Hello Readers,

This is the return journey to Toronto on Etihad. You can read about the trip from Toronto here https://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/180425

Part 1 of 3: Karachi to Abu Dhabi

Airline: Etihad Airways
Route: Karachi to Abu Dhabi
Flight number: EY 222
Aircraft: Airbus A320 - A6-EIA
Date: Dec 27, 2011
Dep: 0520 Actual 0550
Arr: 0645 Actual 0710
Scheduled Flying time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Actual Flying time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Seat: 08F

Saying goodbye to family can be hard and especially more difficult when having just spent Christmas and Boxing day with them. With the final goodbyes said, I headed for the security check of bags and your person, prior to admittance to the check in desk areas. The Etihad check in desk was not very busy and before long I put my sole middle sized suitcase on the weighing scale and saw it get tagged when I had to take it back off and take to another security screening. With my boarding pass issued to Toronto as well, and this time a window seat without too much fuss compared to almost losing the window seat on the inbound. The bags were put on the belt near the second security area away from the check in desk and were carefully examined by another security personnel by X-ray before they disappeared behind him and where I would see them once again in Toronto.It was then to Immigration, a photo taken with a desktop computer camera (no smile needed, thank you!), next passport control with your exit stamp and then to the departure gate. I waited a bit in this area past passport control and near the Duty free shops as the views outside the window can be good, and I saw a Turkish Airbus A330-200 push back on it's way to Istanbul from Dhaka. I should have taken a pic, but It wouldn't have really been a good one since the lights from inside the terminal reflected on the glass. A long walk to the departure gates one of two satellite buildings which are broken by domestic and International.At the gate it was another security check of your person & hand carry (to see if the baggage stamp was applied to your baggage tag, and failure of this results in you going back to the check in counters to get it stamped)

I was meeting a new a.netter who was taking an Omar Air Business Class flight to London. (His trip report is already posted on here) I waited for him while outside I saw the Turkish Airline A330-200 thunder down 25L and climb into the night sky. My friend soon arrived, we chatted a bit. The flight had arrived late from Abu Dhabi at almost 0410 just like my inbound flight, so I saw it land and then taxi to the gate. By the time the arriving passengers had deplaned it would have been the time we should have actually been getting on. Soon the boarding announcement was made and after a quick tear of the boarding card and a smile, and one final check by security of the stamp on the boarding card with the stamp on the baggage tag of your luggage it was down the air bridge to the waiting jet. There was a lot of security checks but everything was carried out very nicely unlike the sometimes screaming security agents you find in our part of the world. Fortunately at Toronto it has been more like back home, so I can't complain.

Welcome screen on seat back videos on Etihad Airbus A320



Economy Class seat on the Regional Airbus A320. I love these soothing colours on the A320s compared to the earth tone colours on the long haul jets.


Obligatory leg room shot


Jinnah International Terminal - Karachi airport.


The greeting on board was fairly warm and on this flight today we would have four crew from Russia, Romania, Scotland and Lebanon. The Lebanese purser and the Scottish lad would be in Business, while the Russian female and the male from Romania would be serving us. The Russian looked amazing in her uniform exactly how you see them portrayed in their advertisements, smart and smiling. However the smile was lacking slightly, but she attended her duties professionally. A woman from business class came to our front economy section and asked if the older woman sitting in Economy who was accompanying her could come and sit with her Business Class. The Russian FA politely told her that this was not possible as Business was full. I could not tell if all seats were indeed full, but chuckled at how this woman indeed had the nerve to ask for this to happen. Across the aisle from where the older woman sat was another older woman, and at one point both tried to grab the attention of the Russian FA who was passing by. They both wanted things out of the overhead bin and with hands outstretched they managed to slightly tick the Russian FA off, who lifted her hands towards herself and said "Wait..please wait" looking sideways at both, before turning to the woman across the aisle, attended to her need and then attended to the woman in the row in front of me. It was a bit frustrating to see how they both wanted her to help them at the same time!

The competition across from our Etihad jet. (Gulf Air, Qatar & Oman Air were on the other side and out of view)


We left the gate at 0540 some twenty minutes after our scheduled departure time. The departures that morning were from 25L but when we taxied out to 25L, we actually turned and headed down to the other side of the runway towards 07R. It seemed like a last minute change in take off direction took place. So after a fairly long taxi we departed at 0550. We climbed into the still dark wintery sky and some areas around the airport were plunged in darkness due to power failures. Otherwise the lights of Karachi stretch for miles, giving an amazing view on take off.

Airborne out of 07R out of KHI


Landing lights off.


Anti-collision Beacon light


Inflight entertainment standard on these regional Airbuses


Breakfast service. Just the like the inbound bags of goodies were distributed and no tray service.


Contents of the bag- Like the inbound the contents of the silver bag was really horrible in taste. I still have no idea what I ate, but the chocolate muffin, strawberry yogurt and banana were fine.The mixed fruit drink was equally vile! However, I should not complain as you nothing on North American carriers so what I got here was a banquet in comparison.


First early morning light out of the East as we head west. Always love to see that orange line pierce the dark night sky.


Landing lights back on as we begin our descent into Abu Dhabi


We touched down into Abu Dhabi airport's runway 31L around 0710 which still gave me ample time before my departure to Toronto at 1020 local time.

At the remote stand in Abu Dhabi


Passengers deplaning from the aircraft across from our jet which arrived from Trivandrum - Zoomed in shot.


2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix titles


The last time I was very sternly told to put my camera away. This time I took a shot once inside the waiting bus of our Airbus A320-200 A6-EIA


The tail section of A6-EIA


We were bussed from the aircraft to the terminal with the gorgeous views of the apron, however the large advertisements on the outside of the bus ruined the views a bit and made photo taking a bit of a pain.

At the terminal there was a further security check before entering terminal 3. Once through, we were in the terminal where the large ceiling to floor windows allowed unobstructed views of the runways. I really love this about Abu Dhabi airport. And if you are lucky to get one of those seats that you can stretch out on, spotting from them makes it all the more comfortable. I managed to find one of those seats near the children's play area, where some excited kids, unlike their tired parents screamed and played. Had I to take this seat to get some shut eye, it would have been quite impossible, though the occupant a seat away from me, was snoring and purring gently like some of the jets outside their windows gently starting their engines.

Some views out of the window when roaming around the terminal. I saw this jet at the gate as soon as I got passed security and I kind of figured out this was probably our jet to Toronto

Etihad Boeing 777-300ER A6-ETD


A6-ETD Landing gear details


Etihad Airbus A340-600 A6-EHF


Nose gear detail of the gorgeous Airbus A340-600. How I wish I was flying on her instead


Gorgeous Rolls Royce Trent 500 on the Airbus A340-600


A6-ETB getting ready for a long haul somewhere. Perhaps the Far East?


A6-ETB pushed back


Etihad Airbus A330-200 A6-EYM making it's way to the active runway. Another Fast East jet?


Details of the front


Royal Jet Boeing 737 (BBJ) being towed with part of the Abu Dhabi tower in the background


Etihad Airbus A330-300 A6-AFC departing to either CDG or GVA. Totally missed the flying aubergine taking off when I first got to the lounge


Back at the gate. The Electronic signs near the gate no longer display the flight details. Just a board with the details are now placed in the front.


Close up details of our ride to Toronto A6-ETD. Notice the 40th Anniversary - Spirit of the Nation stickers pass the L1 doors. For no apparent reason I was unable to get a good shot of it.


Details of the tail of A6-ETD


Nose gear details once again of A6-ETD


Captain Henry or Eric who will be taking us on our trip to Toronto. (Name announced later in flight, not that I already knew him lol)


Gate area of EY-141 Abu Dhabi to Toronto

Part 2 of 3: Abu Dhabi to Toronto

Airline: Etihad Airways
Route: Abu Dhabi to Toronto
Flight number: EY 141
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER - A6-ETD
Date: Dec 27, 2011
Dep: 1020 Actual 1044
Arr: 1550 Actual 1558
Scheduled Flying time: 14hours 30 mins
Actual Flying time: 14 hours 14 mins
Seat no: 19K

Down the Air bridge to a glorious view of the aircraft and my ride to Toronto.


Around the bend and views of the tail. Notice the F1 titles are of 2011


Gorgeous GE-90s which would become the object of my affection for the next 14 hours. I'd be gazing lovingly at it at every moment I looked out the window!! Of course the starboard side engine would be my passion not this one!! Notice the darker shade engine cowling. Etihad's aircraft used to be a shade darker than the current colour scheme.


At the door were a crew of three including the female purser on this flight. She was Asian and looked very smart in her gorgeous Etihad uniform! I asked if I could photograph the trio and at once she hid herself back behind the opening of the aircraft door after she quickly said she was a little shy to have a photo taken, but left it to the other two to take one if they wanted to. I didn't push it any further but stepped forward put my camera away from them, at which points she appeared forward again, smiled and welcomed me on board and I then proceeded to show them my boarding card. "Go straight ahead and turn right" the male FA of the group said, and which is of course what I did!

The seat at the side of me remained vacant, and I was truly hoping no one would come. In front of me a drama started to unfold. A woman with two children one in her arms, and one in the window seat in front of me and she kept asking each passing FA if she could sit in the seats in front, with the bassinets. All seats in front were occupied and the FAs tried to console her that these were indeed full. Moments later an FA came by, the one who had spent most of the time with her assuring he would do all he could to move her if possible, and when he tried to speak to her, she had somehow slumped backwards into her seat and he poked her shoulder gently his fingers and she did not respond. He clearly became alarmed and tried to shake her to make her respond. I think she had passed out from exhaustion as she then came around, and had she not at that time, there might have been a medical emergency declared on board which would have delayed our flight. In the meantime the vacant middle seat was occupied by a young Saudi, who was traveling on holiday to Toronto.

On board EY-141 to Toronto.


Another Boeing 777-300ER pushed back ahead of us


Etihad Formula 1 painted Airbus A340-600 with the old terminal and Abu Dhabi International Airport signage on the building


We lined up at Runway 31L at Abu Dhabi and departed some 24 minutes late.

Departing Abu Dhabi with the Formula 1 Yas Marina circuit below us


Some more views immediately after take off


These photos do justice to the sheer size of those engines


Beginning our trek across the Persian Gulf, the highway of flights in and out of the UAE, as well as those crossing over the area. We would pass this area flying at 28000ft.


1048 (Times in AUH local time will reflect be reflected in this report).

Four minutes since departure. Total flying time to Toronto 14 hours and 10 minutes.


Over the Persian Gulf


Halfway through the Persian Gulf crossing


Crossed to the other side from the UAE to the border of Iraq


Starting our crossing over Iraq


By now two female FAs had come to the assistance of the woman with two children in front of me and had asked two adults, probably part of a family travelling together if they would not mind being separated to allow the woman and her children to sit in those seats. They obliged and took the two seats in front of me while the woman put the baby in the bassinet on the wall in the front of the four middle seats configuration and I think was relieved she did not have to carry the infant for the entire duration of the 14 hour flight.

1154: Lunch served over Iraq. Here is the menu card.


I opted for the Chicken Stroganoff. It was quite good actually.


Across the aisle from me I heard a lone male voice say in a demanding tone "Meat". The FA serving my area smiled back and apologetically said "Sir we have no meat, just chicken, fish and vegetable"..Oh dear, here was a passenger demanding something that wasn't even on the menu card, and was apparently requesting beef. A man and his meat can never be separated lol. The female FA attending was another Etihad's finest FAs who smiled all through the flight, interacted with each passenger and even communicated in Arabic with those starting the conversation in the carrier's mother tongue.


1321: Etihad's dedicated dessert service- As always very welcome after a good meal. Of course no sleep for me this time. Too much to look outside the window.


Overflying Baghdad. It is a pity it was not on my side of the aircraft


Passing by some Iraqi town nestled between the mountains


Starting to see some snow capped mountains. This was probably over Turkey some time later in the flight.

Part 3 of 3: Mountain splendour and the Atlantic crossing

Progress of the flight


Over the Adriatic Sea. These flights usually go more north over the Black Sea. Not sure why it took such a southern route this time.


Luckily for me this southern routing meant we went over the Italian and Swiss Alps. It was a sheer delight to be treated to views of the mountain splendour that we overflew.


The view keeps getting better


I could view this all day long


The gorgeous GE-90 against the backdrop of the mountain splendour. This was the only time I actually forgot about the GE-90 that I had otherwise being gazing at during most of my flight


Zoomed in shot of the town of Arosa, Switzerland.I had to google earth this to match the photo with the landscape on the software. The frozen Obersee lake in the top. Further research indicated Sir Arthur Conan Doyle skied in the area!!


Continuing over the breathtaking views. Notice the towns just near the upper part of the engines


Not sure which town this is but there it seems accessible by air as I see a runway.


Final shot of the amazing views below


Overview of what we had flown over


And an even broader view of our path in general


1802: Chicken sandwich Snack served halfway through. The bags were cleared an hour later.


Over Ireland and soon to begin our Atlantic Crossing


Clean washroom on Etihad Airways


Advertising of Etihad Guest on it's jets


Another advertisement of Etihad Holidays


Over the Atlantic. Cloudy skies below and no view of the blue expanse of the ocean.


Map details when over the Atlantic


2040: Etihad's Creamy Caramel Popcorn served over the Atlantic


I slept partly over the Atlantic and when I woke up we were closing in on our crossing and were soon going to be over Canadian Airspace


Over Newfoundland and some more views of ice and snow.


GE-90 over Canadian Airspace and leaving the coast of Newfoundland


2230:Dinner about 90 minutes out of Toronto. I opted for the Garlic rice, chicken and chick peas which though was not substantial yet very tasty. I actually have cooked Garlic rice and peas quite a bit after eating this dish!


Over Toronto and getting my last few fixes of the GE-90 before this 14 hours 10 minutes flight comes to an end


Landed back into Toronto and vacating Rwy 6R


Always come back to a wet and damp Toronto. Last time too it was views such as this. Jet Airways A330-200 getting ready for it's flight back to Chennai via Brussels.


View of AC 773ER from our 773ER aircraft


My ride all the way back from Abu Dhabi at Toronto


Conclusion: Etihad Airways has continued to deliver a great product. The many meals, the attentiveness of the crew which has been getting better with every flight. The seats are not the most spacious on the Boeing 777-300ER yet their regional A320s are very comfortable. I would not hestitate to fly with them again. I really love the earth tones of the colour of their aircraft, the sandy colour of their jets, and above all their great cabin crew uniforms, especially the female purser who I have yet to be able to successfully photograph. It's got to be the best purser uniform out there

So what was the uncertainty I mentioned in the title. Well, I was not supposed to fly out last year due to the uncertain condition of my job. When Etihad announced that super low fare and the fact I got an additional CAD 150 off, I had no choice but to go ahead with my trip. However, my uncertainty proved correct and a week after I got back I was informed my job has been outsourced. I guess that is life you do what you need to do, and leave the rest to what will be.

Thanks for writing this report up - good to see EY in Y holding up. I have had indifferent experiences on them in J, mostly crew related, so good to see EY being consistent. Sorry about your job.

Saludos,
A.

Hey -

Great TR, as usual, definitely enhanced by the beautiful scenery outside the plane. Sucks that it wasn't as nice when you landed in Toronto, but great work nonetheless. Seems like you are very partial to EY!

Also - hang in there, sorry to hear about your job, but remember everything happens for a reason and things will work themselves out.  

Lovely TR - as a regular EK flyer in Y, nice to see how "the competition" is and what they offer.

Really, I can't seem to draw any line between them in Y.

Do EY have 10-across on their 777's as EK do? And how is the seat pitch?

Food, entertainment, crew seems of a smiliar standard.

Amazed they didn't make you close the blinds on such a long day flight too! Thank goodness they didn't - some amazing scenery you flew over!

Thanks for taking the time to write it up - great TR! Hope you're employment situation works out for you too! You seem like a decent guy!

Hi !

Thanks for a great report on your return flights ! EY seems pretty good in Y with many meals during your long flight. First meal does not looks so great in my opinion.

I had a similar seat close to the engine on my EY flight AUH-BKK in April 2006 and posted a trip report about.

Hope you found a new job by now.

The777Man

Wow! Thanks for sharing....you don't see a lot of trip reports out of KHI!

It is interesting to see what the onboard product is like...I'm super impressed that you got any food on the KHI-AUH segment....as you said in North America you can fly 5+ hours transcontinental and be offered either cookies, pretzels, or peanuts (assuming nobody allergic is on board!)

Thanks for posting - the service on EY looks pretty good. you got some great shots out od the window on your way to Toronto.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Breakfast service. Just the like the inbound bags of goodies were distributed and no tray service.

Doesn't look like a very good breakfast - I'd have expected more

Hi flightsimboy,

great report with many nice pictures! EY's product looks very good in general, but EK is still ahead in terms of IFE and catering IMO.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Economy Class seat on the Regional Airbus A320. I love these soothing colours on the A320s compared to the earth tone colours on the long haul jets.

Very nice colors indeed!

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Gorgeous Rolls Royce Trent 500 on the Airbus A340-600

   But the GE90 looks even better.  

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Etihad's aircraft used to be a shade darker than the current colour scheme.

Really? Have they changed it?

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Departing Abu Dhabi with the Formula 1 Yas Marina circuit below us

Great shot!

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Across the aisle from me I heard a lone male voice say in a demanding tone "Meat".

Wow, you had some, well, interesting passengers on your flights.  


PH

Great report, thanks for posting!

Rather surprised about your meal ex KHI however, it doesn't look up to Etihad's usual standards. Cost cutting?

Glad to hear you liked the crew, the EY folks are a good bunch  

Hi Flightsim!

Great report and excellent pictures! I love the tail/landing gear detail closeup shots  

I haven't flown Etihad long-haul in a very long time, and it probably was a totally different airline back then! A lot has definitely changed, in which most seems to be good.

Though i could not quite 'understand' the concept of the meal you were served on the KHIAUH sector. A sandwich and a paper bag in this part of the world is quite LCC. Other airlines -Gulf Air included- can whip up a full tray service on a short sector like this, so EY should too   haha

It was very decent of the crew to accommodate the mother and her kids, as something like this could be easily ignored on other airlines.

I am so sorry about your job! I hope the situation will work out for the better in the future!

Thanks for sharing this TR with us.

Cheers,
Roni

Hi


Nice to follow your return trip report as well! I'm still amused by the warm tone of colors set by EY!
A320 looks to be impressive as well to have the Semi-longhaul product onboard

Greetings
Marc

Can't wait for EY to come to IAD!

Oops like I posted a wrong thread here

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): This is the return journey to Toronto on Etihad. You can read about the trip from Toronto here Etihad Airways KHI-AUH EY 222 & AUH-YYZ EY 141 (by flightsimboy Nov 26 2010 in Trip Reports)

The trip from Toronto is here: Third Time's A Charm! Etihad Airways (YYZ-AUH-KHI) (by flightsimboy Jan 3 2012 in Trip Reports)

Now that has been corrected, I want to waste no time in thanking those who have read the report!! I hope I have covered all responses, so please excuse me if some have gone unresponded to.

Thank you Alex, Irish Ayes, Thai744, Lars, Burj, Gabriel, PH, Sq_ek_freak, Roni, Marc, Swedenflyer for all your reponses.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): Thanks for writing this report up

Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 4): Great TR, as usual

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): Lovely TR

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): Thanks for taking the time to write it up - great TR!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): Thanks for a great report on your return flights !

Quoting burj (Reply 7): Wow! Thanks for sharing.

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Thanks for posting

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): great report with many nice pictures!

Quoting sq_ek_freak (Reply 10): Great report, thanks for posting!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 11): Great report and excellent pictures!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 11): Thanks for sharing this TR with us.

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): Nice to follow your return trip report as well!

It was a pleasure to write this report and it was equally enjoyable to read the overwhelming responses!!

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): good to see EY in Y holding up. I have had indifferent experiences on them in J, mostly crew related, so good to see EY being consistent.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 3): Sorry about your job.

Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 4): Also - hang in there, sorry to hear about your job, but remember everything happens for a reason and things will work themselves out.

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): Hope you're employment situation works out for you too! You seem like a decent guy!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): Hope you found a new job by now.

Quoting ronerone (Reply 11): I am so sorry about your job! I hope the situation will work out for the better in the future!

Thank you so much for your kind wishes. I am sure they will take me to where I next to be in this next stage of my life!

Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 4): definitely enhanced by the beautiful scenery outside the plane. ...but great work nonetheless.

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): Amazed they didn't make you close the blinds on such a long day flight too! Thank goodness they didn't - some amazing scenery you flew over!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): I had a similar seat close to the engine on my EY flight AUH-BKK in April 2006 and and posted a trip report about.

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): you got some great shots out of the window on your way to Toronto.

Actually the window blinds were put down no sooner dinner service was over. I had the airshow on my seat back video for the entire duration of the flight, so I had a fair idea where we were over, and what to expect. Until we flew over Turkey it was nothing but barren dry terrain for the most part. Of course the highlight was when we flew over the Alpine splendour!! No pressure from the crew to keep the blinds closed, and besides I did not have the sun on my side so no extra brightness to draw too much attention to my seat!

Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 4): Seems like you are very partial to EY!

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): as a regular EK flyer in Y, nice to see how "the competition" is and what they offer.Really, I can't seem to draw any line between them in Y.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): EY's product looks very good in general, but EK is still ahead in terms of IFE and catering IMO.

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): Do EY have 10-across on their 777's as EK do? And how is the seat pitch?

Quoting Thai744 (Reply 5): Food, entertainment, crew seems of a smiliar standard.

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): the service on EY looks pretty good.

Quoting sq_ek_freak (Reply 10): Glad to hear you liked the crew, the EY folks are a good bunch Keep Discovering

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): A320 looks to be impressive as well to have the Semi-longhaul product onboard

Quoting swedenflyer (Reply 13): Can't wait for EY to come to IAD!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 11): It was very decent of the crew to accommodate the mother and her kids, as something like this could be easily ignored on other airlines.

Having flow EK and EY on numerous long hauls, I still find myself being drawn to EY.Their aircraft colours,the seat colours and above their uniforms are a complete blend of everything for me to keep flying with them. Their fares too, are incredible, so that is an added bonus!! Emirates on the other hand is just so much out there, it is almost hyped,though they have their own dedicated crews,and yes PH their ICE Entertainment system is leaps and bounds ahead of EK!. However I now feel should the opportunity arise, I have to definitely try out Qatar Airways and Oman Air!

Swedenflyer you can still fly Qatar out of IAD for the moment, till Etihad gets there!

Thai744, the seats are 3-4-3 on Etihad. The seat pitch can be quite tight. I know at one time they had 3-3-3 seating. Marc, yes it will be nice to fly these A320s to the semi-long haul routes. Quite comfy!!

Roni, I forgot to mention the FA who really pushed to have this woman and her children moved (even though the male FA did assure her but in the end did nothing). She had to also tackle the woman in Business Class, with her older companion (perhaps mother) on my KHI-AUH flight who were now travelling together in Y and had taken seats where they pleased, which resulted in those whose seats they were to have to sit somewhere else so the aircraft could depart on time. After take off the woman in Business class on the earlier flight was moved to another location while her mother sat where she was. A couple travelling together then finally got their seats together, window and middle seat. Again all these tackled professionally and yet at the same measure sternly by the same FA!!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): Very nice colors indeed!

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): I'm still amused by the warm tone of colors set by EY!

As mentioned above their earth tone coloured seats are very soothing. Though Etihad's cream and black blankets can make you feel like you are keeping warm with strangely striped animal lol

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): But the GE90 looks even better.

I have to agree, but two of the Trent 500s with the sexy winglet of a A340-500 or A340-600 and that is a view you cannot beat!!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): Really? Have they changed it?

I believe the colours now are lot lighter than before, as seen on the engine cowling.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): Great shot!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 11): I love the tail/landing gear detail closeup shots

PH, Roni, glad you two liked these shots!!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): Wow, you had some, well, interesting passengers on your flights.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): EY seems pretty good in Y with many meals during your long flight.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): First meal does not looks so great in my opinion.

Quoting burj (Reply 7): It is interesting to see what the onboard product is like...I'm super impressed that you got any food on the KHI-AUH segment....as you said in North America you can fly 5+ hours transcontinental and be offered either cookies, pretzels, or peanuts (assuming nobody allergic is on board!)

Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Doesn't look like a very good breakfast - I'd have expected more

Quoting sq_ek_freak (Reply 10): Rather surprised about your meal ex KHI however, it doesn't look up to Etihad's usual standards. Cost cutting?

Quoting ronerone (Reply 11): Though i could not quite 'understand' the concept of the meal you were served on the KHIAUH sector. A sandwich and a paper bag in this part of the world is quite LCC. Other airlines -Gulf Air included- can whip up a full tray service on a short sector like this, so EY should too haha

Wow! I had no idea that the meal would be the focus of this report!! As burj indicated it is impressive you get any food these days. I know Emirates hands out full meals on those sectors and is equally impressive to see the whole service take place on a fully loaded Boeing 777-300ER!!! Not sure why EY has opted for this, but again I'll say I'm not complaining lol

This is what we served on the flight to Karachi for those who missed out on it


Same sector in 2010 and 2005

2010 AUH-KHI


2010 KHI-AUH


2005 AUH-KHI


2005 KHI-AUH

Quoting burj (Reply 7): you don't see a lot of trip reports out of KHI!

You'll see links to some trips to and from Karachi on EY in the link I provided on the top.
These are two trips on EK to and from New York to Karachi and back!

YYZ-LGA-JFK-DXB-KHI
AC (YYZ-LGA) EK (JFK-DXB-KHI) (Aug'06) Long W/pics (by Flightsimboy Dec 26 2009 in Trip Reports)

KHI-DXB-JFK-LGA-YYZ
EK(KHI-DXB-JFK) AC(LGA-YYZ) Sep'06 Long/with Pics (by Flightsimboy Dec 27 2009 in Trip Reports)

Quoting IrishAyes (Reply 4): Sucks that it wasn't as nice when you landed in Toronto

Nothing beats this view just before turning onto finals for Rwy 6R again on an LH-A340...and we landed in similar crappy weather. But the weather was great "above the clouds lol. Trip taken in 2007

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 14): I have to definitely try out Qatar Airways and Oman Air!

Of course, I can't comment on QR just yet (though my first flight on them is happening 'imminently') but as far as Oman Air, they are in a league of their own in the region. Honestly, it would be impossible not to be wowed by the excessive frills offered on a long-haul Oman Air flight!  


Cheers,
Roni

Hi Flightsimboy.

Really nice report thanks - always interesting to see your visits out there. Is there a reason you always choose to fly out with EY. Now QR are flying so close, it could be a chance to try them?

But EY seem to offer a fairly solid product, except for that pitiful meal on the Karachi flight. Poor show. I really enjoyed the close-up ohotos on your transit in AUH. Really huge metal there!

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Economy Class seat on the Regional Airbus A320

Looks like a splendid interior. Glad to see they aren't going for 'slim-line' which are so popular nowadays.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Scotland

Haha! That is interesting. Don't get too many of them. . .

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): The last time I was very sternly told to put my camera away.

This really annoys me. If they are going to invite the world through their airport, they should not be so sensitive to cameras. Whether it is military or not, common sense should prevail. I've heard that flying Royal Jordanian can be a nightmare for photos.

It would be excellent to see a little of Karachi in your reports. I am most curious about visiting Pakistan.

Rgds

Luke!

Luke and Roni,

Sorry for the delay with this. Had problems due to my Paypal account changes. All settled now I hope.

Quoting ronerone (Reply 15): Of course, I can't comment on QR just yet (though my first flight on them is happening 'imminently')

Are you giving us a hint of things to come. I for one will be waiting dearly for this one.

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): Really nice report thanks - always interesting to see your visits out there. Is there a reason you always choose to fly out with EY. Now QR are flying so close, it could be a chance to try them?

Thanks Luke! I opted to fly with EY in 2011 and 2010 because they had the cheapest fares. My fare in 2011 was even cheaper being able to use the points from 2010 towards it. If QR comes to YYZ maybe. Their fares out of YUL are quite high,

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): I really enjoyed the close-up ohotos on your transit in AUH. Really huge metal there!

Abu Dhabi is a spotters paradise. Too bad it does not have the heavy traffic of DXB.

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): Looks like a splendid interior

It sure is. Very earthy colours.

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): I've heard that flying Royal Jordanian can be a nightmare for photos.

Roni seems to have had no problems.

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): It would be excellent to see a little of Karachi in your reports.

Here is a link of my photos on Flickr of the very traditional side of Karachi. http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcopo...yager_2001/sets/72157607780883400/

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): I am most curious about visiting Pakistan.

The North of Pakistan is just waiting for you to photograph it. (But only when things better to go there) I myself have never been to the North.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter):

Nice tr and some great shots, especially of that engine  

Regarding that airport, bored and listening to music so went to google maps.

I THINK it might be Mollis? Tiny airport, I think it's only light planes?

Quoting lhr380 (Reply 18): Nice tr and some great shots, especially of that engine

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Honestly, these photos don't do any justice to the sheer size of those things hanging from the wings!!

Quoting lhr380 (Reply 18): Regarding that airport, bored and listening to music so went to google maps. I THINK it might be Mollis? Tiny airport, I think it's only light planes?

Yes, I believe you are right! Considering while over Switzerland, we tracked directly from Arosa (also photographed) towards Zurich!!

Dear flightsimboy,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your job. I sincerely hope that you will soon find a position where people will better appreciate your qualities. I know we cannot do much about the outsourcing, but you did not deserve this treatment.

Anyway, let’s continue with your report. One thing I need to say here, your pictures are beautiful and crystal clear!

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): saw it get tagged when I had to take it back off and take to another security screening.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): (to see if the baggage stamp was applied to your baggage tag, and failure of this results in you going back to the check in counters to get it stamped)

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): and one final check by security of the stamp on the boarding card with the stamp on the baggage tag of your luggage it was down the air bridge to the waiting jet.

What a procedures!   

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): There was a lot of security checks but everything was carried out very nicely

Cold comfort.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): I could not tell if all seats were indeed full, but chuckled at how this woman indeed had the nerve to ask for this to happen.

At least, the woman did not push through.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): the Russian FA off, who lifted her hands towards herself and said "Wait..please wait" looking sideways at both, before turning to the woman across the aisle, attended to her need and then attended to the woman in the row in front of me.

Kudos to her! How impressive that she remained calm at any time.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): Obligatory leg room shot

Decent legroom.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): I should not complain as you nothing on North American carriers so what I got here was a banquet in comparison.

That’s fair.

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): This time I took a shot once inside the waiting bus

And a good one as well!  

Quoting flightsimboy (Thread starter): though the occupant a seat away from me, was snoring and purring gently like some of the jets outside their windows gently starting their engines.

   Give me starting engines at any time!

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 1): I think she had passed out from exhaustion as she then came around,

Poor woman. Luckily, she could move to the seat with the bassinet.

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 1): Departing Abu Dhabi with the Formula 1 Yas Marina circuit below us

Gorgeous! So surrealistic!

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 1): I opted for the Chicken Stroganoff.

I would go for palak paneer instead.   

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 2): I had to google earth this to match the photo with the landscape on the software. The frozen Obersee lake in the top.

  

Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 2): I actually have cooked Garlic rice and peas quite a bit after eating this dish!

Not surprising. The dish looked delicious! By the way, did you manage to get the recipe from EY?   


Flightsimboy, thank you for sharing this nicely written report. I wish you lots of luck and all the best of the world.

Warm regards,
Suryo

Dear Suryo,

I noticed you had been missing on a.net for a while, and then when I saw you replying to some posts, I knew you would in due time reply to this one thread of mine, which you so kindly did. Thank you so much. Also thank you for your kind wishes!!

Now regarding your absence should we be expecting a glamorous trip report from you anytime soon?? I will only have to wait and see!! Apologies if you already indicated where your next trip was going to be, where my absent mindedness has now kicked in lol

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): Anyway, let’s continue with your report. One thing I need to say here, your pictures are beautiful and crystal clear!

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): And a good one as well!

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): Gorgeous! So surrealistic!

I was fortunate get that window seat and the camera was very instrumental in capturing those glorious scenes!!

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): What a procedures!

What a workout really!!

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): Kudos to her! How impressive that she remained calm at any time.

Yes she did.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): I would go for palak paneer instead.

ha,ha. I always think of you when biryani is around and your trip on PIA!!

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20):

I am so glad you liked that photo!! Looked impressive from so high, and even better when zoomed in!!

Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): By the way, did you manage to get the recipe from EY?

My version works for me now lol