Airliners-India.com

[jbalonso777]

Link to previous TR: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?p=116569#116569

14th July 2012
1130 hours
The cold room in Chennai Airport.

I woke up, with a sudden urge to remove all that waste water. Of course,
it was cold in there! It also took me some time to realise where I was!
'Where am I? Where's my dog? Whose bed is this? Why is it so cold?' I
then realised that I was in the middle of a transit after a long night and a
horrible flight. I took a quick shower and headed for
break..er..lun..er..Brunch, yeah. Being in Chennai there wasn't any doubt
to what I'd have. Granny (now walking) walked slowly to the restaurant,
chipping away the transit time. We now had just a bit more than 3 hours to go.


The delicious brunch

WAIT A MINUTE! Jet Airways didn't give food! Eat some more! And order a Pepsi!
I was just too hungry, and the food tasted fantastic!


We went back to the room. This time, I sat on the sofa, while granny went off to sleep, just for two and a half hours, before we left for our second flight.

They let the trolleys in...not bad!

The only source of sunshine
And the blasting cool AC!

Sitting on the sofa, in the darkness, I listened to some music. Then I kept
asking myself, if I did the right thing by flying Air India. All the news over
the last few years, all the even more heated news about the pilots strike
over the last few months, all the delay's for AI-766. What if a cancellation
takes place? What if it's a long delay and I have to take all blame? I kept
thinking about this for a whole one and a half hours! But anyways, it was
just about two and half hours before departure time. This was the first
time I was going to fly Air India. I tried to do this on the DEL-GAU-IXB
sector last year, but it wasn't possible because AI changed the times,
without notice. If we take this as Indian Airlines, this was the first time in
almost 9, maybe 10 years! While I was looking forward to this, I wasn't
expecting good service or an on time flight.


The SpiceJet office was there most likely..

PRE-BOARDING STUFF
Knowing this is not a very good route for AI, let me keep a threat of
cancellation meter, shall I?
Threat of Cancellation: 100%
At 1530 hours, we left the room and went downstairs. Outside, the FID's
(the old ones) had our flight with the 'Scheduled' status beside it. We went
inside the terminal through Gate One, the gate from which all airlines
other than Go Air, IndiGo and Kingfisher have their baggage check and
check in areas. Baggage check was done pretty quickly, although the guy
stopped me looking at some lady's bag, which had bottles in them.
Anyways, this was done.
Threat of Cancellation: 87.5%
This terminal looked like a smaller version of CCU's domestic airport.
Check in followed. The line was a bit long, but everything was quick. There
was a passenger off to JFK! I was wondering....how? Why? In this situation
of Air India! Anyways, the friendly personnel greeted us. He asked me if I
wanted to change my pre-reserved seats. I declined. I asked if the flight
was full and he said, 'Yes, it is.' Okay. That's good for Air India then! A few
minutes later, I had my first Air India boarding pass in my hands. I asked
if the flight was delayed, he replied 'No, sir, its on time.' Fantastic! My first
flight with Air India was drawing closer and closer!
Threat of Cancellation: 75%
Security took a while, slow and irritating, simple Bharatiya style. It took
me atleast 10 minutes to get through the rather short line. There were
only two planes that I could see on the tarmac. One of them was an
IndiGo A320 connected to an aerobridge, and an Air India A320.
The fact that our flight was boarding from Gate 1, I assumed that A320
was indeed our aircraft. We waited at the holding area, which was filled!
We were lucky to find ourselves a few seats. Now I have this habit of
putting stuff in between my lips when I'm doing something with my hands.
In this case, holding the tickets, passports, boarding pass, etc in my lips
and taking my iPod out. This wasn't the fist time I did this during the day,
but it seemed to irritate granny every time I did so!

BOARDING
I just randomly took a walk in the departures area, it wasn't a wise thing
to do, because of the crowds. Anyways, I went to my gate to see the
status of the flight. To my surprise, boarding was underway! No announcements! So me and Granny boarded the bus, aka, Jaw Rattler. We
waited for a few more passengers to get in. Loads were still pretty unclear
for the flight.
Threat of Cancellation: 62.5%

Yup, the airline I'd be flying in just about 43 hours! But for now, AIR INDIA!


Inside the jaw rattler.The guy shorts had a problem with me throughout the whole flight, although he didn't say anything, but still, actions speak louder than words..

While at home in Kolkata, my Granny is possibly the most hyper person
you'd ever see. In Colombo (or Mumbai), she has this calm and peaceful
way of living life. In other words, its bad for her to live in Kolkata

Anyways, by now, she was slowly transforming into her Kolkata mood.
After seeing the episode of the morning's flight by the Jet Airways crew, she was stopping me from taking ANY SORT of pictures in the airport. I
wasn't going to listen to her. So, here are the shots I managed:
Wait, pictures will take a while. When the bus was fully loaded (about 50
passengers on board), we made our way to the aircraft. Sadly, we were
stopped by the push back of a certain aircraft. Being in India, I would like
to see only planes from Airlines of India. And a few international aircraft as well, yes. But, not a SriLankan Airlines A320! It wrecked my day! I
thought the last UL aircraft would be the A343 in CMB, but it looked like Sri
Lanka would be making its un-welcoming presence wherever I went! They
were NOT letting me go on the holiday so easily! (Oh and by the way, the
India-Sri Lanka ODI series was also supposed to take place when I was in
India ) Anyways, now for the pictures:

The new MAA domestic terminal..

It looks a bit lonely
But that's the only Air India aircraft not with an aerobridge. So, like I assumed, that was our aircraft!

I hate that peacock!
Why couldn't that be a green, black and red line? Then the sound of the start would be extremely fun (the airline of you-know-where)

Now she's gone! Don't come in my sight AGAIN!

Oh well, you photo bomb!


There she is! VT-EPI is my bird for the evening!

Double bogey and IAE engines. It meant two things:
1. No IFE
2. aircraft is more than 16 years of age!
While Granny kept telling me NOT to take pictures of the aircraft, this irritating guy taxied by (sorry about the angle, had to make sure no one saw me )

Top left..


What were they even DOING with the stairs behind?!
(by the way, isn't it a fantastic shot for a point and shoot camera!)

Oh, the Indian flag, Respect!

At the door, there were two FAs. One of them was doing something in the
galley, while another was greeting 'Namaskar' with the folded hands. Yes,
she was 'one of them'. She was really old! So Air India does have a
traditional granny on all flights! Anyways, as I walked in, I saw the aircraft
was a single class, just like Dad had a few weeks back! Although the
Executive Class option was there during the booking Cockpit door was
also open.
The seats had the new Air India covers: aisle and window were red,
middle was yellow. We walked back towards our seats. The rows in front
of the emergency exit had 4 of the 6 seats occupied, while the rear of the
aircraft was close to empty. Just 10 of us most likely. At this point, the
time was 1620 hours.

Threat of Cancellation: 50%

The aircraft was boiling from the inside! A/C's weren't working! But what
was interesting, there was still a lot of movement going on inside the
cockpit. The APU was constantly being switched on and off. There weren't
any more passengers boarding. We were surely set for an on time
departure.
With nothing to do, but to boil in the heat, I started to click pictures of all
the activity...

This has to be the worst view out of an aircraft in the airport

In a few days time, even she will get those new 'JetKonnect' titles. Or hopefully they'll retire it?

New looking aircraft! That has to be another On Time Departure.

Age is showing!

It's quite new! VT-JBU!! (Rhymes, doesn't it? )

Our turn waits...

By now, a delay was obvious. All I hoped that we'd be in the skies just
before sun set. There was another steward, who had his old 'IC' badge.
Someone asked him what the wait was for. The steward replied that the
aircraft has a technical fault. Oh no surprises there! No wonder the APU
was being tested! Boarding was long finished! Only 45-50 passengers
filling up the 174 seater Airbus! He also gave water bottles to every one.
When a few people asked if it was possible to move to other seats, he said
yes. This was great news for me! I wanted to move back and sleep! But
anyways, just like any other Bengali, all the passengers were getting
'highly impatient'. My Granny was turning into her Kolkata mood and in a
low voice she yelled at me, asking why I chose Air India, etc. While I took
a few more pictures, I was feeling a bit of guilt......

The HYBRID of AI arrives!

More than the aircraft, look at the man resting by the grass!




Meanwhile, newspapers were distributed to all passengers. Obviously we
took one as well! Luckily, that was more than enough to calm granny
down. WHEW!!
After listening to more whining and moaning of all the passengers, the
aircraft suddenly grew colder! Therefore, Granny needed this:

By now, time was 1710. We were looking at a longer delay, but I hoped it would be quick!


Yes, its heading towards the International bay. I was supposed to fly on that. That is SG 3102 from Colombo.

Suddenly, I heard a 'thud' the light in the front galley reduced. Yes! Doors were armed, all ready for departure!!!

WAS THE MAHARAJA THE CORRECT CHOICE? AI-766 CHENNAI-KOLKATA 14TH JULY 2012
Airline: Air India (AI/AIC)
Aircraft: VT-EPI Airbus A320-231 (23.1 years old! Oldest bird for me!)
Departure (scheduled): 1650 hours (actual): 1725 hours
Arrival: (scheduled): 1905 hours (actual): 1955 hours
Loads: 26-28% Economy

DEPARTURE
At exactly 1725 hours, after a mere 35 minutes delay, we were pushed
back for departure. I expected something worse, but we were on our way!
The first thing the lead FA did was apologize for the delay. That's
something you'll always want to hear! The speakers were LOUD! And it
had 3 dings before someone could say anything on it! While the engines
were starting, I started taking my usual videos. Sadly, Granny's talking,
telling me NOT TO DO so meant that no more videos for me. At this point,
I decided 'enough of videos, now continuous shooting only'. Anyways....
The engines were started..
Threat of Cancellation: 37.5%
And we taxied towards the active for our departure to Kolkata..! But this
turned out to be the longest taxiing..ever......
Threat of Cancellation: 25%



Yes, we are holding short of the runway!

Aren't we going to turn?

Oh, well...Okay...
All the stored planes..


By now, the aircraft was getting warm once again. Most of the passengers
started moaning. The taxiing was also slow, with a lot of stopping on the
way. Worst part was when we were actually holding short, we had to wait
for three aircraft to land before we could finally take off. After all, we
rotated at 1753 hours, one hour and three minutes late (yes a 28 minutes long taxi! This isn't JFK!)


Wow! Even a Paramount ERJ is there!

In the course of the whole trip, that's the only Kingfisher A320 I saw. Not a pretty sight..

Revving its eng...I mean propellers..

More Blue Dart planes! I've always seen one Kolkata!

We're still not on the active!
We waited there. For the next seven minutes. It was getting warm inside,
extremely warm. To make it worse, there was a fly flying around inside!
One passenger got so pissed, he decided to get up and take a walk in the
aircraft. Just as he got up, the lead FA came on the loud ding ding dong
speaker to keep him seated. He sat down instantly! Why don't people
listen to the the FA's?! Anyways, we kept waiting, worse than a Mumbai
Traffic Jam to be honest!

Oh no! Fly away! I don't want another delay if you hit the engines!
They kept flying away from the wings, got a few twigs and put it under the
wings! They were surely making a nest! This was scary

Oh God!! Fly away!

We kept waiting. After an AI A321, a 9W ATR and this 9W B73H, it was FINALLY our time to depart!

Can we now go?

Onto the active!


POWER!!!

Threat of Cancellation: 12.5%
What could possibly go wrong now? Oh well, you know, before we reach
V1, if there is any problem, pilot can taxi it back to the parking bays,
right?


They'll cross the active and have that long wait! HAH! Enjoy your trip till there

Rotation! Now, I'm finally on an Air India flight, in peace!
Threat of Cancellation: 0%


Yup, we're away then!

Jet is once again the dominant airline in a metropolitan airport! (wait a minute, there are equal number of AI planes in the background! Competition is intense!)

International..

Chennai!

Flaps in, and we began banking..


INFLIGHT
As the seat belts signs went off, they lead FA announced that snacks would
be served. Just like the morning flight, we reached our cruising altitude
(33000) just in time for sunset...

Still climbing here...



The route we flew over was simply fantastic: along the coast, not on land!
Although clouds were covering it, I could make out from the breaks in the
cloud covers.


Fabulous, isn't it!



Nope, the B737 winglet still beats everyone!

Cabin of a 23 year old! Pretty well kept!


The food service followed. The crew had smiles on their faces! I always
heard that they frowned and all that, but that was surely fake! They were
quick to give out the trays.

Buns were a bit burnt.
Keema was FANTASTIC!
Sandwich wasn't even CLOSE to dry!
Cake was cold, a bit old, but the chocolate sauce made up for it!
I won't comment on the cost cutting here because I haven't flown with Air
India before. All I can saw is: food gets an A* (or A+, whatever it is!). It
was awesome!
The meal pack also had a SkyBazaar vocuher in it.
Tea and coffee were giving while we were still eating. This is a quicker
way to conclude service as compared to Jet's beverage service after
everyone had eaten. Not criticising, just comparing. Trays were collected
and some movement in the cabin began.

Let me get one thing here: everyone looked to have a problem with me
taking pictures from the aircraft. Even Granny (as she was slowly coming
back to her Kolkata mood!). They kept looking at me when I was doing so.
Especially one guy working on his laptop. Looked behind every time my
shutter clicked. I went to the washroom a few minutes after service. Even
that seemed to be a problem for that guy. Oh well, my fellow bengali
people just hate me, totally


This is the only part I remember from my last Indian Airlines flight: Blue armrests. (The DSLR in the background )

While waiting in front of the washroom, I spoke to the steward. He was in the back galley.
'Light loads today.'
'Yes, sir. Please feel free to sit any where you want.'
'No one is sitting in the last two rows, right?'
'Oh, no sir. This is your Government's airline, sit anywhere you like!'
'Thank you'!

This conversation made my day! Anyways, I went to the washroom...


I thought I'm never going to see this after my Air Sahara flight on VT-SAY 6 years ago! But Air India is still there to keep hopes alive!

Even before cost cutting, 9W didn't have soap in the washrooms!

Ancient for sure!



Opening the toilet door was hard! It was tight! Age of the aircraft was
surely showing now! I was kind of scared if I locked myself inside there.

So I went back to my seat, told my Granny that I'd be sitting in the last
row. She made a face which kind of said: 'Yeah, do whatever you want!'
She gave my bag, passport, etc, and sat in the window seat.
I went to row 28 (second last). I had 3 seats for myself! Row 28 reclined,
so I could make my 'bed'. It was a comfortable feeling for sure! I was
suddenly feeling sleepy....

Over the coast, like I mentioned..

Ancient enough? Or not. These are still there on ITs A320s (when they were flying)

From this point on, for some reason, I was really enjoying my flight! It had
such a home like feeling to it! Sadly I was too lazy to go on the other side
of the aircraft and click pictures from there. This was awesome enough!

I opened all the three AC vents on above me. I loved that cold blast! I
asked for a pillow and blanket. The last ones were given to me! He also
gave me The Times of India Newspaper with that..and two bottles of
water.
Air India.
So far.
Is.
FANTASTIC!


Fantastic colours of the sky! Makes it better when it comes through inside from the windows!

But by now, our heading was way too east for me to get the pictures of
sunset when it was at its best. Still managed a few though.


OH MY!!



The 'new' Air India safety cards looks a bit worn...


It's not Swagat or Namaskar. Its the Air India Magazine.

This fleet makes us proud! Too bad the airline is bleeding money.


Those scratches made it harder to click pictures!



I was falling asleep sometimes, but I kept myself awake. I may have slept
for a stretch (about 5 minutes, but DEEP SLEEP!), I once again woke to the
'Huh? Where am I?' feeling. It was relaxing, laying down on three seats.
Not as relaxing as home for sure, but it was calm and soothing. That guy
who had his hate against me walked by, looking at me like 'Dude,
seriously?' Did I care? Of course not! At that point of time, the male
steward was sitting on the starboard side aisle seat of the last row (28D, in
easier words ). What was he doing? Checking his phone!!!!!! And they
tell us to shut it off!!! HAHAHA!!! But that's alright, because he kept getting
up every few minutes to look after the passengers. (thumbs up!!)
Then at around 1915, I got up to go to the loo once again.


All the passengers.

ugh

INTRODUCING: THE THREE POSITIONS OF AIR INDIA SEATS!
The window seat: RECLINE!
The middle seat: NORMAL!
The aisle seat: BRACE!!!!

DESCENT AND ARRIVAL
This I really couldn't feel anything! Everything was smooth. Honestly, I got
to know we started descending only when the announcements came!
Darkness was here, obviously, so picture taking was harder than ever.
The young female First Officer came on the loud speakers, giving us the
details of the flight so far.

Puri maybe? Or BBI?

Or could be some city in WB...

She also made an announcement for the FA's 'Five minutes to touch
down'. This will always be useful for those who are taking videos (like me
the landing was the only video I took, will put it up in a while).
Landing was a bit hard (not as hard as NAG! Oh my God!), followed by a
quick taxi to the aero bridge. As usual, there was an Emirates aircraft.
Obviously, this being CCU, it was an A332. Just as the engines were cut
out, Granny and many other passengers got up. Granny screamed at me:
'Time to go Jishnu, enough of pictures!' She blew my cover

By now, all passengers will have gotten to know what I Was upto. And by
the way, engines were cut out. How would she get off? Doors were still
armed! Argh! This is why I couldn't get the picture of the Emirates A332

The Colombo transporter: VT-JBT. Well, not anymore, you get IFE on that
sector now!!
But it was obvious! She couldn't get off the plane without the doors being
opened!
No wonder I don't look forward to Kolkata. I hoped for a change, but
nothing happened.


Goodbye Air India. And thank you. Fantastic flight! I hope you survive and
come out with flying colours! Although, I'm not sure when I'll fly with you.

CCU being CCU, I couldn't take a single pic of the aircraft. Anyways, at
this point, Granny was running away! My God she was so desperate to get
back home! While walking down to the arrivals area, Granny was telling
how good Kolkata Airport is. IMO, IXR and IXB are better.
I was feeling bad as she made sure everyone on the plane got to know
my name! Anyways, back to the airport, it was the usual AAI airport, like
MAA, cold. The AC just blasts into your face! Anyways, bags came just 7
or 8 minutes after we exited the aircraft! Fantastic, Air India! Brilliant! The
FIDS outside still gave the 'Expected' status for our flight

As we walked down on the slope (in gate), my suit case fell off the trolley.
And then, the Kolkata heat made me sweat the very next minute! Oh yes,
the unwelcoming Kolkata has greeted me once again! But lucky for me,
just under 40 hours to stay there. Let me be honest, I'm not even close to
being a Kolkata fan. Its just something there, which doesn't like me, or I
just hate it altogether. I came into Kolkata more than a year later, but
there wasn't any difference. Well, other than the food ( ) I don't
like..ANYTHING there. Maybe staying in Mumbai has completely changed
me? So I reached home, and was welcomed by the elder of my two
cousins (the one who is a year younger to me). But, the little one, being
little, was a massive pain. The moment my little cousin saw me, the first
the thing he told me was 'SO KKR HAVE WON IPL!! HAHA IN YOUR FACE!'
Being a good spirited person, I just said I felt happy for the team. Actually
I wasn't . I just wanted to tell him to keep away from my face for
the next 37 hours! Well, ever since the bag fell off the trolley at the
arrivals, the usual Kolkata stay began. Hectic.


Stay tuned for Mumbai!!

Link to next TR: http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=12586
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

[sabya99]

Beautiful photo journalism. I liked it. Now lets see some pictures of CCU!
_________________
Sabya99

[jbalonso777]

[sumantra]

Jishnu, I'm afraid I lost out on quite a bit of the fun of reading your trip report by finding most pictures replaced with the photobucket `bandwidth exceeded' message. However, your trademark descriptions and humour more than made up for the lack of pictures and videos. The loads on the AI flight were atrocious, to say the least, though from a passenger point of view, the `First Class lie-flat Y seat' would have been fabulous! There are a few of these old 320s in an all-Y configuration (I have flown ESI and ESJ), which were at one time supposed to be operated by Air India Express, in yet another short-lived AI decision that was over-turned. The old birds often do not have air-conditioning on the ground. However, in their original configuration, they had generous leg-space, and of course, the food has traditionally been a big plus on Air India flights. I am eagerly looking forward to the other parts!
Cheers, Sumantra.

[jbalonso777]

[sumantra]

We had read about the planes being transferred to IX, and that IX would operate them domestically widely (in addition to the few domestic legs they have), as Air India's domestic LCC arm. This plan was on twice, and got cancelled, twice. The LCC would have food served in boxes on boarding, IX-style, though it would not be a hot meal.
Yes, Jishnu, I'm looking forward to the 28th, to see the pictures and the report, in a complete manner!
Cheers, Sumantra.

[abhijith16]

Hey Jishnu, same thing here, would have loved the pictures to be up and running today, because I usually see AI.net on my iPod and not all pictures are uploaded. So today I managed to get on my dad's account and see the TRs

It's interesting to see AI pick up in service while 9W goes the other way around. I'm looking forward to seeing you next TR with indiGo. I hope they are awesome as they were on my flight!
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<a><img></a>

[HAWK21M]

Your writing is very Interesting & has got good humour...i feel you can write a good book one day.
pity on the lack of pictures though.
_________________
Think of the Brighter side !!!

[Nimish]

Hi Jishnu - can't be easy ferrying an antsy granny back home! Kudos to you on a job well done .

Have sent you a PM - but take a look at alternate photo sharing sites, as you're likely to keep hitting the photobucket limit given the fan following you have (and the massive number of photos embedded) .
_________________
We miss you Nalini!

[sumantra]

[jbalonso777]

[jbalonso777]

Well, I guess it hasn't worked out so far
I'll put them up on picasa, in smaller, lesser detailed 800X800 pixels pictures. It doesn't look too bad, but I don't have an option.
It'll be up by tomorrow...
Stay tuned

PS-Nimish, sir, thank for suggesting Picasa, it sure is a WAY better package

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

[sumantra]

[jbalonso777]

[jbalonso777]

The wait is over
I have quickly moved the recent trip pictures from Photobucket to Picasa.
I shall do the same for all as soon as possible..
I'm working on the IndiGo flight now
Stay tuned!!
Regards
Jishnu
_________________
http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777

[Nimish]

^^ Working fine now Jishnu - all the photos showed up and no longer stupid bandwidth problems!
_________________
We miss you Nalini!

[sumantra]

[shivendrashukla]

Hi,
Nice TR again. I am glad you liked the flight. I was a die hard fan of 9W. But after their service crashed to all time low, I switched to AI and I haven't been disappointed.

Cheers
Shivendra

[megatop747]

Jishnu,

Excellent TR!!

Regarding the moustache/ beard thingy, the black patches of paint, as I understand is to highlight the formation of any ice to the pilots and is also to minimize sun's reflection on bare metal and thus reduce glare.

I do not have much clue about the black nose. Bird scare / better rad(io)ar reception ??

[jbalonso777]

Oh wow! How did I even manage to miss out on replying to the posts!
Anyways, here goes..

Sumantra sir-
About the food-I think its my big black box with a lens. Most of the Indian food I have pictured are too oily to look for you, isn't it?! Let it be 9W or AI!
About the loads-No sir, nothing was told about the loads..
Magazine-Yeah, I hoped to see those magazines!
And overall, a big thank you for replying back with those points, loved them!

Shivendra sir-I avoided a MAA-CCU 9W flight, which costed about the same. But yeah, new airline tried, impressed overall!

megatop747-Thanks a lot for pointing that out! Much appreciated!

Reason I re-ignited this post...
Video finally uploaded!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IghZyYyB5JY

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

[sumantra]

The video: that was a bumpy landing on the main runway, coming in from the North, I presume! Sabyasachi should give us more details
Cheers, Sumantra.

[jbalonso777]

[sumantra]

[sabya99]