Airliners-India.com

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 4:04 pm Post subject: The year 2012: In summary.

One cannot imagine, how things have taken a turn for me. Over the last few days, coping up with recent trends have been particularly difficult. All my writing for the previous years trip reports have come to a standstill. Anyways, I have still managed to make this, something which I wanted to, a summary of all aviation activity in 2012.
The flight on S26365 in 2010, was the beginning of something amazing. That flight on the CRJ200 was followed by a return trip on the Jet Airways A330-200. That was followed by 2011, where I had flown 15 times. Whilst this year, I have reached record breaking numbers, something, I may not be able to repeat while I am still in school. The numbers are (in random)
17: flights in 2012
5: number of airlines flown
6: types of aircraft flown.
52.1: hours flown.
2: spotting sessions
1: aircraft park.
Out of the 5 airlines flown, 3 were first time experiences for me. What I have done is, put in a few pictures which highlight the flights, with one which is an easily recognizable background. So here goes then, a picture summary of 2012!

PS-Getting above 65% means a good flight..

Trip #1: South Africa.
FLIGHT 1: FINALLY THE 777! EMIRATES EK349 COLOMBO-DUBAI, 6TH APRIL 2012

This was the day. As Singapore Airlines finally bid farewell to its Boeing 747s, I set out on a new adventure, finally fulfilling my long term desire to fly on the Boeing 777. After failing to see the sun rise on 9W76 to HKG, I was determined to not to let this go, in which I succeeded, with flying colours.
This was also my first flight with Emirates, and they matched my expectations. Other than timing (nearly missed our Cape Town connection!), everything was perfect.
Ratings:
Check in-7/10 (15 minutes!)
Boarding procedures-10/10 (they helped so much with the phone!)
Aircraft condition/cleanliness-9/10 (found a headset plastic)
Food-10/10
Crew-8.5/10 (a bit robotic to be honest)
Timing-6/10 (no doubt!)
IFE: 8/10 (crack crack of the headphone, no good!)
Other service/amenities: 4/5
Total-62.5/75=83.3% (A grade flight.)
Flight time: 4hr15min
Seat: 29K
Aircraft A6-EMP (about 11.2 years on the flight date)

FLIGHT 2: UNLEASH THE BEAST! EMIRATES EK770 DUBAI-CAPE TOWN 6TH APRIL 2012

The longest flight and the first flight on a B777 could have happened back in 2010, when I was just millimeters away from taking a trip to the NASA Space Center, on a Continental Boeing 777 out of Mumbai, to Newark. Yes, my parents (as usual!) gave me the green signal, but other's wouldn't trust us. Well, this took over as my longest flight, after 2010's HKG-BOM on 9W A332. Well, it lasted for 9hr45min, if only a go-around occurred, I would have entered the double digit mark, making the flight just more than 10 hours long. Plane wise, no doubt, this was the best day of my life, reaching an aggregate flying time of just under 14 hours (ULH enough? Smile

) No doubt, I had to fly on the B77W, it was only a question of when. This was the day.
Lucky for us, everything was on time, EK349's delay didn't affect us. I'll be honest; I actually kind of liked the dirt on the wing, made my pictures look amazing!
Ratings:
Boarding procedures: 6/10 (rude people!)
Aircraft condition-8.5/10 (washroom was VERY messy!)
Food: 10/10 (amazing stuff!)
Crew: 10/10 (what a personal touch they gave!)
Timing: 8.5/10
IFE: 9.5/10 (if only she didn't break down over the desert)
Other services/amenities: 5/5 (awesome headphones, AMENITY KITS!)
Arrival procedures: 10/10
Total: 67.5/75=90% (A* flight!!)
Flight time: 9hr45min
Aircraft: A6-EGD (0.8 years old, youngest aircraft I've been on as of 6/4/12)
I must say, the biggest surprise of this was the Digital Widescreen. Thank you, Emirates!

FLIGHT 3: MAYBE THEY AIN'T THAT FUNNY? KULULA.COM MN910 GEORGE-JOHANNESBURG 12TH APRIL 2012

After the dream come true flight, it was back on the Boeing 737. 14 hours on a 777 took its toll on me, this thing's cabin was TINY! Anyways, this wasn't a good flight. Expectations were not met. First, rule changes, where they didn't send us an email, then a boring aircraft, not-so-funny-but-serious crew, etc. Also, this was my second domestic flight out of India, first being on an MH B734, back in 2001 (if you count the Nepal Everest tour, then this is the third). Although, small things like seeing a tiny TV screen and the seat controls for IFE, were kind of good. Oh, lets not forget, soap in the washroom! This is my second winglet retrofitted 737 flight, first being VT-JBT; had no winglets when it was VT-AXC.
Ratings:
Check in-6/10 (what a cunning surprise about bags)
Boarding procedures-8/10
Aircraft condition/cleanliness-10/10 (not bad for a 13 year old!)
Food-6/10 (well, it was an LCC, but could have been better)
Crew-7/10 (strangely robotic, nothing funny to declare)
Timing-10/10 (25 minutes before time? Awesome!)
Other amenities-3/5 (soap on an LCC!)
Arrival procedures-5/10 (stairs took a long time, bags took forever)
Total-55/75=73.3% (B grade flight)
Flight time: 1hr25min
Seat: 7F
Aircraft: ZS-ZWR (Just about 13 years old)

NO FLIGHTS, BUT AVIATION#1: RAND AIRPORT AIRCRAFT PARK, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

OH MY GOD is the only thing I can possibly say. The fact that I called the owners of the museum on a holiday really ashamed me, I was happy that my boarding pass and amenity kit donation made a difference, as the lady said. 'These are the first ever Emirates donation we have had!' I couldn't ask for a better 'you are forgiven' after what I had done. Well, anyways, you often don't get to pose with the landing gears, engines, wings, etc, especially with the mighty Boeing 747! Small things which happen within a span of few minutes while take off or landing, was seen in full detail here! And thanks to the awesome Sumantra sir's eye for detail, I could see things which I probably never will, which include: Aviation Traders ATL-98 Carvair, The Lockheed Lodestar, the DC-6 and the DC-4, the de Havilland Dove, the 747-SP with `those' engines, etc. Well, still isn't a Boeing 747 flight, but I will more than proud to say, 'I sat inside its engine!'

FLIGHT 4: SUDDENLY SOMETHING GOES WRONG..EMIRATES EK762 JOHANNESBURG-DUBAI 17TH APRIL 2012

Indeed, it is that FLG flight, but things didn't go as planned even before the trip started. First up, was the downgrade from the A380 to the B77W. That was followed up by the old B77W they gave, should have given Digital Widescreen on this flight, as this was subbed for the A380. Next, sh*t faced, cold hearted, big ar*sed bitch made her useless, stupid, unfaithful appearance. God, please take these people away, and get some actual heroes! Although, I must say, I won this wonderful fight in a flight. Letting the sun fall on her face, speaking in Hindi, getting up for the washroom repeatedly, not letting her (and his Boyfriend) look out of the window really took this win for me. Back to the flight, well, worst Emirates flight of all. Grades may not look as bad, but it surely wasn't among the top 3.
Ratings:
Check in-10/10 (best EK check in of the year)
Boarding procedures-8.5/10 (comment on my beard was unnecessary)
Aircraft condition/cleanliness-8/10 (while clean on inside, paint was fating, rivets were seen!)
Crew-7/10 (nope, they weren't as good as on the CPT flight, sadly)
IFE: 7/10 (really ICE?! 14 hours since leaving detestation, 7 minutes minutes to arrival while flying over Somalia?!)
Food: 6/10 (lunch @ 4pm? Light snacks at 10pm? What the hell?)
Other services/amenities-3/5 (Joy, amenities in the washroom were over, almost.)
Timing: 8/10 (was good, considering the fact that they had to circle over DXB)
Arrival Procedures: 3/10 (of course, T3 being their's, they should give appropriate service. No! They will be rude and be a big bunch of idiots! They also dumped our bags in the side to allow the MLE-CMB flight's bags to be rotated on carousel, despite our 2 hour long immigration!)
Total: 61.5/85=72.3% (B grade flight, unacceptable by EK standards)
Flight time: 8hr05min
Seat: 35A
Aircraft: A6-EBJ (about 6.2 years)

FLIGHT 5: SMOOTH, CALM AND CONTROLLED TO THE FINISH LINE: EK348 DUBAI-COLOMBO 21ST APRIL 2012

They did their very best on this flight, keeping up with Emirates standards, therefore, nothing bad to report here. All in all a great set of Emirates flights. The chicken currey was a very coming-back home felling for me!
Ratings:
Check in-8.5/10 (kind of weird to ask 'are you flying to SIN or CMB, when its written on the ticket!)
Boarding procedures: 9/10 (was a bit messy, not all that bad)
Aircraft condition/cleanliness-9/10 (dirty engines?)
Crew-8/10 (strangely robotic, again!)
IFE-7/10 (crackling headphones, again!)
Food: 10/10
Timing: 7/10 (I'm under this illusion, EK348/EK349 are not that important)
Arrival procedures-7/10 (fragile piece randomly lying in the middle of the floor! SriLankan's fault!)
Total-64/80=80% (A grade flight)
Flying time: 4hr15min
Seat: 19A (never NEVER 18A if you want a window!)
Aircraft A6-EMR (about 10 years old)

Questions
1. What might have been?
Ans. Of course, a flight on the Airbus A380. Other than that, well, maybe a different airline, but Emirates, being second cheapest, were the ones sending B777s on the route. Indeed, Qatar and Etihad are equally strong, but they sent A332s on the long routes, but A320s on the CMB-transit point flights. There were more insane and expensive ideas to go via HKG, SIN, etc. On the Kulula domestic flight, although, there was a lot that might have been. What could have been a flight on SAA's regional aircraft, turned out to be a usual B737 aircraft. Well, I will stick to the Metallica lyrics of a song; 'I ain't dancing with what might have been!'

2. Was there a race weekend?
Yup. China wasn't good, although congrats to Nico Rosberg on his maiden win in Formula One. Bahrain, likewise, didn't have the winner I wanted, but Kimi Raikkonen, after his 2 year hibernation, was desperate for this win! Instead, a close second.

3. Was this a good trip? What else do you want to add in?
Fantastic trip! Highlight? Indeed, leopard in Kruger, but oh my! Up close and personal with a Boeing 747! Nothing much to add, I think reading the TRs will be great, if you want, once again:
Part 1: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12498
Part 2: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12500
Part 3: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12504
Part 4: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12511
Part 5: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12519

And suddenly, I couldn't cope up with anything in Sri Lanka. I used to get along well with people, places, everything. But after South Africa, I lost track of it. Nothing that I could do to help myself! Well, to cheer me up, planning for trip number 2 was on, India! Mum, Dad and my brother went off Lucknow just before me, while before all of that, my grand mom came in from CCU. It was sheer luck for my family (other than me), as the BOM-LKO-BOM flights sell on Y class tickets, meaning that they could enjoy the comforts of a J class seat on the B737. I didn't know when I could sit in one of those. Although, I had enough for a redemption J class ticket on BOM-CMB 9W flight, I made better use of those by using it on a return CCU-IXB ticket later this year, for 2. Anyways, here goes trip 2; India.

Trip 2: Mumbai, India
FLIGHT 6: WHERE'S YOUR CROWN KING NOTHING? JET AIRWAYS 9W253 COLOMBO-CHENNAI 14TH JULY 2012

Wow. I hoped for a winglet, IFE B737, instead, I get a new liveried JetKonnect Boeing 737-800. Jet Airways, who are wanting to improve, lost their way here. Bad food, crew, etc. I don't think there is much to summarize here, I'll just let the ratings do the talking, yeah?
Ratings:
Check in-10/10 (owed to UL)
Boarding 10/10-(owed to UL)
Aircraft condition/Cleanliness-8/10
Crew: 2/10 (was there a reason to scream?)
Food-1/10 (beyond edible, the 1 they got? Sesame seeds.)
Timing: 10/10 (only good thing, I guess? Bad in way, more time to spend in MAA airport!)
Arrival-3/10 (1 hour to get the bags! From a Boeing 737! And that is the only arrival into MAA International at that time!)
Total-44/70=62.8% (C grade flight.)
Seat: 26F
Flying time: 1hr20min
Aircraft: VT-JGA (more than 9.5 years)

FLIGHT 7: CRIPPLED MAHARAJA WON'T GIVE UP WITHOUT A FIGHT! AI766 CHENNAI-KOLKATA 14TH JULY 2012

It just went BEYOND expectations! What a fantastic flight this was! Everything was amazing! I was absolutely stunned after my first flight with Air India! I mean, things like the friendly crew, by bed, the sunset, the age of the aircraft, food, etc, kept adding to the classy-ness of this flight! Amazing stuff, Air India! Fight to the very end!
Ratings:
Check in-8.5/10 (slight misinformation about the loads, never the less, fine)
Boarding-8.5/10 (at least, should have made announcements!)
Aircraft condition/cleanliness-6/10 (while this was a factor to make this flight good, I need to be honest.)
Crew-10/10
Food-10/10
Timing-7/10 (could have been worse!)
Arrival procedures-10/10 (fastest ever in CCU!)
Total-60/70=85.7% (A* flight!!)
Seat: uhh... second last row A side? And yeah, 19A
Flying time: 2hr10min
Aircraft: VT-EPI (At 23.2 years old this is the oldest bird I have ever flown!)

FLIGHT 8: OTP ONLY. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? 6E324 KOLKATA-MUMBAI 16TH JULY 2012

Clearly, they lead the Indian Aviation market for promptness, efficiency, timing and convenience. Being an LCC, there isn't much you can ask for. Although, IndiGo have broken many barriers and taken the throne. Although they still kind of lag in service, to be very honest. The fact that they landed me in Mumbai (the very reason I chose IndiGo in the first place) is amazing. Also, being mostly cloudy on the route, I couldn't take too many pictures. And, being honest again, IndiGo+ is a waste of money. Rs.600 for a seat, food and drink. I'd rather reach the airport early, buy my own food and drink, must be much cheaper.
Ratings:
Check in-7/10 (lines were too long and slow)
Boarding process-10/10
Aircraft interior/cleanliness-10/10
Crew-7/10 (deserved a 5, that Captain made it up!)
Timing: 10/10
Food: 5/10 (ugh, cold!)
Arrival procedures-8/10
Total: 57/70=81.4% (A grade flight)
Flying time: 2hr30min
Seat: 7F
Aircraft: VT-IGY (1.6 years old)

FLIGHT 9: SLIGHTLY OFF COURSE, THEY ARE OKAY..JET AIRWAYS 9W256 MUMBAI-COLOMBO

I wanted to bite myself for not buying the J class redemption, instead of the IXB return tickets, when I learnt this was on JBE. Everyone in my family sat on those old J class seats, while I could have been on the International J class seats. Oh well, anyways. This flight was okay, I mean much better than the disaster flight on 9W253. It was a sigh of relief for me! Yup, another lady to worry about here, this time, she was trolling me. Why, why did she put her damn big purse on my tray table? Damn lady probably has never been on a plane before. Only downside of this flight was food, everything was normal 9W-style, especially the crew, who I kept seeing walking around, every time I woke up.
Ratings:
Check in-10/10 (no lines in Mumbai?! wow!)
Boarding procedures-7/10 (messy, as usual)
Aircraft interior/cleanliness-8/10 (TVs getting smudged, seats loosing colour)
Crew-10/10
IFE-8/10
Food-5/10 (looked sad, and fruits @ 2 30 in the morning?!)
Timing-10/10
Arrival procedures-7/10 (oh, so 2 737s land together? Lets make sure all bags come on the same belt! FZ from DXB and our Bags together. ULs fault).
Total: 65/80=81.2% (A grade flight..)
Flying time: 2hr35min
Seat: 25F
Aircraft: VT-JBE (about 4.2 years, and yeah remember..BE, Bravo Echo!)

Questions.
1. What might have been?
SpiceJet DH8, Jet Airways International Premiere cabin, SriLankan A320/A330, etc. I must say, a trip of regret and waste, as far as airplanes and flights are concerned. Wow. I didn't have had to give Jet the worst grade possible if SpiceJet didn't change the timings of their flight, without notice. I wouldn't have had to give Jet the worst grade possible if seats on the SriLankan A330 were empty.

2.Was there a race weekend?
Yes. Increidble. The perfect Mumbai trip was more than perfected by Fernando Alonso, in his under-performing Ferrari. He took pole position in the very wet race rack, lead for 65 of 67 laps, and set the second fastest lap of the race, keeping the faster McLaren and Red Bull cars behind him. Better still, Vettel got a penalty, and yeah got demoted out of the podium, handing Kimi Raikkonen on the podium. My top 3 favouite drivers on the podium, fantastic!

3. What else to add?
I guess its all described? I have nothing to add..although, you might want to read these again if you missed out any of the mentioned points above.

Flight 1: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12549
Flight 2: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12555
Flight 3: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12586
Flight 4: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12618

And then, it all crashed down. Other than friends here, nothing, I seemed to like about Sri Lanka. I needed a desperate trip. Leaving all my friends behind back in Mumbai was a horrible feeling, a catastrophe. Luckily, I found a place, where churches existed. Many of them. A normal photography turned into a spotting session for me. That place, known as paradise for me, is called Negombo.

NO FLIGHTS, BUT AVIATION RELATED#2: NEGOMBO SPOTTING 1

I had no idea of the flights departing. Only thing I knew, was EK348 to Singapore. And even that, was delayed. It was a worth wait till late. An amazing day, but as you can see, the lack of pictures show that it wasn't complete. I had to get back there, real soon.

NO FLIGHTS, BUT AVIATION RELATED#3: NEGOMBO SPOTTING 2

My brother's settling down in CCU meant Mum had to fly into CCU. This left me and Dad to fool around, and one of them was this. Unlike last time, I had a full schedule. I got my targets, which were the SV B744, EK B77W, EK B773 (was a B77W that day!), UL widebodies, AI A321 and 9W B73W. A bonus followed, as it smoked into the skies of Colombo! Its also amazing that I got ALL 3 planes EK sends into Colombo from DXB everyday! Amazing stuff!

Well, I wasn't down again. I had, once again, got grips with everything and everyone. But one Saturday, a few future plans caught me out really badly, and after a load of discussions, I was on my way for the next trip, a surprise one, Singapore!!!! Little did I know, it was the Emirates plane I always stalked while spotting!

Trip 3: Singapore
FLIGHT 10: EMIRATES IS STILL AWESOME! EK348 COLOMBO-SINGAPORE 22ND SEPTEMBER 2012

My first ever fifth freedom flight! And once again, EK has been let down by timing. Other than that, everything was simply spectacular!
Ratings:
Check in-9/10
Boarding-8/10
Aircraft interior/cleanliness-8/10 (broken TV counts, right?)
Crew: 10/10 (fantastic! Couldn't ask for more! What a personal touch, especially when they changed mood lighting for me to take pictures!)
Food-9.5/10 (just a bit more salt in the chicken, that is all)
IFE-9/10
Timing-6/10 (ugh, Emirates!)
Arrival procedures-10/10 (had no need to wait!)
Total-69.5/80=86.8%(A* flight!!)
Flying time: 3hr50min
Seat: 29K
Aircraft: A6-EBE (6.9 years old. Yes, BE, another BRAVO ECHO flight in 2012!)

FLIGHT 11: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! EK349 SINGAPORE-COLOMBO 25TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Well, I was mostly asleep, but with whatever I saw, I shall rate accordingly. Yes, it was yet another fantastic Emirates flight!
Ratings:
Check in-8.5/10
Boarding-8.5/10
Aircraft condition/cleanliness-7/10 (not how a B77W should be kept!)
Crew: 8/10 (usual stuff)
IFE-9/10
Food: 8/10 (overly spicy!)
Timing-9/10 (not bad!)
Arrival procedures-7/10
Total: 65/80=81.25 (A grade flight)
Seat: 28A
Flying time: 3hr30min
Aircraft A6-EBC (7.4 years)

Questions
Q.1 What might have been?
Cathay B773, Singapore A333/B772. While they looked delicious options, my decision to stick with Emirates was the best thing to do, because of B77W, low loads, etc. Therefore, 'I ain't dancing with what might have been.'

Q.2 Was there a race weekend?
Well, that is why I was in Singapore in the first place! Was an okay race, Alonso's pace suddenly fell back, but managed a podium position.

Q.3 Anything else to add?
Nope, read here if you feel there is something missing..
Yes, I'm doing my best, editing it, to keep it short: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12624

Well then, a look forward to the last final trip, the exact opposite (route wise) to the previous trip in India. Once again, I was having the time of my life (probably the best?) in Sri Lanka. Everything was good.

Trip 4: Kolkata, India
FLIGHT 12: THEY ARE BACK ON TRACK! JET AIRWAYS 9W255 COLOMBO-MUMBAI 18TH OCTOBER 2012

This has always been one of my favourite flights (because of the fact it goes to Mumbai, and its empty), and it hasn't failed me even in this case. Everything was yet another usual Jet Airways flight, even the food, this time around. There wasn't anything bad to report about, except the fact that they don't keep Air Sickness bags in the seat pocket. It was a genuine chance to fly on the Sky Interior plane, but that didn't happen, sadly.
Ratings
Check in-8/10 (bit slow)
Boarding-9/10
Aircraft condition-6/10 (ex-Air India, on Hajj routes..)
Crew-10/10 (well deserved!)
Food-8/10
Timing-10/10 (thank you, Tailwind!)
Arrival procedures-8/10
Total-59/70=84.2% (A grade flight)
Seat: 18F
Flying time: 2hr40min
Aircraft: VT-JBT (7.4 years old)

FLIGHT 13: SKY INTERIOR HAHA! JET AIRWAYS 9W619 MUMBAI-KOLKATA 20TH OCTOBER 2012

This flight, was, well, I don't know, it was a happy flight. It brought me back memories of how I used to try (and fail) to get on 9W B73H's International back in 2007, 2008 and 2011. This was payback, as I got their best (and at that point, their newest fleet addition!) domestic product, Sky Interior! Other than food, this was a superb flight! It was inevitable this year to fly on a Sky Interior B73H. This aircraft is absolutely different from other Jet Airways 737s, obviously.
Ratings
Check in-7/10 (arrogant!)
Boarding-6/10 (no accouterments!)
Aircraft condition-9.5/10 (that black mark denied a 10, and possibly A*)
Crew-10/10 (thoroughly well deserved.)
Timing-10/10
Food 7/10 (exact repeat from 2011, less salt)
Arrival-8/10 (no doors buses!)
Total-57.5/70=82.1% (A grade flight. A* was right in the hands)
Seat-30F
Flight time-2hr40min
Aircraft-VT-JFC (0.2 years old, takes over from A6-EGD as youngest aircraft I've flown on in my life)

FLIGHT 14: SURPRISE SURPRISE! 9W762 KOLKATA-BAGDOGRA 22ND OCTOBER 2012

Aircraft used, surprised me. Food served, surprised me. Treatment of crew, surprised me. This was a near-free flight for me, and it was worth it. I was under the illusion 9W had to PTVs in their aircraft, well, I know the answer now.
Check in-9/10
Boarding-9/10
Crew-10/10 (they had a personal touch, or a few would refer to them as children...)
Aircraft condition-7/10 (not the best...)
Food-10/10
Timing-9/10
Arrival procedures-7/10 (too long..)
Total-61/70=87.1% (A* flight!)
Flight time: 1hr
Seat: 15F
Aircraft: VT-JGS (6 years old)

FLIGHT 15: PREMIERE CLASS MACHANG! 9W652 BAGDOGRA-KOLKATA 26TH JULY 2012

Wow, anger rewards you with business class! It was indeed a day of mixed emotions, completely! I was also a bit saddened by the old aircraft they sent, but the seats were amazing!
Ratings
Check in-10/10
Boarding-9/10
Crew-7.5/10
Aircraft condition-6/10
Food-10/10
Timing-8/10
Arrival procedures-10/10
60.5/70=86.4% (A* flight!!)
Aircraft VT-JNJ
Time: 1hr
Seat: 2F

FLIGHT 16: WAS REASONABLE, IN AN ADVERTISEMENT..9W844 JET AIRWAYS KOLKATA-CHENNAI 30TH OCTOBER 2012

My first ever flight on an advertised/special livery aircraft. Nothing exceptional here it was all fine. It was also a flight from a hot burning day to a dark rainy day.
Ratings
Check in-9/10 (despite the long lines, lady apologized and was cheerful)
Boarding-7/10
Crew-7/10
Aircraft condition-6/10
Food-7/10
Timing: 8/10
Arrival procedures-8/10
Total-52/70=74.2% (B grade flight)
Seat: 25F
Flying time: 2hr20min
Aircraft: VT-JGV 'X-Lifestyle' colours (5.6 years old)

FLIGHT 17: NOT-SO-GRAND FINALE..JET AIRWAYS 9W252 CHENNAI-COLOMBO 30TH JULY 2012

It was back on JFC for the final flight of 2012. It wasn't the happy-cheerful feeling like boarding JFC back in BOM. It also had extremely low loads, which let me stretch out. Another okay-sih flight, like the previous one..
Ratings
Boarding-7/10
Crew-8/10
Aircraft condition-9.5/10 (first a black spot, now a yellow spot)
Timing-10/10
Food-6/10 (at least, was hot..)
Arrival procedures-8/10
Total-80.3% (A grade flight)
Seat-36A
flying time-1hr25min
Aircraft: VT-JFC

Questions.
Q.1 What might have been?
If I flew 9W615 instead of 9W619, God knows what would have happened...no Sky Interior so early? If I flew on 31st October instead of 30th, I would have flown on VT-JGQ and VT-JFB. Well, a mixed opinion here.

Q.2 Races?
Indian GP! Was okay again, Vettel won, Alonso second...

Q.3 Anything else?
No.

2012 FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
A* FLIGHTS
1. Emirates EK770 DXB-CPT 90.0%
2. Jet Airways 9W762 CCU-IXB 87.1%
3. Emirates EK348 CMB-SIN 86.8%
4. Jet Airways 9W652 IXB-CCU 86.4%
5. Air India AI766 MAA-CCU 85.7%

A FLIGHTS
6. Jet Airways 9W255 CMB-BOM 84.2%
7. Emirates EK349 CMB-DXB 83.3%
8. Jet Airways 9W619 BOM-CCU 82.1%
9. Indigo 6E324 CCU-BOM 81.4%
10. Emirates EK349 SIN-CMB 81.25%
11. Jet Airways 9W256 BOM-CMB 81.24%
12. Jet Airways 9W252 MAA-CMB 80.3%
13. Emirates EK348 DXB-CMB 80%

B FLIGHTS
14. Jet Airways 9W844 CCU-MAA 74.2%
15. Kulula.com MN910 GRJ-JNB 73.3%
16. Emirates EK762 JNB-DXB 72.3%

C FLIGHTS
17. Jet Airways 9W253 CMB-MAA 62.8%

Well, there you are then. A summary of 2012. Started off with a B773, ended with a Sky Interior B73H. I have set many records in this year, including longest flights, oldest & youngest planes, different classes, etc.
Well, so many decisions had to be made. No doubt, the best on was selecting Emirates to Singapore, while the most botched up one was the decision to shift our departure day from 31st oct to 30th oct.
I hope you HAVE read everything properly, because that will summarize everything, there isn't a need to summarize a summary.

Now well, with effect from 1st January 2013 (or maybe 2nd?), I will be stepping down from here. After leaving Mumbai in October, I have received many disturbing emails from my school (yes, SCHOOL is messing up students' life. Fantastic isn't it?). Things have gotten much worse since last week, which is why I am having to do this. There are things with people here with which I cannot adjust to. Its all getting to me I guess.
I know I promised you with many old TRs, but I can't give it to you. Although, I can leave you with the pictures, starting from 2005, up until today.
https://picasaweb.google.com/103606304914185982181/26November201202?authkey=Gv1sRgCM3AxbSJycu2AQ#5815119750350668610
From the above link, I guess you can keep going next, they all have stories to tell.
Sadly, no flights in 2013, one of the prime reasons is the messed up school. (Yes, I have no summer holidays.)
Its all normal till the beginning of next year, until after that.
Regards
Jishnu
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

me111993 · Member Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 3225 Location: MAA/AMD

This is brilliant stuff!

You've had quite an eventful year, I did too, just not that eventful, managed 3 new a/c types, one new airline.

Now in the first week of Jan, i'll get to fly the Q400! Wink

Cheers.
_________________
Causal Determinism : We are hardwired to need answers. The Caveman who heard a rustle in the bushes and checked out to see what it was, lived longer than the guy, who assumed it was just a breeze.

- Greg House

Nimish · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 11:20 pm Post subject:

Awesome - simply magnificent summary of your year. You're much loved here Mr. Jishnu!
_________________
We miss you Nalini!

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 11:54 am Post subject:

A few aircraft which I spotted throughout the year, which may or may not seem unique to you all...

Flight 1:

UL A332 @ CMB

One of the 'older' EK B77W. You can distinguish this by the website, which in this case, isn't present. All EK EB* series B77Ws do not have this, as they are the first batch of B77Ws to enter service.. @DXB

Flight 2:

EK A343 @DXB

EK A380 @DXB

FZ B73H @DXB

Biz jet.. @DXB

BA B744 @CPT

SA A332..both the BA and this A332 aircraft were bound for LHR, only the EK a/c to Dubai.. @CPT

Flight 3:

BA (Comair) B734 @JNB

Human

and one of many liveried A/c of Kulula @ JNB

Flight 4:

IB A346 @JNB

SA BAE146 @JNB

MD B735 @JNB

Twin SA A332 @JNB

SA B73H, A319 and believe it or not, an airline that exists no more, 1Time MD83?

Air Mauritius A343

AF A380

LH A380

SQ B772

SA A346

LX A343, BA B744, BA B744 OW, and the last BA 747 in the distance, is a Boeing 747-8F

EK A345

Flight 5:

All EK..

EK A380 head on

LH A343

Cargolux ITALIA B744F

GF A320

UL A320

Flight 6:

AIX B73H

Flight 7:

UL A320

First Sky Interior aircraft in India; VT-JBU!

Hybrid!

SG DH8

AirAsia A320

Blue Dart, Kingfisher, Paramount, ERJ, ATRs, A320, B732F, etc..

2 Blue Dart B752!

Flight 8:

IC A319!

CD ATR42!

PIA A310 on one side, EL AL B762 on the other..

9W B739ER

Need any words? I don't think so Smile

Flight 9:

9W B77W

DL B764

9W A332

LH B744

AF A343

Bangkok Airways A319

More heavies!

9W and AI B77W

UL A332

Flight 10:

The whole SriLankan family..

MJ A320

SG DH8

Expo Air Ilyushin!

And a National Paint bird..not sure which one..

More interesting stuff...

QR A320

QF A380

Flight 11:

BA B744 and China Southern B752..

KLM and Thai B772

SQ A380

Flight 12:

UL A343

LH A333

Flight 13:

Sky Interior with IFE; VT-JBX

AI B77L

WY B73H

SV B744

TATA Aviation cessna

Blue Dart B752

EK A332

Flight 14:

United Airways ATR 72 (thanks for the help!)

IC A319...again!

Flight 15:

TATA Aviation a/c closer..

IT ATRs.

Quickjet and Deccan 360 ATRs..

Flight 16:

Boarding a special liveried aircraft..

It has a long..long history...

EK B744F, how rare is that?!

SG DH8..

Flight 17:

AirAsia and AIX rivals..

Air Arabia A320

EK B773...

Rishul-Well, mine is kind of vice versa..3 new airlines and 1 new aircraft (excluding sub types!)
Let me guess, SpiceJet to Chennai? Smile

My father wanted to go on SpiceJet's DH8, but they changed the MAA-CMB-MAA flight to a usual B737, so he is now going on ULs A332 and A343. Oh wow.

Nimish-Thank you for going through! I see you went through my pictures, I got the request notification on Google+ Smile

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

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

Absolutely fabulous, Jishnu! This is a new kind of article on the trip reports section: a summary, with a beautiful mosaic of pictures, and a summary of each of the trips. You have had an extremely memorable time in the air, thanks a lot for sharing all this with us!
Admiringly,
Sumantra.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:23 pm Post subject:

Great clicks, but I've got a couple of questions:

The_Goat · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 7:03 pm Post subject:

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 9:45 pm Post subject:

sabya99 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 5:28 am Post subject:

@Jishnu ,what a splendid photo journalism! Hope 2013 will bring more pictures from you.
_________________
Sabya99

jbalonso777 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 7:47 pm Post subject:

Not-so-impressive map of 2012. I'm sure many of you here would have an impressive map, let alone international; those domestic routes will still look awesome!
Note- DXB-CMB, CMB-SIN, BOM-CMB, MAA-CMB, BOM-CCU, IXB-CCU, MAA-CCU are twice flown Smile

Its quite a stress point for me, not so important, but still. My cousins (yes, the ones in CCU), are coming into Colombo on the 21st of this month on..? A SriLankan Airlines A340. But I should not forget; my dog, flew on a B77W before me, back in 2011. Obviously, he was least bothered about aircraft types, so I managed a Boeing 777 flight (6 of them!) the very next year. Its a same situation here, my cousins are least bothered about aircraft type, and therefore, if this trend works, I hope to be on a 4-engine bird next year.
Also, because of SG upgrading the equipment (and downgrading our enthusiasm to fly with them), Dad has decided to start off 2013 on a A340-300. Joy. What am I looking at? NO FLIGHTS IN 2013. I can only weep in the corner of my room. All the record setting, ever since 2010, is coming to this end, no flights, for this first time since 2009.

Anyways, back to the replies..
Sumantra sir-Its a historic year for me sir, no doubt I have had a fabulous time up so high! Particularly feels proud to have defeated Dad, by flying on the Boeing 777 more! Yes, I am loving this father-son rivalry, and I can be proud of this year! About the pictures, I may have forgotten, but thank you Picasa for doing this for me!

Spiderguy252- You've got your answers there.
May I highlight something, CPT has seen a fall in International operations. EK operates only one, instead of 2 flights. The flight which still exists, is the flight I went on, and now even she is operated on a B772 occasionally. The SAA A332s are also quite low dense..well not exactly, but there aren't too many Y class seats. CPT-LHR-CPT on the SAA A332 exists no more. Tough times, brother.

Sabyaschi sir-Once again, a big thank you for reading this TR! Much appreciated! Sadly, like I mentioned, 2013 looks as good as dead. Nothing much too look forward too, which is why my number of posts will be decreasing, dramatically.

Others..
Well, once again, I would like to put forward some more pictures.
The first set, is from the second biggest aviation enthusiast in the family, and of course, the person who I look up to; Dad Smile

https://picasaweb.google.com/103606304914185982181/DadSCollection#5823283624836622386
If there is anything you want to know, please feel free to drop in a comment or two in the pictures!

The second set, wow I was so encouraged by the number of people who also have an interest in the Indian Railways! These pictures, were taken before 2008, therefore, you will see, how bad the pictures are Razz

And yeah, a few from Dad as well. This is for all of them in the Railway community Smile

Once again, feel free to comment!
https://picasaweb.google.com/103606304914185982181/TRAINS

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

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

Jishnu, I'm wondering if it is just me. I am unable to get through on the links.
Cheers, Sumantra.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 2:43 pm Post subject:

Hi sir.
I think it is working now, I have got it rectified.
I hadn't changed the privacy, oh silly me! Rolling Eyes

As expected, cousins are already rubbing it into my face, because they are flying on a 4 holer before me. Ugh well, one day I will.
Anyways, I have a fleet of planes of my own, few of them based in some warehouse in BOM, while a few in my house in CMB. As of 31st Dec 2011, I had 9 planes in my CMB hub, now, 4 more have been inducted. Here they are:

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

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:39 pm Post subject:

By the looks (and feels) of it, I think this is going to be a sleepless night, damn I hate tropical winter rains! Evil or Very Mad

Now that I have this ample time, I use this as an opportunity to thank you all. What I've been doing in the past few days is rather structural..
-Changing my picture hosting sites from Flickr/Photobucket to Picasa.
-Removing a chunk of unnecessary pictures or texts, in an attempt to make it shorter.
-Improving my grammar & editing those errors ( Embarassed

)
-Decreasing those smilies..there are a large amount here alone! Razz

-Etc, so yeah Razz

While doing so, I have realised, from the IXB trip in 2011, to the just finished IXB trip in 2012, there are many changes to my style of writing, etc, but the support throughout has been constant..

First up, the people who have read through the TRs, and have not posted a reply; or posted replies in only a handful of them: I'd like to thank you for reading them.. I know my TRs are not of any 'one mile ahead' kind of TRs, but I know where my mistakes have been made, and I will most definitely improve it in the near future! (Too many names to take here, but anyways, thank you all, really appreciated!)

Second, I will be taking names here, are Nimish sir and Varun. Its an absolute honour to have my posts been viewed and gone through by the Moderators of this forum. Rishul and Sabyascchi sir, your interest in 9W and CCU respectively have led me to learn and observe a lot things, maybe I would have missed them out completely! (PS-Rishul, more pictures from the flight on JBV!! Wink

)

Third, the Indian Railway fanatics, Shivendra sir and patkini come into mind.. Nice knowing about your other interest here are as well!

Lastly, the one who hasn't been forgotten, and will never be. Our very own, Sumantra sir! You welcome every newbie into TR forum with warmth. Its very easy to deviate away from writing TRs, which is why many people take time, but during my summer break, you encouraged me type all really quickly! All your knowledge, humour, experience, etc, was a joy to know. Who knows, if it weren't for you, I maybe still typing in 2011 Bhubaneshwar TR! Its been a privilege to have your support, and I hope you do the same for every new person coming in to this forum while I'm away..
And yeah, seriously, time for a new camera!!
A big thank you from me!!

Once again, a thank you to those who I mentioned first Smile

Oh yeah, I won't be typing, but by the 2nd of January, expect another set of pictures....from Negombo!! I shall be gone once those pictures are up and running Smile

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

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

Sir, we all appreciate you sharing your time with us on this forum. I am definitely not alone when I say that your descriptions, pictures, humour and the overall whole package, has enriched the forum in an incredible manner. I appreciate your remembering people whom I also admire and appreciate, for exactly the same reasons as your point out. The camera Smile

You may have noted most of the pictures in the Hampi trip report:
27. Hampi Hamper, Part 2: Hampi!
http://www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/airlinersindia-ftopic12661.html
Those were taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 camera: not quite a DSLR, but not too different in terms of some of the results. I keep the size a bit small to avoid bandwidth issues, and also conserve my space on Google, given that I have a lot to share on this forum. The resolution...I hope, will be better than my New Year ones Razz

Cheers, Sumantra.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 6:33 pm Post subject:

Cheers, keep writing them TRs. They're always good fun. I can't say that I've found the time to read all of yours, but will do so whenever I get the time and the forum goes through one of its slow-news days.

Varun
_________________
Yeah.

jbalonso777 · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 6:12 pm Post subject:

shivendrashukla · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:25 pm Post subject:

Now that I have finally been unblocked by honeypot, let me first congratulate you on this wonderful kaleidoscope of amazing TR's. It is a nice way to sum up an extraordinary year such beautifully. I hope that this year, you have many more Trips and we get to read many many more TR's along with wonderful photographs.

aeroblogger · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:09 am Post subject:

I wish I had the time for all the nice photos and all, but sadly I don't. But I like the idea, so here is my map for 2012:

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=HYD-IXE-HYD-DEL-BOM-IXE-HYD-PNQ-HYD-IXE-HYD-PNQ-HYD-IXE,+PNQ-HYD-DEL-HYD-PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-CCU-HYD-DEL-HYD-IXE-HYD-PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-DEL-KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX,+BUR-PHX-BOS,+PVD-ORD-IAH-LAX,+BUR-SFO-EWR-PVD,+JFK-IST-DEL-HYD-MAA-DEL-MAA-BLR-IXE-BLR-PNQ

Airlines (in order of frequency of flights):
AI: 28 flights
SG: 11 flights
UA: 6 flights
TG: 3 flights
US: 2 flights
TK: 2 flights
IX: 1 flight
9W: 1 flight
G8: 1 flight
6E: 1 flight
_________________
Editor of AeroBlogger

jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:51 pm Post subject: THE SABBATICAL POST

^^Impressive number of flights you have there, sir! I don't really know what I have described here then, its not even half of what you have flown!

Others, I have decided to call it time now. But before that, a bit of a disappointing spotting session from Negombo..
(Many of you must have seen the preview picture I posted on Facebook).
The other runway was being used, so taking pictures was very difficult, especially because my Telephoto does not focus automatically at the full zoom. A shame that I have to use a few of my Father's pictures here Sad

1st Jan '13

UL A320 to a Subcontinent flight..

Heavily delayed A340 to BKK and PVG

Consolation take off maybe?

She went around 4 FREAKING TIMES!

EK348 is being operated by a 2 class B77W, as EK planned last year. The 3 class B77Ws on this route last year came as a big surprise! And I was more than happy to be on 2 of them!

Again..

Suddenly, CMB changed into BOM. An arrival every few minutes!

First B73H of the day. Oh thank God for a minute I thought CMB was ignored by these.
Missed the Qatari A321 though Sad

Scary Ilyushin from TRV.

UL A320 from SIN. If UL operated A330s (or A340s) into SIN, I would have most certainly flown with them. But who can reject a B77W chance by paying just Rs.2k extra on a world class airline?!

Dad's pictures..

UL A340 to JED

Pic from FB Smile

A surprisingly on time EK348 arrives from DXB. Bird is A6-EBX

NO its NOT from Chennai! Its from Madurai! The MAA flight now has hideous timings on a B73H. No wonder Dad is taking the UL A340 to MAA and the A332 back in a few weeks time Smile

Flight to DAC

The T7 always amazes me. I don't know how, it just does Smile

Alright, so here goes.
'Kimi Raikkonen took a 2 year break from Formula One, and he back in 2012 to finish third in the Championship, his best result since winning the 2007 Championship.'
'Sachin Tendulkar has retired from ODIs only. He is still around to play the other formats of the game!
These are 2 of my sporting heroes. I have used these as examples to assure you that I will be back in no time. Its just these few months, which I need to get through.
Yes, I am looking at a disappointing 0 flights in 2013, a feat which was achieved in 2009. Although, there is still some hope, as I have posted here: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12920 (yes, I will fly SriLankan, in case a few of you are thinking 'ugh, another 9W TR from Jishnu. Lets not read it.')
I am extremely happy by the services 9W gave me over the last 2 years, but I think its time to move on. UL out of CMB, AI full-fare domestic and 6E LCC domestic is my way right now. But in case I start to miss the B737, nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can stop me from flying 9W again (mmm...Sky Interior!)

If you want to visit my A* grade flights, here are the links:
EK770: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12500
9W762 and 9W652: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12712
EK348: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12624
AI766: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12555

Anyways, as many of you know, my favourite aircraft is the Boeing 777, but reaching 777 posts here is a bit of a uphill challenge. Hence, I'll stop at my second favourite aircraft, the Airbus A330.

Well, it pisses me off that if I don't go to BOM next year, I may to wait till 2015 (!!!!) to do so! It really isn't easy when you realise the city which has built your life has to be missed for a long time. Speaking of which, staying in CMB isn't easy. Its not to my liking at all. Its 2 and half more years. Oh. My. God. I wouldn't mind staying in MAA, but I need to get out of SL ASAP. I'll be honest, I've had enough of this country.
Now it seems, its time to say goodbye (for 5 months, maximum!). I may not reply to stuff you may post on my TRs, but yes, I will be back in June to do all of that. I will miss all the different views and opinions of the people here, all the descriptions of the trips, all the strategies and agreements by the airlines, etc. It will be all quite from my end.
Once again, I'd like to thank you all for the support! It was a pleasure reading all the the posts!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jishbasu

Thank you & Goodbye.
Kindest Regards
Jishnu, aka, jbalonso777
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

jasepl · Member Joined: 26 Jul 2008 Posts: 4257 Location: bund-bay

aeroblogger · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:59 pm Post subject:

After reviewing my spreadsheet of ticket #s, this is the best I could parse together: http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=ZRH-DEL-HYD-IXE-HYD-DEL-KNU-DEL-BOM-IXE-HYD-DEL-ORD-PVD,+BOS-YYZ-YVR,+SEA-IAH-BOS,+PVD-ORD-DEL-BOM-IXE,+PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-CCU-HYD-DEL-HYD-IXE-HYD-PNQ-HYD-PNQ-HYD-DEL-KTM-BKK-ICN-LAX,+BUR-PHX-BOS,+PVD-ORD-IAH-LAX,+BUR-SFO-EWR-PVD,+JFK-IST-DEL-HYD-MAA-DEL-MAA-BLR-IXE-BLR-PNQ

I'm probably missing a few flights, and I probably have mis-ordered a few flights as well, but *shrug*

I'll take better notes this year Smile

_________________
Editor of AeroBlogger

jasepl · Member Joined: 26 Jul 2008 Posts: 4257 Location: bund-bay

Is anyone expected to believe that the singularly most fantastic airline ever with the sinuglarly most fantastic J cabin and service ever that provided the singularly most fantastic flight ever was omitted by mistake?

Really now.
_________________
four years free of jetya punti!

aeroblogger · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:18 pm Post subject:

stealthpilot · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 2325 Location: BLR, DXB

The_Goat · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 3:12 pm Post subject:

jasepl · Member Joined: 26 Jul 2008 Posts: 4257 Location: bund-bay