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jbalonso777 · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 8:26 pm Post subject: Kolkata during the Durga Puja

Link to previous TR: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12624

THE PLANNING AND STUFF
Because of Dad being stationed outside India, employee and family get to go
home once a year, all flights free. This time, we decided to head back to
Kolkata during the Durga Puja. I had to go, because my Grand Mom was
really angry about the fact that I had stayed there only for 36 hours
during my summer break. Initial plan was CMB-MAA-CCU-DEL-CMB, after
watching the 2012 Indian Grand Prix. But not only was it expensive, the
people don't allow DSLRs at the race track. Henceforth, the Singapore TR Razz

I'm not much of a Bengali-ish person, but this year, for some reason, I looked
forward to the excitement of the Durga Puja! I hope I don't have to explain
what happens there and then, right? Last year, Dad and I missed it, because
we were in....? Colombo.
Therefore, giving Delhi a miss, we decided to go through Mumbai (meeting
my friends for maybe the last time, Mumbai 2013 looks unlikely Crying or Very sad

) and
head for Bagdogra for a few days.

9W255 CMB-BOM
2105-2345 18OCT 73H

9W619 BOM-CCU
0650-0930 20OCT 73H

9W2452 x
9W651 x
9W762 CCU-IXB
1125-1225 22OCT 738

9W2481 x
9W652 IXB-CCU
1300-1400 26OCT 738

9W2453 x
9W844 CCU-MAA
1040-1245 30OCT 738

9W252 MAA-CMB
1845-2005 30OCT 73H
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

sabya99 · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 3:40 pm Post subject:

Jishnu, go for it and take as many pictures as you could. Many of us have not seen Kolkata Puja in years ; at least let us have some pictures of it. I know the area where you live and there will be some nice pujas around that locality .Please do take pictures of them.
_________________
Sabya99

jbalonso777 · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 9:48 pm Post subject:

jbalonso777 · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 4:31 pm Post subject:

On a bright sunny day in Colombo, two clouds suddenly ramble, and cause
the mightiest thunder I've ever heard. A friend quoted: 'Enjoy your flight in
those conditions!'
In a matter of few minutes, it turned dark, windy, thundery and heavy rains!
A prefect sunny day had to end up like this, JUST BEFORE the flight!
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 4:38 pm Post subject:

And today is also the day I'll stop saying
'The last aircraft I flew on was a Boeing 777-300ER.'

God knows until how long I'll have to wait to say that once again/
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:04 am Post subject:

REACHING THE AIRPORT
We left home on a dark evening, and it took forever to reach the airport,
because of the usual horrible long traffic and the rain. The inside of the car
was cold, and I kept sneezing. There is no doubt that I had caught a cold.
We reached the surprisingly empty airport at around 1853 hours. It was
colder inside, because of the super-blast ACs and the rain itself. It was
pouring now! I felt that the flight would be delayed. I saw a few flight
status's which had RED remarks on the side.
What was I expecting? Cancelled, delayed, etc. Instead, it was boarding
and final call! Technology was helping the aircraft for on time departures!

PRE-BOARDING STUFF
We checked in then, which was quick. What surprised me was the fact that
bags were now allowed upto 30KGs, therefore our bags were 17
kgs under the limit. The Emirates counters were open, for CMB-MLE-
youknowhere flight EK653. After check in, we walked up to immigration,
which was quick, and then duty free. Mum had to buy many many things
for everyone living in Kolkata. So I waited, and saw a UL A343 to DMM
depart and UL A343 from NRT arrive. Our aircraft was departing from Gate
14. The net in my phone wasn't working, so there was no way I could see
the registration of the aircraft. The staff were changing the tube lights in
the terminal, and adding a few more shops in the area. Instead of waiting
hopelessly, me and Mum took a foot massage, a wonderful way to relax
after a torrid day!

Did I relax? OH HELL NO! 30 minutes of torture! Oh my God it was
so ticklish! Although the song and the atmosphere around was peaceful, I
had a proper time in Hell at this point of time Razz

But after the massage , my feet felt lighter, the after effects were
showing. Therefore, I had no regrets in doing so.
I saw a group of old ladies have Jet Airways boarding passes. Recapping
from last time: Gate 14? Old ladies? Jet Airways? Must be a pissed crew
then! OH NO!

One them tripped on the escalator. It was a loud thud. A pity that I could not
help her, but there were others who did the same.

I saw the internet, the aircraft was? BHAM, VT-JBT. All this time it
operated for Air India on the Hajj flights, instead it did 9W255 that night. My
second time on this plane, but if it was Dad, it would have been his 13th time!
We walked, where I saw a QR A320 and many UL widebodies in the
remote bays. JBT was one lonely Boeing 737 standing in the distance. UL
887 from PEK and BKK arrived, coming company to Bravo Tango. On the
other side, the Emirates aircraft operating EK653. I went to the washroom
which was close to our gate, and saw the registration, making mum angry
Razz

BOARDING
EMJ it was, Boeing 777-200, with the bridge detached. Luckily, rain had
also stopped. Boarding for our flight was underway. Security took a while,
because of our big External Hard Drive. Irritating, but it was done. We were
welcomed by 2 friendly SriLankan Airlines staff, who guided our way towards
Juliet Bravo Tango, operating flight 9W255 from Colombo to Mumbai, luckily,
with clearing skies.

FLIGHT DETAILS:
Jet Airways 9W255
Colombo-Mumbai
18th October 2012
18F Economy
VT-JBT, Boeing 737-800W
80-85% loads
2045 hours pushback
2317 hours touchdown
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

That is a nice build-up to the trip. Calcutta during the Puja times has a different look to it - I have experienced this once, on the insistence of a few Calcuttans whom I know, in 1989. The pandals and their short-lived exquisite architectures out of cloth and poles, and other materials, are sights which get embedded in one's mind.
Cheers, Sumantra.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject:

One of the two crew members welcomed us on board. The other one was
doing..something, I have no idea what. 9W always has this one crew who
has no damns to give Razz

We walked in to the already packed plane. Ever
since the withdrawal of the Delhi service, 9W255 and 9W256 has seen
good loads. On this particular day, the loads were surely more than 85%,
where in only a few rows there were 4 passengers sitting. I took my seat,
18F, where the seat belts were kept in a 'X' position. Up until now, my row
was empty. I took my seat, and hoped, no one sat in my row.

UL 887, an A343 from PEK and BKK

The tiny CFM56 does look big, doesn't it?!

Instead, there was a gentleman in his 50s with his wife (or..you know
what..) who came into seat 18E and 18D. They kept asking the crew about
when the flight would arrive in Mumbai. They asked something, in which
one of the crew members replied, 'We came into Colombo from Chennai.
It was a short flight, but seat belt signs were on throughout. We are
expecting turbulence over Kerala during the flight.'
Well, that was my answer then, it was all going to happen because of the
strangely rough weather.

DEPARTURE
At 2040 hours, an announcement ordering a head count came up.
Followed by that, the order for all ground personnel to de-board and
finally, a welcome on board. At 2045, 20 minutes before time, push back
started. There wasn't any movement at the airport in that point of time. A
weird sound occurred, from the moment of push back till the engines were
started. Maybe because this was an Old Bird anyways.

A pretty quick taxi followed, and then, a powerful, fantastic sounding
Boeing 737 take off at 2054 hours, into the dark skies, over Negombo
Lagoon, for flight 9W255 to Mumbai.

Take off video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbAAgRZURs4
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2012 2:49 pm Post subject:

INFLIGHT
A slow climb followed, as the heavy 737 started turning north wards. The
last glimpses of Sri Lankan lights went away. Oh yeah! I decided to take a
picture of the engine because the landing lights were on. Just as I was about
to click the shutter, the precisely timed pilot switched the light off,
meaning that the only light on was the navigational lights. No fair!! No
fair at all!! So then I was a bit hopeless, I took out the Physics
homework I had to finish. A few minutes later, the drink service started.
As usual, I took a Pepsi. Oh wait, it wasn't Pepsi, it was indeed Coca Cola.

Along with that, apple juice and orange juice. Once the glasses were
collected, I asked for a few tissue papers. The FA told that he'll be back in
a while. Indeed he was, with 2 tissues. I needed to wipe something in my
hands, so yeah, I needed it. (Its not what you are thinking! It was just sweat!)
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:12 am Post subject:

Then the surprise arrived, food.
I expected something less and of low quality, from the experience of last
time, but it was another usual Jet Airways meal. Except the fact that
the forks and spoons (made of steel) were in a plastic pouch with a
tissue paper and sugar only, because last year, all of them were in a cloth
napkin, along with after mint, salt and pepper. So there are the cost
cutting then; no salt, no pepper, no after mint. As for the food itself, I
went for the non-vegetarian option. There was a chaat, (if they made it in
Colombo, it was fantastic!), which was nice, cold and delectable. Rice and
paratha were nice and hot, so was the daal, chicken was a slight letdown.
Wasn't any taste in there! Evil or Very Mad

And then finally, dessert. Jet haven't lost
their way here, that lemon souffle was simply out of this world! Overall, a
class 4 meal I'd say. (Class 5 is the highest).
Staying with cost cutting, the seat pocket was just sad. No air
sickness bag! I mean come on! This should be in the regulations, always
have the air sickness bag in the seat pocket! Only the thin Jet Wings
International magazine and the safety card in a plastic zippy bag. That's
all.

The crew then served tea and coffee to everyone on board. They took an
unusually long time to finish the services and collect the trays. The really
nice co passenger sir gave me an after mint, a bottle of water and a warm
glass (paper glass) of tea. It had a slice of lemon in it, so yeah, it was
nice, although I'm not such a fan of it. The crew kept answering the calls
of the passengers promptly. Close to no delays. Cheefrul as always! (No, I haven't included 9W253 there!)

Duh, the workstation.

Ah, the tea!

She shall never have IFE, she shall never have the Sky Interior.

She is in shambles anyways..

Even the slightest hope is gone.

A bit of a fail, I needed the lights!

They kept the lights off just for 10 minutes, a bit strange and pointless!
The blue lights..there were 3 more behind: people using tablets.

ARRIVAL
At 2243 hours, Bravo Tango dropped by a bit, beginning the descent into
Mumbai. I was amazed by the fact that there wasn't a single bump during
the course of the flight, as I expected from the horrible weather in
Colombo. Slowly and surely, we got closer to the ground. The landing
lights came on (oh, finally!), so quickly, I took whatever less pictures I could.

Lights on! Seize the opportunity!

I got the strobe light also!

Mumbai!

Yup, a Runway 27 arrival.

The flaps were being deployed, as I could see the Navratri lights illuminate
the city. A before time arrival was sure by now. I quickly switched to the
video camera, as we double touched down (a first time for me!), onto
Mumbai, at 2317 hours, 28 minutes before time. Although it was a double
touchdown, both 'touches' were smooth, but as usual, the braking was
heavy and forceful, just like any other time in Mumbai. A long taxi
followed, behind a South African Airways A330-200, as we were parked
facing towards...someplace! This new part of the international-cargo apron
really confuses me!
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 2:55 pm Post subject:

There was a Lufthansa Airbus A330-300, with passengers boarding, and the usual array of Indian narrow body aircraft. As I got onto the bus, a Boeing 747-400 with a paint scheme I couldn't recognize, was being pulled. Oh, it was huge! Much larger than I ever thought, for some reason!

Now please, don't operate 9W252, whatever happens!

We then went towards the arrival terminal, where a Jet Airways B77W and an A332. Here now, I'm being honest, the B77W is my favorite, but the A332's nose looked cooler, smarter and less aggressive, compared to the B77W. We reached the long immigration, where it took me quite a while to go through it. While waiting, I saw a Delta 767-400 arrive, then the crew of many airlines, including Delta. I saw the arrival times of all flights, and indeed, I was right. The flight from Johannesburg landed more than an hour before time, thus proving that there was a northern wind.

The rude passport control guy gave the Mumbai immigration stamp right over my Cape Town immigration stamp, duh what an idiot! I should have told him anyways. Going through the duty free, I saw the Mumm Formula One champagne. Too bad Dad wasn't there Razz

Mum was already waiting waiting with the bags, ready to go home. We reached home at 1 o clock, and then we slept at around 2, thus ending day 1, and quickly beginning day 2 of the trip.
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject:

And now, in all its glory; Mumbai!
But a few things first.
-Did the web check in, worked perfectly on Microsoft Internet Explorer.
-37 rows it was, 30F for me, 21A for Mum.
-Pictures don't need a description..
-Remember me being irresponsible in Singapore? I lost my iPod thrice, and got it back, thrice. This is a unwelcoming wake up call for me.

_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 4:35 pm Post subject:

REACHING THE AIRPORT
The day I was in Mumbai, the temperature was a whooping 42 degrees. Although, the next morning, it was cold. Really cold. I struggled to get out of bed! I took a cold shower (because I was late!), and headed for the Domestic Terminal 1B at Mumbai, for flight 2/6, 9W619 to Kolkata. The taxi arrived on time, and we reached the terminal at 0530 hours.

PRE-BOARDING STUFF
I realized there were 3 flights to Kolkata on Jet Airways. First one, 9W2061, the Bhubaneshwar flight being extended to Kolkata, our 9W619, heading for Guwahati, and 9W615, CCU-Ranchi. Just like Emirates in Singapore. Whats the point of all this?! Anyways, it was rather crowded, and we were asked to check in from the JetKonnect counter. A middle aged lady did the check in for us. She was a bit pissed, if I'm honest. She looked at the weight of the bags, and said;
'Ma'am, you are overweight by 16 kilos.'
Wait a minute! Was she referring to my Mum? She has heard so much of praise for losing weight! Or was she talking about the bags? She should have mentioned that the bags were overweight!
I told back 'Our allowance is 30 kilos, we are underweight by 4 kilos.'
'But this a domestic flight, please remove a few things and move them into your cabin baggage,' she said.
Finishing the conversation, I said, 'We are on a International transit, its written right there.'
With that over, she yelled at a few passengers breathing down our necks to check in for their flight, because they were late. She also rudely told someone that the check in for the flight to Bhubaneshwar was closed.

Our flight was to leave from Gate 16, which meant a bus boarding, and therefore, spotting time from Cafe Coffee Day. But before, the security hurdle lay. While I saw ads from Airtel (Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg) and Vodafone (Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button), I stood in the line. ‘Jet Airways to Kolkata and Ahemedabad please follow me,’ a sound came from behind. Mum went out of line, while I asked the guy which flight number. He said 615. I asked mum to wait. Many other people came and asked us who had to go. I kept saying 619 to stand here in line. For a moment, I started helping Jet Airways in sorting passengers out Razz

As calls for other flights came, the line grew shorter.
A rude Jet Airways employee was helping the security chaps out with the laptop container for screening. In a rude voice he said, ‘Aye, idhar daru allowed nahi. Jao jaldi counter pe, JALDI! NEXT!’ and ‘Oi IndiGo, zara baggage tags idhar rakh de!’. My God. Jet Airways ground stuff is simply disgraceful! So then, my turn for the security check came. The metal detector detected the lace holder in my shoe, therefore I had to open the carefully tied laces. Damn it. Never has it happened to me. Never. So then me and Mum went to the Café Coffee Day shop, and sat. It was still dark around, therefore no pictures till the sunrise.

As the sun slowly rose, I took a quick few pictures, and went out to see if boarding of our flight had begun, because there wasn't any announcement.

VT-JBX

VT-SJJ

BOARDING
Not only had boarding started before we were informed, the only announcement we heard was ‘This is the last and final boarding call for passengers on flight 9W619 to Guwahati.’ What? What about Kolkata? The unaware passenger to Kolkata would freak out on hearing that 619 is a flight only to Guwahati! Jet Airways ground staff is not upto the mark at all. Anyways, Mum and I went onto the bus. After a last few confirmations about the passengers going to CCU and GAU, the bus started moving, in front of the rather empty parking bay. Surprising, as I expected more airplanes! Or maybe its just IT's demise. Amen.

As we went, I saw the horror sight of the bags being loaded into trailers and being taken to the aircraft. Being thrown around, a big crowd collecting it, etc. It was just a horror site, like chicken being kept, congested. But anyways, we went in front of VT-JBT, which was parked at the far end of the terminal. Just then, a right turn followed. We were being driven to the international terminal for our flight! That meant a 75% chance of the aircraft being a former International configured aircraft! I saw the landing aids of runway 14 in between the slums, a few AI A320s being serviced, and an IT A321 with dust falling all over it.

After a long, nearly 20 minutes bus ride, we took a blind turn. There was only one Jet Airways aircraft on our side, while many others on the other side. The 737-800W looked clean. The bus stopped right where it said VT- J. My heart was racing. I simply could not wait to see what aircraft it was. The bus moved. And there it was: VT-JFC!!!! Boeing’s Sky Interior Aircraft! This was a truly unbelievable moment for me! A Boeing 787
on a Boeing 737! Then, the bus moved ahead. My dreams were wiped out. We were heading for a different aircraft. But no! The bus took a U-turn, and we waited for the others to get off! A Sky Interior flight was on the cards!

I got off, and stared at JFC, looking at it like a lover had finally found me, not believing the situation, completely astonished! The passengers took forever to enter the aircraft, because of single stair boarding. Or maybe I was just too excited Wink

I rose up, just enough to see the blue lights, and told mum. She said, that she could see it as well. Once on board, it was a different feeling, much different from entering a usual Boeing 737. It felt more lively, and open.
AND JUST SO BLUE! Mum then showed me the screen of the 737NG Sky Interior behind me, to change the colours. It was a
shame because I didn't notice it, despite reading it so many times on other TRs. I then saw the Premiere seats. They are the international seats, the ones made of leather. They looked so clean and so blue! This was a well maintained aircraft. Of course, brand new! Mr. Green

I then walked into the economy section, where the drop down screens were..dropped down. I went back to my seat, where a couple were already sitting, and buckled
up for 9W619 to Kolkata.

FLIGHT DETAILS:
Jet Airways 9W619
Mumbai-Kolkata (goes up to GAU)
20th October 2012
30F Economy
VT-JFC, Boeing 737-800W 'Sky Interior'
90-95% loads
0700 hours pushback
0928 hours touchdown
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

This sounds exciting, one with the Sky Interiors. I can hardly wait for your images to come in!
As regards the overweight part, it happened to me at the Hong Kong City check-in terminal, when the cheerful Jardine Air Services lady announced to me, ``Sir, you are overweight!''. I replied in the affirmative, saying that The Wife always chided me for that, but my bags were just within limits.
Oh - I miss those sights of Mumbai - the Fort area in South Mumbai, and the Marine Drive.
Cheers, Sumantra.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:06 pm Post subject:

jbalonso777 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:50 pm Post subject:

Remembering what happened on 9W253, when a passenger got blasted for taking photos of the cabin, I decided to wait for the moment. The crew seemed cheerful and helpful, so I knew it would not be a problem. I waited till all the overhead bins were closed.

What a lonely place to park this beauty..

Here is the moment: Presenting Boeing's Sky Interior Smile

We are ready to go!

That winglet! Awh, the pictures look so beautiful with those!

It was inevitable. The Sky Interior had to be flown on by me, at some point during the course of this trip. It was bad luck, pure bad luck when I missed it on 9W255. Originally scheduled to have 16 J class seats, but the reconfiguration meant that this is indeed a B73H Smile

DEPARTURE
At 0700 hours, 10 minutes late, push back began. The engines started quietly, not as loud as it usually is on a Boeing 737. To be honest, I could not feel it when the second engine was turned on. And obviously, the flaps did not have any sound, being a new aircraft.

In all its glory, AI B77L.

The oil refinery..

G8 A320 landing. Speaking of which, this is the only Go Air aircraft I have seen in the trip..

All set to go!

WY B73H arriving..

An illusion made me think she was being pushed back. RIP

WIDE!

For a minute I thought this was a Boeing 787!

Obey your master!

In all its glory Smile

B73Hs galore!

Exiting international bay, for a domestic flight!

Holding short, as we await the arrival of a IndiGo A320.

Turning in!

A patient wait..

Here we go!

Rotate!

[imghttps://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BHIYXx61vAQ/UIUeuVAbKLI/AAAAAAAAH1k/S7NnvNO9R14/s720/DSC_0635.JPG[/img]

Goodbye Mumbai! Its uncertain when I see you next Sad

But hey! Sky Interior! Very Happy

The very first airport Smile

INFLIGHT
We turned east wards quickly. There was a serious error I made, and that was, forgetting the fact that the sun would be reflecting on the shiny surface of the wing. Pictures are slightly compromised, but its not too bad at all.

I'm not a 100% sure, but rumor has it, that the Sky Interior 737s have a new exhaust nozzle. If its true, I am proving it here, that it was quieter as compared to the usual Boeing 737s.

Winglet

That's proven then. I have flown on all series of Jet Airways aircraft. JA*, JB*, JC*, JF*, JG*, JN*, JW*. what's missing? JE*. Boeing 777s. Nah, let that be Razz

The windows were simply amazing, they were much different!

Without a drink service, breakfast was served. There were 3 options: north indian veg, south indian veg and non vegetarian. I went for the non- vegetarian and BHAM, this is what they served:

Yes. If you go to the 3rd flight of my very first TR here, you will see that it
is exactly the same! What a bitter disappointment! Potato and mixed
veggies were good, egg was a let down. No taste at all, no salt, no pepper.
Cost cutting here has been pushed way too much. But yeah, still, I had it.
Tea and coffee runs followed.

The 2012 Singapore GP was the best 2 hours of my life. But here, I had the best 3 seconds of my life. I don't like papaya too much, so I always leave it. I was down to the last piece of fruit, the water melon.
1st second: I put it my mouth, see something white below.
2nd second: Its an Air India A320 (yes, that's how close it was! Every detail of it! Too bad the registration could not be caught) passes below us.
3rd second: Its gone. I simply could not believe me eyes!

Assuming we were at 800 kmph, and even the 320 was doing the same, she passed us at 1600kmph. Good God! I have seen planes from the plane while descending or climbing, never in flight. Or to be specific, never right beneath me. She headed Northwards. This was simply fantastic!

We hit a few clouds..and felt a sudden drop. We came back up, applying a bit more power..

She hasn't been JetRaped by the ads. Lets savour the sight Smile

Over head panels..

What an amazing sight Smile

(not the hair, no!)

NO JET AIRWAYS! NO!!!

Controls for TVs..

They never worked, and they never will, sadly.

ARRIVAL
And then we dropped, this time, beginning descent..
But before that, once again, I asked for tissue paper, because of my
hands sweating. Here is what I got:

10 out of 10! A*! Its been a long time since I got those!

Oh no! Sky Interior is coming to an end!

Suddenly, the very blue sky (as seen from the very blue interior of a very blue aircraft, sitting on a very blue chair) turned into grey. Not a very good sky colour, if you ask me!

Closer to land.

Paddy of Bengal!

Durga Puja, here I am!

That is well developed!

Down we are, Mother Earth!

Look how clean those are! Amazing!
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

...I got some real eye-candy. Thanks for the first trip report on this forum on the new Sky Interiors on a 737. I was eagerly waiting to have a look at these. Yes, it just looks like all those 787 Dreamliner interior pictures we have seen, on this forum, and elsewhere. Lovely wing and winglet shots, as usual. Enjoy the Puja in Calcutta!
Cheers, Sumantra.

sabya99 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 3:30 pm Post subject:

Nice photo journalism. A few clarifications: it seems your aircraft landed NSCBI airport from south side over salt lake city. This part of Kolkata is a high tech suburb. The rice paddy you saw was actually fish farms . This area is called east Kolkata wetland , a nature preserve. The south localizer beacon of NSCBI airport is located here. Aircraft take D loop turns here then lock up with glide path. I don’t know which runway you landed but both could used this way. Very Happy

_________________
Sabya99

jbalonso777 · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 5:56 pm Post subject:

jbalonso777 · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 6:47 pm Post subject:

And now (I'm using that too frequently, right? Anyways.. Razz

) Durga Puja!

Pure headbanging stuff! Razz

I'm sorry to get the negativity here, but this has a 1000 stories to tell, so many unanswered voices and pleads all in there..

Wire wire everywhere..

A bit of Sri Lanka Smile

Food lovers, here you go Smile

That's where Dad's flat is Smile

The first day in Kolkata ended there. I did my research on the aircraft, and it was the youngest I've ever been on!
1.6 years VT-SJH, 2005 BLR-HYD-CCU
1.1 years VT-JBM, 2010 CCU-BOM
0.8 years A6-EGD 2012 DXB-CPT
0.2 years VT-JFC 2012 BOM-CCU
Next record? Be on the first revenue flight!
But looking at the fact that she was only 0.2 years old, the dirty arm rest and blurry windows are minus points indeed.
I also checked that she did 9W256 the night before. so the routing is: BOM-CMB-MAA-BLR-BBI-BLR-MAA-CMB-BOM-CCU-GAU. Well, that's one aircraft I know!
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

PAL@YWG · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 9:26 pm Post subject:

Very nice Durga Puja pictures, many thanks jbalonso777!
No rain this year made it even more enjoyable!

The Durga puja week-long festivities are things that I still wish to be part of in otherwise depressing Bengal.
Thanks again!
_________________
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Jishnu, great going, I am enjoying every moment of it!
Your flight did not get to use Sabyasachi's favourite Kilo taxiway Smile

By the way, Sabyasachi had kindled my interest in an airport that has never exactly been among my favourites, and Jishnu, your pictures have brought it alive. Very nice pieces again, replete with the now-standard Jishnu Basu wit and humour, and keen observations. I liked the `Dhaka' (literally, covered) Mi-8 helicopters and the Dhaka-bound 9W flight, soon after. The `open' aerobridges, the fragile tarmac, IJK-FC plane registrations, the 9W ads all over the seats, the `wire-wire everywhere' comment, the roti-wrap preparation in action (with the refined flour-maida dough being launched into orbit)...added to the enticement of the report. The artistry of the pandals in Calcutta has to be seen to be believed - these people can re-create almost anything out of cloth and poles. Delhi's Puja is quite bland in comparison now-a-days, with the very restricted budgets affecting the idol artistry, as well as exotic pandals. Some Bong acquaintances took an unwilling me around the place, but for me, the Puja was limited to Pet-Puja alone, as they say, in Delhi. And yes, Mr. Pal - it rained in Delhi on the evening before Dussehra/Dasara, Navami.
Cheers, Sumantra.

PAL@YWG · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 12:00 am Post subject:

sabya99 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 4:48 am Post subject:

Jishnu and Sumantra, I enjoyed your comments / compliments thoroughly. Jishnu , I am overwhelmed for dedicating your post to me. Thanks again. Please keep doing the good job. I am in this forum for less than a year and I feel satisfied to learn that I motivated two of you to get interested about NSCBI airport. I hope in near future more people will be interested about NSCBI airport. Most people don’t know much about or care for it only we the long term NRIs know how important it is in our life.
Jishnu I watched your Durga Puja pictures over and over . It reminded me my Kolkata days many years ago. Perhaps in those five/six days our golden Bengal comes back in reality. God bless Kolkata.
Regarding your landing, it seems you landed on 01R south side of main runway. Rolled off all the way up to alpha taxiway ,then took a left turn. Once you arrived the cargo terminal area you started taking pictures. Then came fire station, international terminal and the domestic. Airport seems to be quite busy. The integrated terminal seems to be still unfinished, lot of civil engineering work yet to be done. Now there is no question of installing aerobridges. Perhaps it might take another few months to go up to that stage.
Because of lack of sufficient aerobridges extensive ramp loading is going on. Jet Air is using commissary truck to collect passengers from aircraft. Commissary trucks on giant scissors are used for loading aircrafts with food, cleaning the toilets etc. For passenger collection dedicated mobile lounges on giant scissors are available and such lounges are used in JFK,DFW,CDG to reduce apron congestion and safe disembarkation during bad weather. It seems from your picture Jet Air is using a catering truck to collect passenger. At least they have learnt the technology. Mobile passenger lounges are power tools in very crowded apron management. Till NSCBI airport gets sufficient aerobridges this could be a good alternative.
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Sabya99

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:24 am Post subject:

I'm a bit busy right now, so I'm not getting the time to get on with this TR, or replying to all the replies. I'll be back ASAP!
_________________
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Mr. Pal and Sabyasachi, it is very nice to read the comments and views (not to mention, wonderful trip reports, too!) from two Calcuttans based in North America! Mr. Pal - it has really been a while since you put in a trip report. The reference of your ham sandwich threw me off gear, since at home, the thread of the conversation invariably goes to `hog' and `pig', which led to some unfavourable comparisons with the above-mentioned animal (which I have to admit, unfortunately is quite true for me in terms of general appearance, demeanour, and dietary preferences, or the lack of them, that is). However, I must say that your flying saucer description was spot-on! My travels around the place are invariably linked to food, which you might have observed, with the obsession getting stronger by the day. After the last-reported Mysore trip, I have made two trips to Calcutta (official ones, of course), where both food, as well as memories of the city as a tourist over the years, will find mention. After Sabyasachi's posts, I find myself always looking out for the Kilo taxiway, the turning pad, which runway, and from which end - North or South, which lights are on, and where, did I sight the Biju Patnaik DC-3 and the F-27, did I sight the Hooghly bridge and the Vivekananda Setu, did I see the ex-cargo ramp beside the Nazrul Islam avenue, Ah...here was the grass runway Sabyasachi where Sabyasachi sighted an F-27 take off in 1968, have I sighted anything new at the NSCBIA...such thoughts have always pre-occupied my mind. And just to think that yes, before about a year back, this was one airport (and city) I would not bother about much, and somehow the depressing sights, sounds and smells around the place would only force me to reminisce about better times, or some nice things I remember from trips to the city.
Cheers, Sumantra.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 9:00 am Post subject:

Staying in Colombo and Mumbai for the past 5 years, the sunshine at 5 in the morning was a rude wake up for me. Anyways, this was my last in Kolkata during the Durga Puja, so a morning run was necessary.
PS-sabya99, yup, its still for you!

Its an ultra-modern design here, as you can see..

At night, these places MUST be avoided!

This is the MOST UNIQUE puja of all..

There is the Durga Thakur..

Banana wife, aka, Kola Bou coming back after its shower..

Close to the airport..

My internet isn't working. How long will it take to repair?

Who would know this is a pandal?

Food and sweet lovers! ATTENTION!

The noise and smoke..

Which was the first time to get knocked out of CLT20 2012? ha.

You've gotta love the devil metal horns Goddess Saraswati and Lakshmi have. So if there were puppets hanging around the pandal, and they have metal horns, there is no doubt they are the MASTER OF PUPPETS! Metallica everywhere!

They called it Chinese. I called it decorations of dragons, not 100% Chinese.

That doesn't look too Chinese, right?

It amazes me! How do they still exist!

Nice!

These things always (and still do!) amazed me!

Rajasthani influence. Classy!

3D architecture! More classy!

This one won (<-- damn the homophone!) many awards, possibly the best one of 2012! Reason?
Buddhist influence!

You've got to love the idea of fake peacocks!

You know exactly what I'm emphasizing on here! They had ads EVERYWHERE!

That was the morning round then. As I came back, it was 11 am, in other words, 24 hours and 25 minutes before the departure of my flight. So using Internet Explorer, I went on to do the web check in. Unsurprisingly, I got the message saying that reservation is in order, blah blah. Jet Airways, WHY?! I then checked the reason: 9W651 has been changed to 9W762. Well, atleast its not a Konnect downgrade, but this was irritating. Good thing though, I got use MY OWN JPmiles for me and my mum's ticket, costed Rs.2k return, while Dad's full fare return was Rs.8k return, booked in July. Flight was packed, no doubt. Even better that Konnect was upgraded to full fare! But being a short flight, I expected a sandwich, cold one. I did the tele-check in then, which was hassle free. The person also did tele check in for me and mum, blue plus card holders! Fantastic! So seats 15D, E, and F. I knew the aircraft would be an old winglet-less plane.

In case I forgot to mention (I think I did Razz

), I was flying to Bagdogra Razz

Cool thing though, this would be a second flight number 762 this year! First on was EK762, JNB-DXB (FLG Evil or Very Mad

), second one here, 9W762, CCU-IXB.
After a much needed sleep (yes, I still didn't catch up on my sleep!), I woke up into the loud Saptami evening of the Durga Puja. Dhaki's everywhere!

I waited for the next day, my third flight in 5 days! Wow I felt like Dad! Flying frequently!
_________________
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Sabyasachi, one cannot but be amazed at the thread you have been running - it gives a complete perspective of a city, its environs, close-by airports in the state, and the like. I do not recount any persistent and devoted effort towards any other city or airport on this forum, though there have been isolated posts on this history of DEL and BOM, the two cities I have lived in for relatively long periods of time, and some of whose history I am familiar with (but am too lazy to key in, maintain, and contribute to). Keep up the good work!
Cheers, Sumantra.

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Jishnu, I wish I had
- your writing skills, replete with with and humour
- your eye for detail
- your ability and enthusiasm to travel
among others.
Today's meals were supposed to be my responsibility, but I have sat glued to the computer, with my posterior firmly entrenched in a couch, simply going through this thread again, and again.
I must say, we forum members have not missed any bit of the Puja this time in Calcutta, thanks to your pictures and descriptions! Some special points that caught my attention:
- the interesting `ultra-modern' trend in the idol design
- the pandal decorations
- the pandals themselves! After the Sri Lankan Buddhist stupa, the pseudo-Chinese designs, the beaten metal idol designs, the temple model, the huge chandelier on the roof of...the pandal, the madhubani-style painting, the 3-D painting merging into reality, the Rajasthani `pol' (gateway) styled gate, the marble carving-styled pavilion and idols, right up to...is this a model of the Tagore home (Jorasanko, if my memory serves me right)? I have only seen it in pictures, so cannot say anything about it. Or is this a traditional old-style building of the region, something like the residence of the erstwhile king of Sovabazar, which I have only had a fleeting glimpse of, while I was being whisked away past it. What amazing creativity!
- The maze of wires picture
- The prominent ads, most noticeable being the Air Asia ones!
- The exquisite animal models/pseudo-carvings, papier-mache?
- the colourful packets of Kurkure arranged neatly
- the jalebis with the picture of Sri Ramakrishna behind!
Amazing...thanks for sharing all this with us, on this forum!
Cheers, Sumantra.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 10:16 am Post subject:

ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT
The day for my third flight in this trip arrived. I felt proud because I could
redeem my well earned miles from 2011 here. This was also the second
time this year (after Kulula MN910 GRJ-JNB) I would be sitting with Mum
and Dad, its quite rare to be honest. So we left extremely early, assuming
the fact that the Ashtami day crowd would be everywhere. But instead, we
reached early.

And I feared, she would be flying for us!

PRE-BOARDING STUFF
Dad had lost his main ticket, so he needed a reprint of the same, for the
CCU-MAA-CMB sector. Guess what happened? FREE Didn't cost a
penny for the reprint! The person wasn't that efficient (he took some time,
and chatted with his colleagues Mad

), but he got the job done, for free,
Rs.50 saved!

The flights leaving? 9W619 to Guwahati, the one which had got me and
Mum in from BOM, 9W2453, the still Konnected flight to Chennai (would be
844 once we go), and of course, our 9W762 to IXB. Other flights were also
leaving. The baggage screening also took some time, so did check in at
the Silver/Gold/Platinum line. I'm still sticking to this: 9W has horrible
ground staff. I think we were the only ones checking in for IXB, others
were GAU, MAA and IXR (9W615).

Our flight was from Gate 2, where many other 9W flights also leave.
9W2453 was the first flight to leave from there, followed by ours. I just sat
there, looking at some CLT20 match, where MI hammered away.
Emirates? Yup, she was still there. The A330-200, I have to say; isn't a
very long aircraft, but oh my! The wingspan and width of the fuselage was
simply phenomenal! She taxied out. Looking at the nose, I still think that's
the best looking aircraft around. But it took her quite a while before she
actually started rolling, and when she did roll, it was slow. Really slow!
Emirates must be having good loads on this sector! VT-SIZ flew away, and
quickly VT-SJA took her spot in the remote area. VT-JGS, JGT, JBH, JGJ,
JNL and many other airlines came and went. Also, a Biman B73H (I SAW A
BIMAN TAKE OFF!), a DrukAir ATR also departed. Jet Airways annouced
the boarding of 2453, and a 15 minute delay for the flight to Dimapur.
Passengers for 2453 were taken to VT-JGS.

BOARDING
And then, on time, our boarding started. Quickly, I went into the bus..

VT-JGS and SCC at the no doubt dedicated AI aero-bridge.

Inside..
We then started moving. I hoped it was one of the winglet planes...

JNL is gone! Winglet for sure! As you can see, right center, Dad is pointing
at something...and it was this:

But then we quickly stopped! As usual, I was wrong. JGS was not
operating on the CCU-MAA sector, instead, the CCU-IXB-CCU sector.

These sort of pictures, only possible in CCU and MAA!

We were welcomed by the friendly cabin crew on board. The aircraft
interior was this: the International leather seats, 8 of them, old. The
economy class seats had head rests. I looked at the bulk head, and it
was: PTVs! 9W still has PTVs on its B73H aircraft! This was quite a shock
for me! All the seats had PTVs! a friendly FA commented on Mum's
clothes, quite a nice gesture I must say. Some people will think of this as
'childish' and whine about it, while I say, this is always a plus point.

Anyways, inside a hot Golf Sierra, we took our seats. This was going to be
only my second flight on a JG* series aircraft. I flew on JGA before, thrice.

Here is the view of the window..

CCU is secretly a very busy airport!

NO NO DON'T LEAVE! WAIT!!!
Off to GAU..

Well, at least you are there for company Smile

The surprise cabin!

NO! NO!! NO!!! Stop abandoning us!! We don't stink!
Yup, she is indeed 2453..

The aircraft slowly started to fill up, with mostly Bengali's and European
tourists...

Head on!

How about an overtake? Formula One! Razz

Raped as usual..

VT-JGJ, with JetKonnect titles..

Oh well, hello...
_________________
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:30 pm Post subject:

The Captain then took for the tarmac, before he came back on board and
gave details of the flight. A slight left turn and 34,000 feet were the main
details he gave, along with a flying time of 50 minutes. Meanwhile, one of
the passengers looked into the SkyCafe JetKonnect menu card, and
enquired something about the same from the cabin crew. The reply? A
very cheerful 'Oh no sir! This is full fare flight, we would be offering
a hot meal!' Well, hot meal. I knew they meant a hot sandwich. Then, the
welcome announcements. 'Welcome aboard JetKonn..Airways flight 9W762
to Bagdogra.' Everyone is confused. No one knows if they are flying full
fare or Konnect until they get the boarding pass.

Most likely an OT departure?

And now the fuel comes! Gaah Mad

There goes SCC..

Oh well hello again!

A few minutes later, start up.

FLIGHT DETAILS:
Jet Airways 9W762
Kolkata-Bagdogra
22nd October 2012
15F Economy
VT-JGS, Boeing 737-800W
100% loads
1121 hours start up
1218 hours touchdown
_________________
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jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 9:31 pm Post subject:

DEPARTURE

What a flare!(flair?)

Its 1121, revving engines..

Slats down, ready to go!

Off we go. IXB, here we come!

Quite a long taxi!

A closer look now, as compared to 6E324..

IN the words of Jeremy Clarkson: POWERRRRR!!!!

The very reason why I love winglets: the rotation!

KOLKATA!

INFLIGHT
And soon, we started leveling off..

The most scenic flight..ever!

Need to ask my Geography teacher..she belongs to this part of India Smile

The names of two passengers were called out, special meals. I never
knew 9W offers Jain sandwiches! But no, being honest here, I knew the
unexpected was about to happen anyways.

CFM56 YEAH! Very Happy

The smell of burnt milk filled the cabin, just as trolleys with foiled portions
came. I was surprised! Its 2012, I've had bad experiences on an hour long
flight, and here I am, absolutely astonished! A full meal! OH MY GOD!

And indeed, HERE IT IS! Jet Airways is back in track!

And the veg option.

Whatever smell that was, it didn't affect anything. The dessert was simply:
F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! Especially the cake underneath! Indulgence!
Just as I got my tray, we dropped. Descent had started already! But then
the Captain came over the PA, saying we dropped by 2000 feet and will
begin the actual descent in 3 and a half minutes. Fair enough then..

I really DO need the help of my Geography teacher now!

Getting closer!

For the interest of IR fans: A WDG4!

All set to touch down!

ARRIVAL
**WARNING! BAD A** ILLEGAL PICTURES HERE! Razz

**

1218 hours, touch down.

You simply gotta love those!

Well, nice helicopters outside? Camera gives a message saying 'lens not attached!' WHAAAT?! WHY??! Evil or Very Mad

You didn't work, but still, you are welcome Razz

If only Photography was allowed, I would have been going along on a bike..

The tiny airport Smile

Taxiing off the active..

Reflection?

Crew disarm all doors, cross check and report..

Its wrong. I shouldn't have done it...

There I was, in Bagdogra. No photography signs everywhere! Being the
first ones to check in, bags took forever to arrive! In fact, I was so bored,
I counted how long the bags took to go around the courosel, 56 seconds.
Meanwhile, I saw someone go on the ladder and clean the cockpit of JGS.
Oh, why, oh why no pictures!! We got out in the heat, and went home..
_________________
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sabya99 · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 5:02 am Post subject:

@Jishnu, you have all the potential to be a good photojournalist. Keep practicing your skills. I watched your Durga Puja pictures for almost all day and my mind traveled down the memory lane. Perhaps the city soul did not change much in all these days. I thank you for posting all those pictures and it seems you did not have time to visit all those heavily travelled North Kolkata Pujas.
Regarding your airport pictures (the one you have asked some help ) I think this aircraft is waiting for clearance for 19R turning pad that is north side of secondary runway. There is a red stop bar on the taxiway that controls the movement here. I also saw fuel hydrant on the apron area but why fuel trucks are still doing this job?
Bagdogra airport is small but it will definitely grow in future. Did you notice underground aircraft hangers of IAF and the missile silos. All these are clear from GE pictures. Waiting for more pictures from you.
@ Sumantra, thanks for all those kind words. I started NSCBI airport forum only after your encouragement. So you are the driving force behind it. Happy Durga Puja to all !
_________________
Sabya99

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Jishnu: the ATR identification at CCU: it is most probably
S2-AFE United Airways ATR 72-212
United Airways is a Bangladeshi airline.
Cheers, Sumantra.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 4:43 pm Post subject:

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 5:26 pm Post subject:

Moving on..
So there I was, in Siliguri.

I'm sorry if I disappoint anyone here, but I'm letting myself talk honestly
here. I have no idea how I manged to live 3 years in Kolkata and actually
be paranoid about the Durga Puja. Maybe I will realise when I actually
start missing it, but this was tiring. Moving around everywhere, sitting in
those uncomfortable taxis, people pushing you, people yelling at you,
people smoking in front of your face, people honking for no God Damn
reason..I mean come on! Everyone needs to have some basic common
sense! People in the city really put me down, as I didn't want to go out
anywhere during the whole Pujas. With the current population rate, unless
a miracle happens, its going to get worse.
But now, away from the big city, the peace of tea gardens!

We are still in Bengal! The Durga Puja isn't over yet!

There isn't any threat in Staying at Siliguri for me or my family, except for
one thing: FOOD! Oh my God! One HAS TO BE prepared to eat Mum's
aunt's food! Wow its just a class apart! So dinner we head and rested,
before we headed out somewhere close to the Bhutan border, for the next
3 days..

Teesta

All from the first TR Smile

A Hydro-power plant project..interesting...AMAZING!

An Evening Bazaar (An Unknown Girl?)

And the next day, we headed for the Gorumara (Cow-Kill) forest. Its a massive forest (969 km square!), but a very small tourism area.

Mankind!

ELEPHANT!

That afternoon, we headed for lunch. What did we have? Mum and Dad has Bangladeshi Hilsa, I stuck to mutton Smile

Chalsa Station..

You've got to feel for them..

Food people? Descriptions please! Very Happy

And then, another Safari..in a Maruti Suzuki van! Surprised

There used to be a railway line here!

Believe it..or not!
Now I see the sun!

Yes, now I see it!

Whether drunk or dead, I really ain't too sure!

The sun!

And the moon!

Not in China, Made in Bhutan!

The next day, we headed back for Siliguri..
Our tea garden..

Bhutan. Right there!

What a view! The train complimented it!

On the way to Lava

In Lava..

Kalimpong..

Look at the amount of air in there!

Once again, its honesty here. It wasn't a good 3 days. While seeing the
Puja's in Siliguri, there was a fight. Because of the narrow roads, a bunch
of people got real pissed out, and started fighting. With that, a few cars
brushed each other, further adding fuel to the fire. Next day, before
entering the tea estates, two calves got run over in front of my very eyes.
I was close to weeping, no doubt I'm close to animals. Once again, its
mankind and our mentality. God only knows who can get a few basic
things in their minds. Gorumara was another disappointment. Basic info
wasn't given. Therefore, instead of a safari, we went to some watch tower
and waited, for a long 2 hours, seeing nothing, except a few storks fly.
Another sad scene was this: after lunch, while getting back to the lodge,
the Durga Visarjan was on. One man, possibly drunk, was left lying on the
road, over the bridge, to which cars had to dodge at 80kmph. Not only is
he dead by now, there are other accidents which may have occurred. And
the last negativity was this: on the eve of Dashami, there were pigs;
slaughtered from the stomach. You don't want me to do describe this in detail, you know what you can see.
On a positive note, food, other people, atmosphere, less pollution, etc,
really made this 3 days a good feeling for me. My pocket money also
faced a positive, getting Rs2k Razz

_________________
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sabya99 · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 5:14 am Post subject:

You said that you could not view underground aircraft hangars and SAM missile silos! No problem go to Goggle Earth or wikimapia , at high resolution you could find everything.
_________________
Sabya99

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Jishnu, Mr. Pal, and Sabyasachi, I guess you all had missed these posts, which I had keyed in, in the midst of the spate of replies which had emanated from my keyboard. Can the three of you please confirm the main question in this one?

sabya99 · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:58 am Post subject:

Ha ha ha, aero bridges are not the markers of modernity of an airport !! Yes, in ramp loading you get to see the apron area and feel and smell the airport. For armchair journalists like myself and you this is a great opportunity. But just imagine Kolkata handling 10 million passengers with three aerobridges—is that a sign of modernity of a civil airport? I remember in1991 when I was returning to New Jersey from Kolkata I used a mechanical ladder to board an A-300. I was very happy and enjoying the scenery. Nearby a turbo possibly F-27 was loading some NE passenger. Its engine was on at slow speed and small children were crying with the noise. By then I have seen aerobridge loading of Turbo aircrafts in USA. Kolkata airport should have at least 20 aero bridges long ago. But GOI intentionally wanted to keep it under developed.
Fuel hydrants are very efficient means of fueling an aircraft .I have seen in LHR,AMS,FRG one parson crew loading a B747/777 in half an hour. Recently I have posted a report that in Kolkata they are going to use fuel hydrant. I thought they might have some labor related issue and could not change this system.
Coronation bridge, how nicely painted. My parents visited this bridge when I was small!
_________________
Sabya99