There are some very drastic ways not to go to work. On Sunday 12th February,a British Airways flight en route between Tokyo and London with 150 passenegrs, a note was reportedly found scrawled on one of the toilet doors: “The bomb on board will explode at 16.00 GMT unless our demands are met.” Terrorist? Disgruntled passenger? Flight Attendant? Well on touchdown, Flight attendant Mathew Davis was arrested when the Boeing 777 landed safely at Heathrow after its 10,000-kilomtre (7 000 mile) journey. His DNA, mugshot and fingerprints were taken at the Heathrow Airport Police station. The next day…
Farewell BA Bangkok – Sydney Trip Report
This is the fourth time I have flown British Airways on this sector- and my last. BA will cease flying this route from this Friday March 3rd. Qantas will terminate its Bangkok to London services on March 26th and its planes will turn around in Bangkok. Instead both airlines will “swap” passengers at Bangkok. The same thing is happening with their Hong Kong flights. Both airlines will maintain their services via Singapore (the “Kangaroo Route”). This shorter “hop” will be where all through Australia-London passengers will be fed. Passengers going via Hong K and Bangkok will be choosing to stop. I have some disquiet about how…
Reflections on Gulf Air
This week I fly from the Middle East to Paris where I will be competing in the Paris Half Marathon. Then I have a quick train trip to see friends in Amsterdam! See map below. Last week, I landed at my 195th airport in my life: Bahrain in the emptiest plane I have ever been on. It was an Etihad 777 from Abu Dhabi that I swear was 10 to 15% full. Crew said the large plane was used because it was transporting freight. Arrival at Bahrain was frustrating because of the “security situation” (petrol bombs, tear gas, rubber bullets…
China Southern’s Third 380 and Airbus CEO Reassures
China Southern has been flying their first A380s on domestic routes within China. This means they have had the world’s largest number of passengers on a single domestic flight surely? I have been advised they will start flying their A380 in March from Beijing to Hong Kong. The timetable says: Flight: CZ310 will leave Beijing (PEK) at 0850 and arrive at 1220 into Hong Kong (HKG). It then returns as CZ 309 departing at 1440 and arriving 1750 back to Beijing. I can’t wait to fly it – I have been on the other six airline’s flying 380s;…
Security Thieving [Updated]
At Auckland International Airport two years ago, I encountered a petty official at the security check point with a petty attitude. I placed my computer on the conveyor belt and waited for it to go through. She insisted that I proceed through the X ray machine before my laptop did but I would not leave my computer unwatched. I see people throwing wallets, keys and watches into the open trays and then marching on through the metal detectors, leaving the stuff on then conveyor belt, ready to be pushed through – by anyone. I put those items…
2102 2012 Today is a palindrome
Just thought you should know! A palindrome is a word, phrase, number or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction. Enjoy your 21st of Feb
Etihad Internet access
I was initially excited that Etihad are offering wifi on board but it is only on three planes. Slim chance I will see it tomorrow when I fly to Abu Dhabi!
This week: 20 to 26 February, 2012
So how was last week? This week I am back with Etihad up to the Middle East. Am wondering what they will do with my Platinum card (last time I flew them I was Gold). In Melbourne (where I am starting my journey from), they use the Air New Zealand lounge which is a very nice one. Safe travels to you!
Qantas Shrinking Growth
In response to an 83 per cent fall in its first-half net profit to $A42 million to December 31 and as a part of a half a billion dollar cost cutting measure. Qantas is pulling out of two more routes in May and cutting 500 jobs in catering, engineering and heavy maintenance. The sectors being lost are: Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) to Los Angeles, USA (LAX) QF25 and 26 Singapore (SIN) to Mumbai (India) (BOM) QF 50 and 51 These cuts are in addition to the previously announced withdrawals in March from the Hong Kong-London…
Pics from over New Zealand
Photos from my ATR 72 flight from Palmerston North to Auckland last Wednesday. Stunning day to fly.
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