727s. All -200 and -200LR models. Never on a -100, sadly. I did however, get to go on a 'walk through' of the empty fuselage of the Ansett Air Cargo 727-200F (VH-RMX if my memory is correct) at a memorable airshow in Canberra many many years ago. It was the highlight of the static display.
Never did manage to catch the East West 727-200 ...
Keep smiling,
Bunumuring

PA727 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 11:06 am

Quoting Viscount724 (Reply 15):

Good callout Viscount, should have been more clear

hoons90 · Sat Jan 25, 2014 4:04 pm

Quoting a345b727 (Thread starter):
After many years of reading (and thoroughly enjoying) the Anet forums, have finally taken the plunge and joined up.

Welcome to Airliners.net!

Quoting kaitak (Reply 24):
However, I am thinking of going to Japan at some stage in the near future and was looking at interest in EY's AUH-ICN sector, with a connecting flight to KIX.

I'm booked on the A340-500 on that sector in April! Also flying back on the A340-500 in May, in the reverse direction. Do it!

Skyeurope · Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:22 pm

Quoting DexSwart (Reply 34):
Alas, now it's standard A319 and 737 fare. Save for Airlink's Avro.

The ride from Ndola down to Johannesburg still isn't "standard". Interair operates a twice weekly 737-200 service.

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