Feedback always appreciated.




I > Background:
As some of you know, I had to check-up on my Nigerian project in June – and able to combine with some other personal trips. As part of these adventures, I got to fly Air Burkina on BKO-OUA. After a fun 3 days in Ouagadougou (love how it sounds), it was time to head to Benin. What better way between the 2 cities than fly newly formed ASky.

This report is going to be many of “firsts” on A.Net. It will be the first report on ASky, the Ethiopian Airlines founded project, the first on the routing from OUA-COO, and the first featuring the country of Benin … and most excitingly for me, another 5th freedom route.

II > Pre-Flight:

a) Before Airport:
ASKY Airlines is a passenger airline with its head office in Lomé, the capital city of Togo. The airline was founded in 2008 by Ethiopian Airlines, which hold a 25 per cent stake. First revenue flight took place on January 15, 2010, and the airline has quietly grown to add new multi-stop flights to complement that of the “mother ship”. Additionally, it has also taken some flights that were previously flown by ET.

A Sky has a basic website at www.flyasky.com. It is an interesting site that outlines the ambitious plans of the airline to transform sleepy Lomé into the West African Addis Ababa. However, it does not have any functionality – and one cannot do their booking on the site. Not to worry. Mother still provides meaning that all KP flights are dual listed as ET flights and you can easily book them on Ethiopian’s website. ET’s site at www.ethiopianairlines.com is well-designed which is neatly laid out and easy to use. It choked several times to use my foreign credit card and I ended up just receiving a PNR. Not truly shocking – here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria. Anyways, a quick call to the U.S. call center solved everything, and my ticket was soon issued. I liked the fact that I can view my reservation and chose/modify my seat online. Not bad.

b) At Airport:
I have had my share of crazy airports around the world. Nothing quite prepares you for OUA. It is not really an airport – it is more a work in progress that is passing off as an airport. Of all the West African ‘gateways’ I have used, it is probably the least pleasant. So after being dropped, I followed signs under a make-shift holding place. Since the Air France flight was checking in, I was not allowed to go in – and, here the lines started forming with people yelling, screaming, pushing, shoving, and general mayhem. It was like being in a fish market. There is a huge contingent of American military people who were returning home via CDG and they were losing it in the chaos. It was interesting to watch their reaction due to the inability to speak French. Of course, like everything in Africa, rules were being bent to let family members and “others in”. Anyways, after being let in, you go through this make-shift pathway to the departure “lounge”. Now, calling it a “lounge” is a significant stretch of anyone’s imagination – it is more a room – slightly bigger than my bedroom – and my bedroom is not big. Here, I get to push and shove at the check-in line to meet the agent. No special lines for JCL passengers. The agent herself was wonderful and I was soon able to get my boarding pass, and my window seat. It was interesting to watch the ET staff supervising them.

Immigration and security then become the nightmare – you basically go from the “lounge” to an open area covered by cardboard – it was not fun trying to cart my roll-on through dirt. Literally, dirt. Since the open area is detached, there was the regular soil complete with rocks and stuff. The entire process took 45 minutes and at the end of it, I was rewarded by arriving at the boarding “lounge”. The boarding “lounge” is something completely out of a movie – think “Blood Diamonds” with Leo C and gang. It is one room where well dressed Africans jostled for space with European (mostly French) government officials, aid workers, and other expats who would be middle class in their own home … but had an air of “owning” this place. And in the middle of that, throw in some random Chinese, an Indian trader, a lost Canadian (seriously, what is up with the flag being on everyone’s backpack), and a few South African military men who were now “private security”. It was classic – in a very Bond’esque meet 2010 geo-politik way. So, like any person in my situation, I sat down and made friends with the South Africans who told me stories that I pray was exaggerated and as a result of all the alcohol we were consuming. All in all, a great experience – making me forget (overlook?) the lack of an airport lounge. Now, SN Brussels provides “coupons” to use at the bar. I was disappointed A Sky did not do the same.

30 minutes prior to departure time, we were called to board. Of course, there was a near riot – but this time caused by the station manager of Air France who questioned the audacity of the A Sky agent to call boarding when the precious AF boarding was still going on. It was actually all quite amusing to watch – especially the French security men who screen each passenger before final boarding. Thankfully, our A Sky station manager didn’t give a hoot about the AF one and told him off. Haha. Having consumed over 4 “whiskey” on the rocks in 30 minutes, I was in jovial spirits and started laughing – the security agent (you go through security again prior to boarding) asked me in French what was up – and I shared a joke about how funny the whole thing was. A veteran “elder” he rolled his eyes and said, “kids”. Classic.

Anyways, we boarded the bus for an entire 15 second journey to our parked A Sky aircraft with “Mother ship” ET’s 757 watching us in the background. Welcomed on board by a nice purser, who offered to hang my jacket, and brought me some water.

J load was 60%, and Y load was 90%.

Airport - External:

(Ouagadougou “Airport”)

*

*
(Waiting to get in)

*
(And this is what you wait to get in to)

*


Check-in:



Airport - Internal:



(FIDS)
NONE

(Post Security @ OUA)

*

*
(The SA “soldiers”)

*
(I could not find out what was free…)

Scenes of the tarmac:


*
(“Mother Ship”)


Lounge

NONE

Boarding:


(Gate area – ILBST very much in action)


III> In-Flight:

a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
Prior to take-off, a drink service of water and distribution of newspapers. After take-off, dinner and café. Interestingly (and contrasting to Air Burkina), no hot towels on the flight.

b) Aircraft + Seats:
A Sky’s flight was operated by one of the pair of 737-700s handed to them by ET. Anyways, while the yellow/brown symbolizing the African continent looked good on the outsiee, I was not a big fan of the way the seats and décor looked inside. Sure, it was different …after all, I can’t think of another airline with brown seats. The cabin was immaculately maintained, and I was rather impressed by the seats. They are domestic U.S. leather seats in 2/2 layout – more plush and a slightly larger seat pitch. All in all, more than sufficient for a flight that was less than 500 mile in length. Recline was also rather impressive – not as deep as the 9W 737’s that fly to BKK, but better than “arch nemesis” Air Burkina’s M87.

The bathroom was extremely well maintained throughout the flight. Again, kudos to the crew.

Aircraft:
(73G @ OUA)


Views from Aircraft:

NONE


General Seat Views + Seat Legroom

(Seat)


(Front of seat)
NONE

(Seat controls)


(Legroom: decent)


(Blanket)
NONE


Seat Recline + Angle View:


*


Cabin:


*


(Bathroom Amenities)


c) Meal + Beverage:
The excellent experience on Air Burkina was very much on my mind, and I was curious how this major “rival” shaped up. First thing one notice is that again, soon after take-off, the crew springs into action. Drink service commences with generous amounts of alcohol – and then a choice of meals – chicken, fish, or vegetarian. This was better than Air Burkina which had an excellent meal – but no choice. The male purser takes the order, and then the female FA comes to set my table. Unsurprisingly, given the 1,25 flight time, the entire meal comes together. Again, surprisingly, I am impressed! The absolute quantity and quality of the food is amazing. Take a look at the picture yourself. There was a very nice fresh salad with succulent shrimps; disappointing bread vs. Air Burkina, but a very nice African rice with seafood curry and yam(?) on the side(excellent!); small, but nice fresh fruit; and a great cup of café! While all perfectly adequate, presentation was definitely poorer than on Air Burkina where you got nice branded Air Burkina linen and cutlery. Anyways, I was again super impressed – pretty amazing stuff on a flight less than 500 mile long with relatively full load!

(Menu)
NONE

(Dinner on a flight less than 500 miles)

*
(Found the sugar packets interesting – a little piece of Latin America)


d) Inflight Entertainment:
A Sky has no IFE in the flight – no inflight magazines, nothing. While this was not a problem on such a short flight, it might be more troublesome on a longer stage length. I don’t understand this – these are brand new 737’s – why are they so poorly equipped? Also, why can’t they just use the ET in-flight magazine for now? All very disappointing.

NONE

(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.)


e) Crew:
A Sky crew are locally recruited and were not from the “mother ship”. They were a lot more relaxed than their Air Burkina counterparts, and the purser showed a level of maturity that seems to be lacking in some of these African carriers. What I mean by this is that they can go beyond what the “service delivery protocol” states and be more engaging with the passengers. This gave me the impression that they were less aloof than their Air Burkina brethren and displayed their natural warmth. Of course, in “technical merit”, they were outstanding – from the pro-active help provided during boarding, to responding to the call button, to the amazing ability to deliver a full dinner on a short flight.

Again, an extremely efficient crew who deserve tremendous appreciation for their hard-work. This is a multi-stop flight and they must do this over and over.

IV> Post-Flight:
Arrival at COO was smooth and we walked from the parking stand to the terminal. After OUA, COO felt like the most modern and amazing airport in the world – actually, the arrivals area is not too shabby. I had no checked bags, and soon made it outside where my Novotel driver was ready to take me to my cookie-cutter hotel.

(COO Arrivals)

*
(Outside COO Airport)


V> Impressions + Scores:
Yet again, I was impressed by the overall level of service on an African carrier. The short flight gave little opportunity for A Sky to “prove” themselves, and I think they did quite all right. The crew and the food stick out as particularly positive elements – though, the lack of IFE is inexcusable especially given the presence of the “mother ship”. Where A Sky has tremendous potential to improve is in ground handling for its premium passengers. I recognize the physical limitations of OUA – but this is an experienced African airline which should be on top of its game in its natural “home”. The lack of separate experience and the ability to not provide a drink voucher, etc. at OUA is poor. Finally, branding could be improved to distinguish themselves better. If Air Burkina can do the small branding touch-points with so much finesse, I’m sure well funded ASky can as well.

A Sky is an airline I would fly if I had choice. I would even be willing to pay a price premium for them. Thumps up for them.



Based on reader feedback, from now onwards, average will be benchmarked for premium and economy offerings separately.

VI> Other Trip Reports:

PREMIUM:
8.66: Brussels Airlines (93): FIH-BRU: 01/2010
8.64: Turkish Airlines (59): JFK-IST: 11/2008
8.63: Jet Airways (88): JFK-BRU: 10/2009
8.61: Air Canada (49): YYZ-SCL: 06/2008
8.54: Turkish Airlines (77): GRU-DKR-IST: 04/2009
8.36: Kingfisher (98): BOM-HKG: 01/2010
8.30: Jet Airways (74): KWI-BOM: 04/2009
8.23: United Airlines (72): SFO-SYD: 03/2009
8.11: Aeroflot (33): MOW-DEL: 09/2007
8.05: Air India (80): CCU-JFK: 06/2009
8.04: Korean Air (40): NRT-ICN: 10/2007
8.02: Delta Airlines (24): JFK-CDG: 08/2007
7.66: Sri Lankan (104): DEL-CMB: 07/2010
7.64: Royal Jordanian (91): AMM-YUL: 12/2009
7.61: China Southern (103): LOS-DXB: 04/2010
7.57: Pakistan Airlines (102): ORD-BCN: 06/2010
7.46: LAN (55): YYZ-JFK: 09/2008
7.82: Singapore Airlines (06): EWR-SIN: 09/2006
7.25: Iran Air (88): BOM-IKA: 12/2009
7.23: Virgin Atlantic (81): BOS-LHR: 07/2009
7.14: Swiss (52): SCL-GRU: 06/2008
7.11: Aer Lingus (105): MAD-IAD: 05/2010
7.11: Austrian (79): VIE-JFK: 06/2009
7.07: Privatair (84): BOM-FRA: 08/2009
7.02: Qatar (68): DOH-JFK: 01/2009
6.96: Etihad (61): JFK-AUH: 12/2008
6.93: Delta Airlines (18): SEA-JFK: 11/2006
6.84: ConViasa (65): CCS-DAM: 01/2009
6.82: Air Burkina (106): BKO-OUA: 06/2010
6.81: Air Canada (17): ICN-YYZ: 10/2006
6.70: KLM (32): EBB-AMS: 08/2007
6.52: Emirates (99): LHR-DXB: 02/2010
6.39: South African (97): EZE-JNB: 01/2010
6.36: Privatair (60): MUC-BOS: 12/2008
6.29: TAM Brasil (96): POA-EZE: 02/2010
6.25: Korean Air (45): NAN-ICN: 10/2007
6.21: Iberia (87): BOS-MAD: 10/2009
6.11: A Sky (107): OUA-COO: 06/2010
6.11: TAP Portugal (53): GRU-OPO: 06/2008
6.00: Gulf Air (75): BOM-BAH: 04/2009
5.88: African Express (89): DXB-NBO: 11/2009
5.75: Singapore Airlines (16): CCU-SIN: 10/2006
5.64: SATA Azores (101): BOS-PDL: 04/2010
5.64: NorthWest (46): ICN-NRT-SEA: 10/2007
5.54: Ethiopian Airlines (95): ADD-BOM: 01/2010
5.46: Icelandair (83): KEF-BOS: 08/2009
5.39: LOT (54): WAW-JFK: 06/2008
5.21: Egypt Air (73): CAI-IST: 02/2009
5.07: TACA (66): JFK-SAP: 01/2009
4.42: Air France: CDG-JNB (25): 08/2007

ECONOMY: Long + Medium:
9.26: Air India (48): JFK-DEL: 02/2008
7.38: Avianca (01): BOG-LIM: 07/2006
7.07: Sri Lankan (62): KWI-CMB: 12/2008
7.00: LAN (94): IPC-SCL: 01/2010
6.41: Avianca (78): JFK-BOG: 05/2009
6.41: American Airlines (58): LHR-BOS: 11/2008
6.39: Condor (85): SEZ-FRA: 09/2009
6.26: Jet Blue (21): CUN-JFK: 02/2007
6.06: Air Canada (04): YYZ-YVR: 09/2006
5.89: USA 3000 (19): PUJ-BDL: 01/2007
5.85: Spanair (69): MAD-LPA: 02/2009
5.79: Air New Zealand (42): RAR-NAN: 10/2007
5.52: Aerolineas (86): USH-AEP: 10/2009
5.46: TAP Air Portugal (23): OSL-LIS: 05/2007
5.19: Air Europa (70): LPA-MAD: 02/2009
5.16: Iberia (71): MAD-BOS: 02/2009
5.11: Air China (82): FRA-PEK: 08/2009

ECONOMY: Short
8.56: Paramount Airways (38): BLR-MAA: 09/2007
8.56: Kingfisher (64): HYD-CCU: 12/2008
8.24: Kingfisher (14): IXA-GAU: 10/2006
7.87: Indian (34): BOM-MAA: 09/2007
7.72: Alliance Air (13): CCU-IXA: 10/2006
7.57: Indian Airlines (10): DEL-CCU: 09/2006
7.23: West Jet (03): YYC-YVR: 09/2006
7.15: JetLite (37): BOM-GOI: 09/2007
6.98: Air Koryo (100): PEK-FNJ: 04/2010
6.70: Spice Jet (09): CCU-DEL: 09/2006
6.63: Air Fiji (44): NAN-SUV: 10/2007
6.63: Jazeera (67): DAM-KWI: 01/2009
6.58: Air Tran (02): EWR-MDW: 08/2006
6.48: Air India Express (63): CMB-MAA: 12/2008
6.44: CO Micronesia (39): ROR-YAP: 10/2007
6.41: Pacific Sun (43): NAN-SUV: 10/2007
6.37: Skybus (47): SWF-CMH: 02/2008
6.33: Kenya Airways (29): NBO-BJM: 08/2007
6.33: Sky Europe (56): LTN-BTS: 10/2008
6.31: Indigo (15): GAU-CCU: 10/2006
6.31: easyJet (57): BUD-LTN: 11/2008
6.22: Air Link Swazi (28): MTS-JNB: 08/2007
6.22: Air India (36): HYD-BOM: 09/2007
6.13: Adam Air (07): SIN-CGK: 09/2006
6.13: Air Rarotonga (41): RAR-AIT: 10/2007
6.00: Transairways (27): INH-MPM: 08/2007
5.95: Air Canada (05): ALB-YYZ: 09/2006
5.85: SAS Norge (22): OSL-AES: 05/2007
5.81: LAM Mozambique (26): JNB-MPM: 08/2007
5.69: Air Deccan (12): IXZ-CCU: 10/2006
5.67: Rwanda Air Exp (30): KGL-NBO: 08/2007
5.37: Felix Airways (92): SCT-SAH: 12/2009
5.11: Aero Republica (76): BOG-CCS: 04/2009
5.07: Go Air (35): MAA-HYD: 09/2007
5.00: Sky Airline (51): IQQ-SCL: 06/2008
4.96: Valuair (08): CGK-SIN: 09/2006
4.78: Air Comet Chile (50): SCL-IQQ: 06/2008
4.74: Fly 540 (31): MYD-LAU: 08/2007
4.33: Viva Aerobus (20): ELP-MTY: 02/2007
4.11: Air Sahara (11): CCU-BOM: 09/2006

(Note on Codes: Y – Economy, J – Business, F – First :: I/D – International/Domestic :: SR/MR/LR – Short/Medium/Long Haul)
(Note on Date: Dates are modified to be +/- 3 days from actual flight date to not reveal actual flight pattern)

VII> Other Pictures:

(This is Ouagadougou!)

*

*
(Cotonou – stock)

Again I am in impressed with your sense of adventure and willingness to go off the beaten path!

So what is up with the airport? It looks like they started to build it and then ran out of money. If it were finished it looks like it would actually be kinda nice.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): here is a huge contingent of American military people who were returning home via CDG and they were losing it in the chaos. It was interesting to watch their reaction due to the inability to speak French

Sad, but true, that learning second languages isn't something that is encouraged in most American schools. I would have thought that at least ONE of them (a commanding officer, military liason, etc?) would speak some French.

Agreed that lack of even in an in-flight magazine is disappointing. All the more reason to find something else to "liberate".. Did anything have the ASky name/logo on it?

As always I enjoyed the TR and look forward to your next one!

Hey Alex,

Thx for another unique report. Now that airport is something you don't see every day!

Yet, the airline seems fine.

LY

Alex

As always, a great TR from the most interesting places one can ever visit.
Ouagadougou "airport" looks like the police barracks in Callao 30 years ago. It is out of this wordly for today's standarts.

Keep on showing us exotic airlines and cities   

Dan

Ah Mr Abrelosojos, so they are keeping you in West Africa after all.   Fantastic! (well, at least for us who get to live vicariously through your adventures... hehe). Thanks for another fascinating and very unique report. ASky Airlines (strange name) seems a decent carrier. The food is amazing for such a short hop. But OUA airport looks an absolute nightmare though.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Not truly shocking – here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria. Anyways, a quick call to the U.S. call center

Amazing. I am convinced everything would probably have gone swimmingly well until someone in the U.S. realizes "this guy's buying a one-way ticket!" and then suddenly all the red flags are raised  

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): t is one room where well dressed Africans jostled for space with European (mostly French) government officials, aid workers, and other expats who would be middle class in their own home … but had an air of “owning” this place. And in the middle of that, throw in some random Chinese, an Indian trader, a lost Canadian (seriously, what is up with the flag being on everyone’s backpack), and a few South African military men who were now “private security”. It was classic – in a very Bond’esque meet 2010 geo-politik way.

Wow interesting. So it's not just in movies, these places actually exist! I always knew Ouagadougou was worth a visit...

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): (Ouagadougou “Airport”)

The airport looks like it's under construction/ development. Is it?

Thanks for this latest gem. Enjoyed it enormously.

Cheers
airpearl

Hi Alex! Another amazing report from you ! The description of OUA airport is the funniest I've read in log time! It looks really bad from your pictures!

ASky looks nice with nice seats and meals looks great too! I agree, they could at least have the ET magazine on board until they get their own.

Thanks again for a very interesting trip report!

The777Man

Wow! Look at that South African mullet!

Quoting burj (Reply 1): Again I am in impressed with your sense of adventure and willingness to go off the beaten path!

= Or as a close friend (And A.Netter kiramakora) puts it, "I'm always amazed at your willingness to go to places to get jailed or detained".

Quoting burj (Reply 1): So what is up with the airport? It looks like they started to build it and then ran out of money. If it were finished it looks like it would actually be kinda nice.

= I don't know about being nice - apparently, it has been in construction forever.

Quoting burj (Reply 1): Did anything have the ASky name/logo on it?

= Only the hand bag tag. It was quite the contrast from Air Burkina where everything was branded.

Quoting EL-AL (Reply 2): Hey Alex, Thx for another unique report. Now that airport is something you don't see every day! Yet, the airline seems fine. LY

= Thanks LY. BTW, are you based in TLV? I am there quite often and we should have a drink - stay just off Sheinkin.

Quoting faucett (Reply 3): As always, a great TR from the most interesting places one can ever visit. Ouagadougou "airport" looks like the police barracks in Callao 30 years ago. It is out of this wordly for today's standarts.

= LOL Dan.

Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Thanks for another fascinating and very unique report. ASky Airlines (strange name) seems a decent carrier.

= Ya - and the funny thing is that everyone had a different way of pronouncing it - from "A Sky" to "being ahhhsky" to "ascii". I wonder what really is the name.

Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Not truly shocking – here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria. Anyways, a quick call to the U.S. call center Amazing. I am convinced everything would probably have gone swimmingly well until someone in the U.S. realizes "this guy's buying a one-way ticket!" and then suddenly all the red flags are raised

= LOL. Imagine if I was doing this on a flight to the U.S. Though, I remain convinced I am on someone's database.

Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Wow interesting. So it's not just in movies, these places actually exist! I always knew Ouagadougou was worth a visit...

= Yup. Welcome to Mama Afrika  .

Quoting The777Man (Reply 5): The description of OUA airport is the funniest I've read in log time! It looks really bad from your pictures!

= It is quite something - though, after a few beers, the entire experience was just perfect.

Quoting CaliforniaMate (Reply 6): Wow! Look at that South African mullet!

= LOL. Yup. They were quite the pair.

Saludos,
A.

excellent trip report . love reading the ones done from african routes.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): a lost Canadian (seriously, what is up with the flag being on everyone’s backpack)

don't make fun. It is to distinguish us from americans.

Hi Alex,

wow, abnother great report about a small and rare carrier - very enjoyable stuff!

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Anyways, while the yellow/brown symbolizing the African continent looked good on the outsiee, I was not a big fan of the way the seats and décor looked inside. Sure, it was different …after all, I can’t think of another airline with brown seats.

How about Singapore Airlines? I like their brown seats.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Unsurprisingly, given the 1,25 flight time, the entire meal comes together. Again, surprisingly, I am impressed! The absolute quantity and quality of the food is amazing.

Is there enough time to eat all that? I don't like eating in a rush...

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I don’t understand this – these are brand new 737’s – why are they so poorly equipped?

They aren't brand new - both planes were delivered in 2007 to LCC Sterling Airlines.


PH

Hi A.,

Another great adventure in Western Africa. Ouagadougou, yes, I like the name.

I have got somehow intrigued by the fact that boarding Air France passengers need to be separated from other international passengers and that the station manager tried to strictly enforce it.

The A Sky's JCL definitely hit the spot. Just like Air Burkina, its is amazing how the cabin attendants managed to round off extensive in-flight service on such a short flight. Free-flow of (non)alcoholic drinks, choice of mouthwatering hot meal and the table setting without losing their responsiveness and engagement to their passengers. Another gem of Western Africa!

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): the security agent (you go through security again prior to boarding) asked me in French what was up – and I shared a joke about how funny the whole thing was

Again an advantage of being a linguist.  

Thanks for sharing this unique and amusing journey.

Cheers,
Suryo

Echo what EL-AL said..

Very nice and unique TR!

Thanks for sharing.

--Nate

Quoting kq787 (Reply 8): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): a lost Canadian (seriously, what is up with the flag being on everyone’s backpack) don't make fun. It is to distinguish us from americans.

= LOL. I have a friend who is dual Canadian-American and works in the development industry in "war zones". He always likes to play up his Canadian passport - and his Canadian backpack (I joke it's standard issue when you leave Canadian borders) ... until he needs to get "rescued", and then he rushes to the U.S. Embassy. Perfect world, and joys of having multiple passports. I am a big advocate  !

PS: Do you have one on your backpack?

Quoting kq787 (Reply 8): excellent trip report . love reading the ones done from african routes.

= I have one report from probably the most exotic country in Africa in queue ... very proud of it.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): wow, abnother great report about a small and rare carrier - very enjoyable stuff!

= Thanks PH.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): How about Singapore Airlines? I like their brown seats.

= Oh ya - I have forgotten - but somehow, SQ feels much more premium.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): Is there enough time to eat all that? I don't like eating in a rush...

= I did  .

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): They aren't brand new - both planes were delivered in 2007 to LCC Sterling Airlines.

= Thanks PH. I knew you would right me. I used "new" in a relative concept - and 2007 for West Africa is brand new  .

Quoting akhmad (Reply 10): I have got somehow intrigued by the fact that boarding Air France passengers need to be separated from other international passengers and that the station manager tried to strictly enforce it.

= Well, so - AF passengers go through significant additional security - they are also interviewed by French police - which is just basically an excuse for certain white people to be waived, and everyone else (irrespective of what the passport says) grilled before being allowed to board. For some strange reason, these police are also not nice to other Europeans - my Liechtenstein passport made one guy wince once. And, I can put you in touch with another German diplomat who swears not to fly AF out of Africa because they always treat him crap. AF does it at several African airports - from what I recall, it is done at BKO, OUA, LAD, PNR, among others I have been to of late. What is interesting is that it is done by police and not some dude just checking to make sure you have a valid visa. Maybe, they can learn a few things from SN Brussels ... or UTA ... I miss UTA.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 10): Thanks for sharing this unique and amusing journey. Cheers, Suryo

= Anytime Suryo. Are you back in Netherlands?

Quoting Speedbird2025 (Reply 11): Echo what EL-AL said.. Very nice and unique TR! Thanks for sharing. --Nate

= Thanks Nate.

Saludos,
A.

Hi Alex ... as always a FANTASTIC report! I am getting ready to embark on a 3 week business trip and promise to write my first TR's. I have the following scheduled:

KE JCL ATL-ICN
KE JCL ICN-SYD
DJ YCL SYD-BNE-SYD (although one leg maybe QF)
EK YCL SYD-AKL (my first A380)
NZ Y+CL AKL-MEL
SQ JCL MEL-SIN (2nd A380)
SIN-KUL-SIN (have not booked that sector yet)
SQ YCL SIN-HKG (3rd A380)
KE JCL HKG-ICN
KE JCL ICN-ATL

Your KP flight must have been quite interesting! Wild airport scenes!  

Cheers,
Liam

I have a friend who is dual Canadian-American and works in the development industry in "war zones". He always likes to play up his Canadian passport - and his Canadian backpack (I joke it's standard issue when you leave Canadian borders) ... until he needs to get "rescued", and then he rushes to the U.S. Embassy. Perfect world, and joys of having multiple passports. I am a big advocate !

PS: Do you have one on your backpack


A canadian passport, in my opinion , is just as good as a US passport. Some folks even say it gets you into more countries. Why does your friend not run to the canadian embassy when in trouble? we have missions in iraq, afghanistan,and other "war zones".

I am fine with just my canadian passport. I was previously a kenyan citizen and lost it when i became canadian as kenya did not allow dual citizenship. But kenya just added an amendment to its constitution allowing dual citizenship. My parents think i should get back my citizenship, but i told them that i rarely visit the country, and more importantly, how many countries can i enter on a kenyan passport? my canadian passport will do.

i have never even thought of putting a flag on a backpack, b/c i don't own one (a backpack).

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): = I have one report from probably the most exotic country in Africa in queue ... very proud of it.

Libya ? Angola ?

Sounds very promising ! Looking forward to this forthcoming report very much!

The777Man

Hi Alex,

Fantastic report once again, thanks a lot for taking us with you to these interesting African countries.

I'm impressed with the service level on such a short flight, especially the food.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria.

Now that is a really interesting combination.

Regards
Christoph

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): For some strange reason, these police are also not nice to other Europeans - my Liechtenstein passport made one guy wince once. And, I can put you in touch with another German diplomat who swears not to fly AF out of Africa because they always treat him crap. AF does it at several African airports - from what I recall, it is done at BKO, OUA, LAD, PNR, among others I have been to of late

Hm, bad advertisement of AF. Totally different to my experience with the airline on the short hop to LHR.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): I miss UTA.

I remember their fifth freedom flight from DPS to NOU in early nineties. I wished the route had not disappeared.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): Are you back in Netherlands?

Yep!

Cheers,
Suryo

[Edited 2010-09-12 13:19:32]

Your trip reports are some of the most interesting on a.net. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but you are fortunate to be able to travel as extensively as you do.

Do you have a site containing more pictures of some of the locations that you visited?

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 7): are you based in TLV? I am there quite often and we should have a drink

Actually I live in Jerusalem, but for you I'll make the ride.

Absolute classic report Alex. Wish you had a video of the whole experience tfor us t watch!

P

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria

Yeeeaaahhhh...you MUST be on some watch list somewhere in the world  

Thanks for another interesting TR.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 7): Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Not truly shocking – here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria. Anyways, a quick call to the U.S. call center Amazing. I am convinced everything would probably have gone swimmingly well until someone in the U.S. realizes "this guy's buying a one-way ticket!" and then suddenly all the red flags are raised = LOL. Imagine if I was doing this on a flight to the U.S. Though, I remain convinced I am on someone's database.

Well, what can you expect with those little details, plus, you take pics in planes and airports around the world, obviously that will get you on someones list....   you have the perfect profile for being in a list.


777jaah

Thanks for a great report - an airline that I'd not heard of in an area of the world that I may never travel to.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): (Gate area – ILBST very much in action)

I've seen you use this term before, and must ask, what does it mean?


Mark

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): I have one report from probably the most exotic country in Africa in queue ... very proud of it.

C'mon Alex! Now this is a real tease.....Throw us a bone!

Alex,

Another great installment on your West African adventure!

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): (Ouagadougou “Airport”)

OUA gives the air of a tertiary airport in Africa, not a gateway into the capital of Burkina Faso.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): he absolute quantity and quality of the food is amazing. Take a look at the picture yourself. There was a very nice fresh salad with succulent shrimps; disappointing bread vs. Air Burkina, but a very nice African rice with seafood curry and yam(?) on the side(excellent!); small, but nice fresh fruit; and a great cup of café!

I don't believe you received all that food on that flight. You surely must have mixed up this picture with one of your long haul flights.   Simply amazing!

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After OUA, COO felt like the most modern and amazing airport in the world – actually, the arrivals area is not too shabby.

Those pictures of the OUA terminal made me feel claustrophobic. No wonder why COO must have felt like a breath of fresh air.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Based on reader feedback, from now onwards, average will be benchmarked for premium and economy offerings separately.

Nice addition!

As always, much thanks!

-Matt

Hi Alex,

I love reading your TR's. Always interesting with cool pics and comments. Very jealous of the amount of travel you do!

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After a fun 3 days in Ouagadougou (love how it sounds)

I also love the name Ougadougou. I also love the country name of Burkina Faso (after changing from Upper Volta). I guess the name is much nice than the actual airport you go to?

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Sure, it was different …after all, I can’t think of another airline with brown seats

I think NZ have brown seats in their business premier class. A brown version of the ones they paid VS to use (they have purple seats in Upper Class).

Cheers,

Rob

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I can’t think of another airline with brown seats

Can't tell ypu how much I kept trying to think were I've seen those brown seats......and finally I remembered:

View Large View Medium Photo © Yochai Mossi - AirTeamImages

View Large View Medium Photo © Manolo Aldana

Quoting globalflyer (Reply 13): Hi Alex ... as always a FANTASTIC report! I am getting ready to embark on a 3 week business trip and promise to write my first TR's. I have the following scheduled: KE JCL ATL-ICN KE JCL ICN-SYD DJ YCL SYD-BNE-SYD (although one leg maybe QF) EK YCL SYD-AKL (my first A380) NZ Y CL AKL-MEL SQ JCL MEL-SIN (2nd A380) SIN-KUL-SIN (have not booked that sector yet) SQ YCL SIN-HKG (3rd A380) KE JCL HKG-ICN KE JCL ICN-ATL Your KP flight must have been quite interesting! Wild airport scenes! Cheers, Liam

= Liam, are we expecting reports from all of that? Sounds like a lot of traveling. What do you do for work? Also, when are you there? I might be in the neighborhood ...

Quoting kq787 (Reply 14): A canadian passport, in my opinion , is just as good as a US passport. Some folks even say it gets you into more countries. Why does your friend not run to the canadian embassy when in trouble? we have missions in iraq, afghanistan,and other "war zones". I am fine with just my canadian passport. I was previously a kenyan citizen and lost it when i became canadian as kenya did not allow dual citizenship. But kenya just added an amendment to its constitution allowing dual citizenship. My parents think i should get back my citizenship, but i told them that i rarely visit the country, and more importantly, how many countries can i enter on a kenyan passport? my canadian passport will do. i have never even thought of putting a flag on a backpack, b/c i don't own one (a backpack).

= I was joking about the Canadian flag. I think it is because according to him the Americans are much better at being responsive to their citizens. And yes, Canadian passport gets you almost the same access (a little less) than a U.S. one.

I'd get your Kenyan passport - you would be surprised at how convenient it is to have multiple passports.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 15): Libya ? Angola ? Sounds very promising ! Looking forward to this forthcoming report very much! The777Man

=   ... well, one of them is somewhat involved ... but rarer than that  .

Quoting Contact Air (Reply 16): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria. Now that is a really interesting combination. Regards Christoph

= Yes.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 17): Hm, bad advertisement of AF. Totally different to my experience with the airline on the short hop to LHR.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 17): Yep! Cheers, Suryo

= I always find AF to be better in short haul than long haul.

Quoting EricR (Reply 18): Your trip reports are some of the most interesting on a.net. I'm not sure what you do for a living, but you are fortunate to be able to travel as extensively as you do.

= I am a spy  . Jaja, I wish.

Quoting EricR (Reply 18): Do you have a site containing more pictures of some of the locations that you visited?

= Facebook only. Sorry.

Quoting el-al (Reply 19): Actually I live in Jerusalem, but for you I'll make the ride.

= Jaja ... thanks. I have a cool friend circle in Israel to introduce you to.

Quoting concordechild (Reply 20): Absolute classic report Alex. Wish you had a video of the whole experience tfor us t watch! P

= Haha - too much work for a lazy person like me I guess  .

Quoting sw733 (Reply 21): Yeeeaaahhhh...you MUST be on some watch list somewhere in the world

Quoting 777jaah (Reply 22): Well, what can you expect with those little details, plus, you take pics in planes and airports around the world, obviously that will get you on someones list.... you have the perfect profile for being in a list.

= Thanks compatriots, I knew I could count on some A.Net positive energy and support  .

Quoting bananaboy (Reply 23): I've seen you use this term before, and must ask, what does it mean?

= Indo-Latin Boarding School of Thought ... though of late, it has been applying to my travels in all places BUT India and Latin America.

Quoting faucett (Reply 24): C'mon Alex! Now this is a real tease.....Throw us a bone!

= Dan, guessing is more fun no  ?

Quoting WhereToNext (Reply 25): I don't believe you received all that food on that flight. You surely must have mixed up this picture with one of your long haul flights. Simply amazing!

= Yes, it was a Lufthansa JCL meal. Right PH  ?

Quoting travelR (Reply 26): Very jealous of the amount of travel you do!

= Sometimes though ... like right now with being on the road for work ... the grass seems greener on the other side.

Quoting travelR (Reply 26): I think NZ have brown seats in their business premier class. A brown version of the ones they paid VS to use (they have purple seats in Upper Class).

= You may be right ... never flown NZ.

Quoting 777jaah (Reply 27): Can't tell ypu how much I kept trying to think were I've seen those brown seats......and finally I remembered:

= Oh yes ... but I found the 2 browns to be totally different. No?

Saludos, and thanks for reading,
A.

Hi Alex,

another fantastic tripreport. I liked reading it and to hear your experience and see the pictures. Keep them coming, I would say.

Regards
Eric

I found a picture of the NZ business premier seats!


View Large View Medium

Photo © Brendan Vanderwerf

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): 73G @ OUA General Seat Views + Seat Legroom (Seat) (Front of seat) NONE (Seat controls) (Legroom: decent) (Blanket) NONE Seat Recline + Angle View Cabin: (Bathroom Amenities)

Hey there, Alex .. Another great trip report again. The modern brown leather reclining seats looks really inviting!!  

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The excellent experience on Air Burkina was very much on my mind, and I was curious how this major “rival” shaped up. First thing one notice is that again, soon after take-off, the crew springs into action. Drink service commences with generous amounts of alcohol – and then a choice of meals – chicken, fish, or vegetarian. This was better than Air Burkina which had an excellent meal – but no choice. The male purser takes the order, and then the female FA comes to set my table. Unsurprisingly, given the 1,25 flight time, the entire meal comes together. Again, surprisingly, I am impressed! The absolute quantity and quality of the food is amazing. Take a look at the picture yourself. There was a very nice fresh salad with succulent shrimps; disappointing bread vs. Air Burkina, but a very nice African rice with seafood curry and yam(?) on the side(excellent!); small, but nice fresh fruit; and a great cup of café! While all perfectly adequate, presentation was definitely poorer than on Air Burkina where you got nice branded Air Burkina linen and cutlery. Anyways, I was again super impressed – pretty amazing stuff on a flight less than 500 mile long with relatively full load! (Menu) NONE (Dinner on a flight less than 500 miles) *

Well.. The food looks really good as usual and the meal service is of high quality as basically many carriers cut down on inflight service in J with light meal like mini sandwich etc. As the food looks really good, I don't mind having a foil on top of it and burnt parts  

This is your acomplished trip report and 10 kudos for you as usual. Thanks for sharing again and have a nice day!!  

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 29): but I found the 2 browns to be totally different. No?

Oh sure, but that's as close as I could get  

Hi Alex,

Very interesting TR. I had absolutely no clue who A Sky was and did not even associate it with being ET's new spawn!

The interior looks quite dull, but the meal service is quite generous! And from what i have read about ET, A Sky's crew seem to be more efficient i suppose.


Very interesting read, though i think the most interesting of your TRs is African Express   ...


Cheers,
Roni

Ok people, I get it ... there are other airlines with dark brown seats .

Quoting ronerone (Reply 33): Very interesting read, though i think the most interesting of your TRs is African Express ...

= Roni, I must concur.

Saludos,
A.

Wow, I'm really enjoying these African trip reports!

I must say ASKY looks like a quality carrier. I think this matters less to you, but I think ASKY really one-ups Air Burkina with their brand new aircraft. I'd trade an older MD-87 for a new 73G any day.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Not truly shocking %u2013 here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria.

Haha, do you ever have issues with airport security?

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I have had my share of crazy airports around the world. Nothing quite prepares you for OUA. It is not really an airport %u2013 it is more a work in progress that is passing off as an airport. Of all the West African %u2018gateways%u2019 I have used, it is probably the least pleasant

Wow, that airport looks crazy! It's literally a construction site that isn't being worked on. I bet it was a memorable experience though!

Thanks a lot for sharing this Trip Report!

Hi Alex,

Indeed it feels a bit like Africa season! Another great report of yet another unknown African airline! Very interesting to say the least.. Strange pronunciation of the airline too. Esky isn't suitable for where they come from so you switch the 'E' for an 'A' for Africa  

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): It is an interesting site that outlines the ambitious plans of the airline to transform sleepy Lomé into the West African Addis Ababa. However, it does not have any functionality – and one cannot do their booking on the site.

Well good luck with their plans.. It doesn't seem like you'll get far if you own website can't even book seats on your airline!

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): It choked several times to use my foreign credit card and I ended up just receiving a PNR. Not truly shocking – here you have someone entering a Liechtenstein passport with a Venezuelan issued credit card flying from Burkina Faso to Benin on a Ethiopian sponsored Togolese airline buying their ticket in Nigeria

LOL that's a story in itself.

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Nothing quite prepares you for OUA. It is not really an airport

And I thought some of the airports here in NZ were bad. Some still comprise of a single prefabricated building.. But that trumps having to walk through dirt and down plywooded corridors.



Ha! Patience! Who listens.. What a mission to board the plane.

The seat looks so similar to what is sitting beside me right now. Right down to the seat controls. I hope that's not the limit of the recline as mine can go much further back and plus I have plenty of legroom  

Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): A Sky is an airline I would fly if I had choice. I would even be willing to pay a price premium for them. Thumps up for them.

Indeed, everything seems nice about this airline - too bad they have to put up with such an horrendous airport.


Cheers,
Nicholas

Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 35): I think this matters less to you, but I think ASKY really one-ups Air Burkina with their brand new aircraft. I'd trade an older MD-87 for a new 73G any day.

= You might have a point there - but the MD87 is becoming increasingly hard to fly on.

Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 35): Haha, do you ever have issues with airport security?

= Sometimes, with immigration. My only concern is that they are polite - I understand that my travel patterns may raise flags.

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 36): Strange pronunciation of the airline too. Esky isn't suitable for where they come from so you switch the 'E' for an 'A' for Africa

= I don't understand Nicholas. What do you mean?

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 36): And I thought some of the airports here in NZ were bad. Some still comprise of a single prefabricated building.. But that trumps having to walk through dirt and down plywooded corridors.

= On the brighter side, I now have a story to tell  .

Saludos,
A.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 37): What do you mean?

'Esky' as in short for eskimo obviously doesn't suit Africa.. So switching the 'e' for and 'a' makes it look more inline for where the airline's situated! It's just a (rather random) thought I came up with after seeing the pronunciation, that's all   No intention to offend anyone either.


Time and time again, I look down the list of the links to previous TRs and every single time I look at Air NZ low down on that list, I wonder when they'll get the chance to redeem themselves!


Cheers,
Nicholas

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 38): 'Esky' as in short for eskimo obviously doesn't suit Africa.. So switching the 'e' for and 'a' makes it look more inline for where the airline's situated! It's just a (rather random) thought I came up with after seeing the pronunciation, that's all No intention to offend anyone either.

= Ok. I learn something everyday. I had no idea that ESKY was the short form.

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 38): Time and time again, I look down the list of the links to previous TRs and every single time I look at Air NZ low down on that list, I wonder when they'll get the chance to redeem themselves!

= Hmm. Nicholas, should I consider this an open invite to visit NZ from you  .

Saludos,
A.