Plane Bashing

[trentside]

I've just finished writing up my trip report for my EMA-DUB-SEN trip with Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Aer Arran).

See it here on A.net.

Hope this is of interest.

 

[SwindonPkwy]

If you have read my posts on aviation related topics, you may know that I am very slightly pro LHR. So, below is my completely unbiased review of Frankfurt airport.

Too many remote stands.
Too long taxiing to and from runways.
Poor Terminal layout.
Runways aren't everything.

I was glad to be back at LHR this evening having bagged two more BA A320's. The Galleries lounge was good and I loved the Pod to and from the Car Park.

 

[Techniquest]

I've just finished writing up my trip report for my EMA-DUB-SEN trip with Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Aer Arran).

See it here on A.net.

Hope this is of interest.

Just read that, found it to be quite a good read. I assume you booked EMA > DUB > SEN in two separate legs, which if so was rather brave if you ask me!

Looking forward to my first ATR-42 in less than 3 weeks time, should be great!

 

[trentside]

Just read that, found it to be quite a good read. I assume you booked EMA > DUB > SEN in two separate legs, which if so was rather brave if you ask me!

Looking forward to my first ATR-42 in less than 3 weeks time, should be great!

Yes, they were booked as separate legs - normally I'd have allowed slightly more time, and would have gone into the city, but the only flight out to Southend with reasonable prices was the 0915. Probably with the weather like it was I had a lucky escape - am planning to tour the railways in Ireland later this year or early next year, so will definitely be back!

The ATR-42 is a great aircraft - really good fun to fly on.

 

[WestCoast]

If you have read my posts on aviation related topics, you may know that I am very slightly pro LHR. So, below is my completely unbiased review of Frankfurt airport.

Too many remote stands.
Too long taxiing to and from runways.
Poor Terminal layout.
Runways aren't everything.

I was glad to be back at LHR this evening having bagged two more BA A320's. The Galleries lounge was good and I loved the Pod to and from the Car Park.

I am sure if you stay within the confines of Terminal 5 at LHR and have access to the lovely lounges, the experience is probably better than Frankfurt. My recent experiences of connecting at LHR have been poor though and I am really not fussy at all (I am a no status Ryanair frequent flier after all!). More runway capacity may mean longer taxi times and more remote stands, but it does also mean less delays through holding and ATC restrictions.

Coming home from Vienna, strangely enough no airline flies direct to Manchester, so I booked BA via LHR. The flight's arrival was delayed 1h15m due to ATC and weather and the flight arrived at Terminal 3 with the next flight leaving from Terminal 5, even though both flights were operated by BA.

I had 30 minutes until the gate supposedly closed on the Manchester flight. Firstly a 5 minutes bus ride from a remote stand to T3, then it took a good 15 minutes brisk pace walk to reach flight connections through dim corridors, where there was no BA transfer desk available. No one to ask, so I went down to catch the bus to T5. It didn't set off for another 5 mins, by this time it was near gate closing time, then it was a 10-15 mins ride across to T5.

I was connecting to a domestic flight, but there was a massive queue at the UK border. The screens now said 'gate closed', so I joined the enormous rebooking queue at T5 connections. Finally at the front and the next BA flight is full and overbooked, so they rebooked me onto the half-empty bmi flight. I was then sent on another 15mins bus ride over to the dingy T1, where I finally clear immigration and security. It was almost 1h50m after my last flight's touchdown by this point!

T5 is nice, but I can't say the same about the rest of the place. The BAA staff at connections and security seemed a bit sour as well, much less friendly than at Manchester.

 

[LE Greys]

I am sure if you stay within the confines of Terminal 5 at LHR and have access to the lovely lounges, the experience is probably better than Frankfurt. My recent experiences of connecting at LHR have been poor though and I am really not fussy at all (I am a no status Ryanair frequent flier after all!). More runway capacity may mean longer taxi times and more remote stands, but it does also mean less delays through holding and ATC restrictions.

Coming home from Vienna, strangely enough no airline flies direct to Manchester, so I booked BA via LHR. The flight's arrival was delayed 1h15m due to ATC and weather and the flight arrived at Terminal 3 with the next flight leaving from Terminal 5, even though both flights were operated by BA.

I had 30 minutes until the gate supposedly closed on the Manchester flight. Firstly a 5 minutes bus ride from a remote stand to T3, then it took a good 15 minutes brisk pace walk to reach flight connections through dim corridors, where there was no BA transfer desk available. No one to ask, so I went down to catch the bus to T5. It didn't set off for another 5 mins, by this time it was near gate closing time, then it was a 10-15 mins ride across to T5.

I was connecting to a domestic flight, but there was a massive queue at the UK border. The screens now said 'gate closed', so I joined the enormous rebooking queue at T5 connections. Finally at the front and the next BA flight is full and overbooked, so they rebooked me onto the half-empty bmi flight. I was then sent on another 15mins bus ride over to the dingy T1, where I finally clear immigration and security. It was almost 1h50m after my last flight's touchdown by this point!

T5 is nice, but I can't say the same about the rest of the place. The BAA staff at connections and security seemed a bit sour as well, much less friendly than at Manchester.

I've had similar experiences. BAA have been told from very high levels to sort this problem out (story is a bit old, sorry) but apparently it's not going to happen for a while. Generally, I think T5 was not the world's greatest design - getting through to departures often takes ages as well and getting to the gates can be complicated since you are routed through the shops rather than directly into the waiting area, although that's hardly a Heathrow-specific problem. Hopefully, more staff with sort the problem, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[SwindonPkwy]

WestCoast, I do take your point about transferring through LHR. When I said it was an unbiased view of FRA, my tongue was firmly in my cheek.

According to Wikipedia, T2 at FRA has 42 gates but only 8 of which have 'jetways' as they describe them. I just think that this is a bit poor for a terminal built in 1993.

On a general point, we are very good at knocking LHR but FRA, AMS and CDG are by no means perfect. When T2 at LHR is completed (and T3 and T5 linked airside) each alliance will be, more or less, under one roof. In the mean time I hope you do not have more such experiences.

 

[WestCoast]

When T2 at LHR is completed (and T3 and T5 linked airside) each alliance will be, more or less, under one roof. In the mean time I hope you do not have more such experiences.

That will hopefully improve the connection experience considerably. However, in the short term, OneWorld is spreading out over T1, T3 and T5 and the latest is that BA are shifting some T5 flights over to T1, due to the bmi integration. I guess that means more people on the airside transfer buses!

T3 and T5 linked airside will be a real winner for BA/OW connections, because that's the majority of connections at Heathrow.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

On a general point, we are very good at knocking LHR but FRA, AMS and CDG are by no means perfect.

Oh yes, they all have their faults, although I've never connected at CDG but reports say it's a confusing maze!

Amsterdam would be my favourite out of those you've mentioned, it's all under one roof with (IMO) great facilities. Long walks to gates and taxis to runways, yes, but that means there is sufficient capacity so delays are minimised, which increases the chances of making a connection. If you're flying outside of Europe from the UK, you can go straight to the next gate directly without having to go to a centralised connection and security screening centre, which can save a lot of time.

UK regulations prohibit arriving and departing passengers from mixing, so that can't be done at LHR.

 

[starrymarkb]

Off to Amsterdam tomorrow on a F70. Not looking forward to the 3am start

Edit: The Schipol Android App reckons it will be PH-KZG - find out if its right tomorrow
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Amsterdam was great, the Fokkers were well worn but very comfortable. Sitting near the back makes your ears ring from the Rolls Royce engines!

Schiphol is also very enthusiast friendly with a huge spectator terrace (which screens at the entrance showing departures with registrations rather gates. Oh and there is a preserved Fokker 100 on display up there too!

 

[trentside]

Amsterdam was great, the Fokkers were well worn but very comfortable. Sitting near the back makes your ears ring from the Rolls Royce engines!

Schiphol is also very enthusiast friendly with a huge spectator terrace (which screens at the entrance showing departures with registrations rather gates. Oh and there is a preserved Fokker 100 on display up there too!

I had a return trip to Amsterdam last summer, from Norwich with KLM Cityhopper - the Fokkers are great aircraft, worn but plenty of character. I haven't ever had a chance to visit the terrace at Schipol - must do next time I visit. Sadly I was sitting forward on the Fokker, but I'd imagine it's similar to being on an MD80 series near the back - after my last MD80 flight it was all I could hear for an hour or so afterwards

 

[Phil6219]

Many moons ago (back when I still loved all things aviation) I had planned to do Amsterdam to Detriot (I think) With Northwest so that I could get a ride on a DC-10-40, it was going to be a great trip with lots of flights across the USA too so I could bag a number of smaller carriers as well as airlines we didn't have in Manchester (United, Northwest and at the time America West).

Had planned to go on the Balkan Tupolev but ended up getting a job and moving away.

With regards to what is about these days, well it's not exactly the same as it was 15 years ago when there was still a large variety of things knocking about (Yakolevs, Tupolevs & Illyusin's from the CCCP and CIS, old props as well as ATPs, L1011s & DC-10s were still commonplace too & of course the old girl herself, Concorde.

As for what I've flown on

AB6, A319, A320, A321, B732, B733, B734, B735, B73G, B738, B752, B762, B763, Dash 8, BAE 146, Metroliner, J31, J41 & my personal favorite G-IV, also various Cessnas & Pipers...

Used to work on most of the above too, was trained on the 737-900ER as well but my airline folded the night before I was due to go on my first flight on it

Phil

 

[WestCoast]

Amsterdam was great, the Fokkers were well worn but very comfortable. Sitting near the back makes your ears ring from the Rolls Royce engines!

Schiphol is also very enthusiast friendly with a huge spectator terrace (which screens at the entrance showing departures with registrations rather gates. Oh and there is a preserved Fokker 100 on display up there too!

Sounds like you had a great trip. Was it a British or Dutch crew you had? KLM Cityhopper still employs some UK-based cabin crews and pilots, as legacy from the days of KLM UK.

From what you describe, it was may well have been an ex-Air France Regional Fokker, most of the models that have been at KLM since delivery are in an excellent condition internally (almost like new).

Amsterdam Schipol is one of my favourite airports of all time, everything just works. Apart from the huge spotters terrace, I like the aviation store next door to the "frieten" (chips) stand (that's good as well) near Schipol Plaza. Did you know they are also doing tours around the airfield now?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Used to work on most of the above too, was trained on the 737-900ER as well but my airline folded the night before I was due to go on my first flight on it

Excel Airways by any chance? As you know, partially reincarnated as Viking and later Tor Air! All of them are gone now, which says it all.

Had planned to go on the Balkan Tupolev but ended up getting a job and moving away.

The Balkan Holidays Air Tupolev Tu-134s that used to visit Manchester (and presumably other UK airports) on charters from Bourgas? I managed to fly on that once as part of a package holiday with the family, I didn't expect that I can tell you! Mind you those were the days when the charter airlines had some interesting aircraft types, like the MyTravel/Airtours DC-10s and Air Atlanta 747-200/300s.

 

[SwindonPkwy]

"Back in the day" charter airlines tended to operate the 'hand me downs' from the major airlines. I remember Spantax Convair 990's, Euralair Caravelles and Dan Air's last Comet.

As Phil6219 stated above, when the Soviet Tupolevs and Ilyushins were around (and some on the very rare side) things were very interesting indeed. Nowadays, the sight of an Aeroflot Airbus holds little appeal; they don't even carry RA registrations. Anyway, I suppose we have to move on.

I have just booked my next trip, to Paris in early August. I am flying to Orly for no other reason than not having flown there before. Anybody got any tips or experiences?

 

[WestCoast]

As Phil6219 stated above, when the Soviet Tupolevs and Ilyushins were around (and some on the very rare side) things were very interesting indeed.

There's still the Cubana Ilyushin which visits Gatwick on a weekly basis.

"Back in the day" charter airlines tended to operate the 'hand me downs' from the major airlines. I remember Spantax Convair 990's, Euralair Caravelles and Dan Air's last Comet.

The charter industry has declined so much though, the short-haul flying programmes have been scaled back and many of the European charter airlines now operate "pseudo-scheduled" flights. A sign of the times in the industry with the rise of the low cost airlines and BA e.t.c appealing to leisure travellers.

 

[Ascot]

I have to admit I do have a soft spot for all things related to Eastern Bloc aviation, much more than Western World! I'd like to go over to Engels on one of the open days, they have some very interesting tools!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[starrymarkb]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Was it a British or Dutch crew you had? KLM Cityhopper still employs some UK-based cabin crews and pilots, as legacy from the days of KLM UK.

From what you describe, it was may well have been an ex-Air France Regional Fokker, most of the models that have been at KLM since delivery are in an excellent condition internally (almost like new).

Amsterdam Schipol is one of my favourite airports of all time, everything just works. Apart from the huge spotters terrace, I like the aviation store next door to the "frieten" (chips) stand (that's good as well) near Schipol Plaza. Did you know they are also doing tours around the airfield now?

It was British on the Flight Deck and Dutch in the cabin.

I had PH-KZG and KZL - ZL was new to Silk Air but has been Cityhopping since 2000 - ZG spent a year with Austrian

And not everything worked. I was sent through the Nudiscope which promptly threw up errors, so I had a light frisking. I think they had to frisk everyone in line after me!

 

[WestCoast]

And not everything worked. I was sent through the Nudiscope which promptly threw up errors, so I had a light frisking. I think they had to frisk everyone in line after me!

I meant the transfer process really, which I prefer at Schipol than Heathrow as it's all under one roof and very clearly signed. The museum and airside hotels are great for overnight stopovers.

Manchester has the body scanners in every lane and if you set off the metal detector, you must pass through a controversial scanner. They have automated turnstiles and doors to control this - which I've never seen elsewhere. I am quite surprised that Heathrow or other major airports don't have the 'people directors'.

 

[starrymarkb]

They seemed to be sending everyone through the scanners, the metal detector was roped off
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The Flight of the Fokker trip report is now up on A.net.

 

[Techniquest]

Well I had my first flight with Aer Lingus yesterday on the 1350 Dublin to Birmingham. Much better than Ryanair is the quick way of summarising it, with highlights being a FAR less garish interior, cheaper coffee and more pleasant flight crew. First Airbus craft too, which was nice.

First easyjet and Manx2 flights coming up in about 2.5 weeks time, after that I've nowt booked rail or otherwise.

 

[ATW Alex 101]

First easyjet and Manx2 flights coming up in about 2.5 weeks time, after that I've nowt booked rail or otherwise.

Are you flying out of Liverpool?

 

[route101]

Well I had my first flight with Aer Lingus yesterday on the 1350 Dublin to Birmingham. Much better than Ryanair is the quick way of summarising it, with highlights being a FAR less garish interior, cheaper coffee and more pleasant flight crew. First Airbus craft too, which was nice.

First easyjet and Manx2 flights coming up in about 2.5 weeks time, after that I've nowt booked rail or otherwise.

Manx2 will be interesting , you know what type that is.

 

[WestCoast]

Are you flying out of Liverpool?

Liverpool to Isle of Man has become cheaper recently due to the competition between easyJet and Flybe. Manx2 don't fly from Liverpool, the only airport they serve in the North West is Blackpool. I've flown with them three times now and each flight was operated by a Van Air Let-410 (19 seater prop).

 

[Techniquest]

Aye easyjet out of Liverpool, Manx2 to Blackpool.

 

[starrymarkb]

If I can get the following day off from work* I intend to do a widebody trip to Madrid in October. Plus I'd like to see some parts of Spain that haven't been invaded by the Brits.

*Looking at a 4am Nat-Ex arrival back in Exeter (unless I get a room)

 

[WestCoast]

If I can get the following day off from work* I intend to do a widebody trip to Madrid in October. Plus I'd like to see some parts of Spain that haven't been invaded by the Brits.

*Looking at a 4am Nat-Ex arrival back in Exeter (unless I get a room)

I was tempted by the Iberia A340 on the Heathrow - Madrid route. Aside from the MD-11, the A340 and A380 are the only widebodies currently in service by European Airlines that I haven't yet flown.

I wanted to use my Avios on from Manchester to Madrid via Heathrow. The domestic sectors are free. Could I get Iberia to offer any Avios redemption seats all the way throughout July and August? No. Not one seat. My opinion of Iberia is still low.

Anyway, rumour has it that BA will be testing their A380s on Heathrow - Madrid come next year, like what Air France did with Heathrow - CDG. I've decided to hold out until then.

 

[SwindonPkwy]

It has been confirmed by Willie Walsh that he is not expecting the first A380 until Q3 next year at the earliest. Looks like it might be a trip to Madrid next Autumn.

 

[flymo]

Hong Kong Airlines (HX) will end their presence in Gatwick on Sept 3 when their last flight HX876 departs from there around 9:30pm.

They have an all business class A330-200 service (club class and club premier) which has never really proved that popular I think. Coupled with the other problems the airline is facing with unpaid bills left right and centre the writing is on the wall I think for them. Time to consolidate or go under.

So if you fancy nabbing a photo of B-LNJ or B-LNK in UK better get down to Gatwick before Sept 3. Mind you the timings are not good, 05:55 arrival and 21:30 departure.

 

[SwindonPkwy]

So if you fancy nabbing a photo of B-LNJ or B-LNK in UK better get down to Gatwick before Sept 3. Mind you the timings are not good, 05:55 arrival and 21:30 departure.

That is a long time on the deck. Probably not surprising that they are not making money. Also, LGW is not exactly known for 'premium' paying passengers. Do they have any other routes for the two aircraft?

 

[flymo]

Do they have any other routes for the two aircraft?

The rest of the places they fly are just regional up to maybe 4 hours away from HK. The only other place I could see them even remotely working is Tokyo or Osaka.

These two A330-200 aircraft are kitted out as 'VIP' (in their words) configuration with a max load of 116 (34 Club Premier + 82 Club Classic). Still new though, only 6 months old so maybe a chance to sell them on if they are owned. Perhaps a reconfigure may be on the cards but as they seem to have difficulty in paying their bills I don't think anyone will take on the work unless paid first.

 

[WestCoast]

I am in Munich at the moment after completing the first leg of my Manchester-Munich-Athens fifth freedom combination with Singapore Airlines and Air China. Unfortunately, my camera seemed to die at the airport and I am no expert in these matters, so no photos for an Airliners.net trip report or proper snaps of the trip! My phone takes rubbish photos as well..

Nothing of note to comment on about Manchester Airport, except that T2 was full of once a year leisure travellers which made security a hassle. Add to that, the security agent I dealt with seemed to give the American TSA a run for their money in terms of rudeness. She was literally barking orders at me!

Anyway, I had an excellent trip outbound to Munich on Singapore Airlines from Manchester. I really must highly recommend this route to any aviation enthusiast, even if it means skipping one or two cheaper trips.

It's a very rare chance to fly on a 777-300ER within Europe and a rather luxuriously fitted out one at that. It was hilarious to compare us in size to the ATR which was lining up on a parallel taxiway at MAN!

The crew were probably the best I've ever seen on this occasion, even on a 1h40m flight they set the bar a lot higher than Etihad and Emirates have IME. Exceedingly polite and e.g. addressing economy passengers by name, guiding people to their seats if possible and helping them stow luggage.

The service consisted of hot towels on the ground, followed by a choice of breakfast in the sky (yoghurt and breakfast baguette I chose). Two rounds of drinks. Basically the service was what you would expect in e.g. BA European Business Class.

I played with the extensive entertainment system, which had an interesting programme explaining in great detail aspects of flying. I actually learned a few things!

Munich Airport is a travellers and a spotters paradise, you have access to the observation area on top of the Lufthansa and partners terminal (T2). Up there, you find screens which show real-time ground movements. One stop away on the S-Bahn you will find the Besucherpark (visitors park), which includes a mound where you have a fine view of one of the runways. There's a great area in between the two terminals, where among many retail and restaurant/cafe outlets, you will find the bar selling the airport's own brews (e.g Kumulus Weissbier and Jetstream Pilsner).