Why this trip:
Welcome readers to my eight trip report that will include my experience onboard Garuda Indonesia inaugural Flight GA88 to London Gatwick and British Airways flight BA2762 back to Amsterdam. I’ve always wanted to experience a fifth freedom right flight and I couldn’t think of a better way to start by first flying the inaugural on board Garuda’s 77W. This will be my first flight from Amsterdam to Gatwick and back and also my first flight on the Boeing 77W. I booked the BA flight because I wanted to fly the 734 before BA phases them out and a 4 hour lay-over was good enough to do some sightseeing on the airport.
Before the flight:
Back in May I first read the news that Garuda Indonesia was going to offer flights from Amsterdam to London Gatwick, initially the first flight to LGW would take place on the 7th of September, but on June 13th I noticed that my flight was changed to the 8th of September when I was just checking my booking on the website. Luckily for me it was not a problem because I took some leave at work until the 11th of September but I can understand that for some people a 24 hour change makes a lot of difference, so Garuda Indonesia should have done more to inform me about the change. Not knowing why the flight was changed I contacted Garuda Indonesia via email, first mail was sent on the 13th of June. After more than a week of patience I decided to send another email on the 23rd of June, no response. I decided to call Garuda Indonesia’s office in The Netherlands and they had no further information. On the 16th of July I finally got the news that the 8th of September would be the first flight and not the 7th of September.
My problem was that I booked a non-changeable ticket on BA for the flight back so I had to change that. Luckily the BA agent that I called was kind enough to refund most of my ticket and thereafter I booked a new one. Eventually the flights where:
*GA0088 Amsterdam (AMS) DEP: 11:55 – London Gatwick (LGW) ARR: 12:00 77W
*BA2761 London Gatwick (LGW) DEP: 16:00 – Amsterdam (AMS) ARR: 18:10 734
*All flight times are scheduled times.
Check-in was available 12 hours before departure and there were still plenty of seat available to select. The website worked well and I opted for seat 35A.
For the first time I decided to take public transportation to Schiphol airport and with a departure time of 11:55 it should be no problem, but in The Netherlands you never know. Just to be sure I took the train at 8am.
1. Travelling towards Schiphol in F.
2.
The airport:
The ride took around 45 minutes so at 9am I was at the check-in desk that just opened some counters. Check-in was fast because I was only carrying a handbag for my camera. During the morning it can be busy at AMS and there was a small queue at the passport checkpoint, I used my electronic passport at a self-scanner.
Boarding was due to start at 10:55 so I still had a lot of time to see some things at the airport. At the moment Schiphol is under some major construction projects. One big project is Central security, the security checkpoints at the gates will disappear and will be replaced with security checkpoints at five central locations. At the same time Lounge 2 is under renovation increasing the retail space with 20%, Lounge 2 will be divided in seven world themes: Luxury, Family, Travel & Culture, Modern Dutch, See Buy Fly, Fashion & Lifestyle en Care & Wellness. Whisky brand Johnnie Walker gets its own shop the Lounge, first in Europe. And last but not least the E, F and G piers will get a new floor on top of the existing floors with new gatehouses. And for the business traveler a new Hilton hotel is being built with 433 rooms that will be completed in 2015.
3. PH-BQM, Boeing 777-206ER taken from the terminal near the F Pier.
4. Something to eat?
5. Looking at my watch I noticed that the time was 9:15am, close to the arrival time of the incoming Garuda Indonesia flight from Jakarta. One of the best places to view the action is from the end of the G pier. There are large windows where you can see trough, in front of the windows are taxiway A and B (the 2 main taxiways at Schiphol). Mind your step.
6. After grabbing me a nice cup of café I settled down on one of the seats, I have no difficulties waiting here for a couple of hours.
7. During the time I was here runway 36L and 36C were used for departure and runway 36R for arrival traffic. Here is G-LCYN, Embraer ERJ-190-100LR the 700th E-jet built.
8. And there she is PK-GIF a Boeing 777-3U3ER. For this flight Garuda Indonesia decided to dispatch their newest Boeing 777 for this first flight to Gatwick. She made her first flying miles on 30-04-2014 and was delivered on 21-05-2014 to Garuda Indonesia. The aircraft still looks very clean and under the wing you can see one of the two mighty GE GE90-115B.
9. As I said you can get very close to the action, seen here is a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-3P6ER.
10. The seating area is near gate G8, at the time I was there G8 was not used but I can imagine that if there is an aircraft departing from this gate it can be quite busy.
11.
12. Doesn’t she look amazing? Actually there are three triple sevens in this picture and two A330’s.
13. The larger area at the G pier features a bar and a shop for a quick snack.
14. The Rijks Museum near the Holland Boulevard. For your info, the museum closes in October this year because of the central security project and will be opened again in the new Holland Boulevard at the end of 2015.
15. With more than one hour till boarding would start I decided to return to the G pier again to watch some action. Here you can see KLM’s PH-AKE an Airbus A330-303.
16. KLM Boeing 747-406M taxiing towards runway 36L, delivered in 2002.
17. Looking very clean is this Airbus A320-214 operated by EasyJet, fitted with a pair of Sharklets.
18. ‘’Machu Picchu’’ taking the inner taxiway. PH-BQM a Boeing 777-206ER with KLM Asia titles.
19. Taken at 24mm is this KLM Boeing 777-306ER registration PH-BVG.
The flight, Seat, Entertainment, Cabins and Crew:
20. At 10:55am boarding started on time at gate G5.
21. First the passengers were called traveling in First, business and premium Skyteam members. Thereafter passengers needing special attention and Economy passengers traveling from row 36 and higher. And last but not least row 35 and lower was called for boarding.
22. This was my view for the upcoming hour or so. Seat configuration in First is 1-2-1 offering a total of 8 suits, Business is also seated in a 1-2-1 configuration a total of 38 seats. Economy passengers can enjoy a generous 3-3-3 configuration offering a total of 286 seats. I will give some more information about the F and C seats later in this report and I will now focus on the Y cabin.
23. Like I said it’s a 3-3-3 configuration where most airliners like Garuda’s Skyteam partner KLM opted for the 3-4-3 layout. The seat has a 32″ pitch and a 9″ on-demand touch video screen. All passengers on Garuda’s 777′s have access to wireless internet and the cabin had LED mood lighting. The amenity’s consisted of an audio headset, refreshment towel and a seat pillow.
24. Research firm Skytrax rated Garuda Indonesia Economy Class as the best in the world, Garuda Indonesia’s cabin crew is also rated world best for 2014.
25. Legroom was also very good.
26. Safety Instruction.
27. Overview of the cabin.
28. The direct routing towards London Gatwick.
29. After the impressive startup from the mighty GE90’s taxi started towards runway 36L-18R named the Polderbaan with a total length of 3800m/12467ft.
30. At this moment runway 36C was also in use for departures meaning that we had to taxi around the runway adding more taxi time. During the taxi we past the Juliet apron and there she was KLM MD-11 PH-KCE ‘’ Audrey Hepburn’’. In the background you can see China Southern Skyteam Airbus A330-323 registration B-5928.
31. Spot the spotter.
32. After 15 minutes we arrived at our departure runway.
33. The sound coming from the GE90 always impresses me, but I only heard the sound when I’m spotting. I really love the rising N1 sound and with this light takeoff weight we were airborne in no time.
34. The city of Haarlem.
35. We passed a few clouds during our climb.
36. Really nice view towards the Dutch dunes, already above the North Sea.
37. Welcome onboard displayed with the seat number.
38. Time to explore some of Garuda Indonesia’s in-flight entertainment, the AVOD system consist of around 58 movies and 50 TV channels. The system had 25 music channels, 9 radio stations, 140 music albums and 25 games (multi and single player).
39. You can also choice your own personal skin.
40. The remote control is stowed in the armrest.
41.
42. Climb was fast and we reached our cruise altitude of 24,000ft/7315m, in the background you can see the entrance to the port of Rotterdam.
43. Garuda’s inflight magazine Colours that’s available since 2013.
44. Next to the Colour magazine there is the stars magazine that gives information about some of the inflight entertainment features.
45. Arcade, Garuda’s shopping magazine.
46. The screen with some flight information that I watched most of the flight.
47. About half way a small snack was offered consisting of a Tomato, Red Onion & Black Olive Wrap and a Cranberry & Chocolate Sponge.
48. The route go’s a bit more south than the route towards London Heathrow.
49. Nice contrast in the deep blue sky, with Belgium in the background.
50. Some 5 minutes before the English coastline we started to descent towards Gatwick. Cockpit crew made an announcement that we had some arrival delay because of traffic congestion, did I already mention that Gatwick is the busiest single runway operating airport in the world? He estimated that the delay would not take more than 15 minutes, I didn’t mind, the more time I can spent on this aircraft the better.
51. Spoilers deployed, the 77W isn’t easy to slow down.
52.
53. We entered the hold that I think was the TIMBA waypoint, making one right hand hold. I can’t get enough of that wing.
54. The holding pattern.
55. Weather turned out to be the same as Amsterdam, great weather for flying. Landing runway at London Gatwick was runway 08R-26L with a length of 3316m/10879ft.
56. Approach towards the runway had some turbulence but nothing extreme, we chased our own shadow towards the threshold.
57. A British Airways Boeing 772 holding short at J3 for departure from runway 08R.
58. The touchdown was really smooth.
59. Most parts are still looking very clean.
6.. We vacated the runway via CR and crossed the 26L threshold. Runway 08L/26R is a non-instrument runway and will only be used when Runway 08R/26L is temporarily non-operational. Good timing of the departing British Airways jet.
61. During our taxi towards gate 53 we passed the Air Traffic Control tower.
62. I spotted the aircraft type I was going to fly on the return flight.
63. We continued via taxiway L and that meant that we would taxi under the Air Bridge connecting Pier 4 with Pier 6. It’s the largest air passenger bridge in the world, spanning a taxiway and providing passengers with views of the airport and taxiing aircraft. The bridge is 194m/636ft long and 32m/105ft in height, making it high enough for a 747 to pass underneath. On the right side of the picture just in front of the leading edge you can see the Gatwick Airport Fire Department giving the classic water salute.
64. The first time I witnessed a water salute from inside an aircraft, nice rainbow effect.
65. Thanks!
66. And on blocks 20 minutes late and I do not care one single minute.
67. De-boarding started very soon, I waited before all the passengers were off the plane to make some photo of the Cabin. Here you can see a row of Economy seats.
68.
69.
70. Time to see the Business Class cabin, the seats are placed in a staggered layout allowing each passenger aisle access, 73″ pitch which converts to a fully-flat bed with mattress and 15″ on-demand touch video screen that I find somewhat too small for a Business Class cabin. There is also a chef de cuisine for C/F.
71. Front view.
72.
73. I moved forward and at the end of a flight I always ask the cabin crew if it’s possible to make a photo of the flight deck. At first she looked a bit stunned and I was surprised to be the first one asking the question, but there were not so many enthusiasts onboard than I anticipated. Unfortunately she said no telling me she needed permission from the pilots and they were all outside the aircraft for some formalities. When she finished talking I noticed a person with a white shirt and black trousers coming out of the flight deck and I friendly asked who that was. She looked behind her and walked towards the person I was talking about. Apparently there still was a pilot in the cockpit and he came towards me and took me towards the flight deck, thanks for the effort! We past some first class suites that looked very nice. These Suites are placed in a 1-2-1 layout, with a 82″ pitch and a 22″ width, they turn into a fully flat bed with mattress, it also features a 23.5′” on-demand touch video screen and a personal wardrobe.
74. The flight deck, why doesn’t Garuda have EFB’s?
75. It was time to leave the plane and continue towards the North Terminal. While de-boarding I was greeted by 2 girls in a cool English outfit and they gave me a handmade bear.
76. There were also 3 lady’s in traditional Indonesian clothing.
Impression:
I really enjoyed my short flight on this new Boeing 777-3U3ER and even for such a short flight it’s a real treat to fly and experience this friendly crew operating this leg towards London. Service during the flight was good and even on such a short flight a full round of drinks and snacks was offered. I think that I got a good impression of Garuda Indonesia’s long haul product and I will always choose that 3-3-3 layout in Y over KLM’s 3-4-3 product flying to and from Amsterdam if I had the choice. The overall Economy product looks promising and that reflects in the high Skytrax rating. The only downside of flying with Garuda’s cheapest fare towards London is that you don’t collect any millage. If you want to earn miles you can better take a direct flight with BA to LHR/LGW or KL to LHR.
Transfer/The Airport:
77. At the end of the gate I talked with another aviation enthusiast from Belgium, he took a flight back to Brussels with EasyJet later in the afternoon so we decided to grab something to eat and exchange our travel stories. But first we decided to go to the Air Bridge.
78. Transfer was quite easy to do, there was a British Airways ticket desk so I decided to collect my paper boarding pass and moved through security that can’t be used by low cost carriers. There were six custom officials and one x-ray machine and I was to only passenger there so they all made funny jokes and we talked a while, it was quite hilarious I can tell you that. Here is a photo I took entering the North Terminal again after clearing customs.
79. I have to say the North Terminal looks nice and bright and there are enough shops ranging from Electronic to food. Most restaurants are located on the second floor.
80. The departure list, a lot of EasyJet!
81. The Air Bridge was easy to find and offers a nice view. Windows are tinted.
82. That’s almost 200m.
83. Two Triple’s next to each other.
84. Virgin Atlantic G-VGAL named ‘’ Jersey Girl’’, she is being towed on taxiway Lima towards the west of the field. This Boeing 747-443 is 13.4 years young.
85. Strange feeling seeing this massive piece of engineering passing below.
86. British Airways G-TTOB pulling in stand 54, this former GB Airways was also used by EasyJet in 2008.
87. After a short turnaround GA89 was ready to depart towards Jakarta via Amsterdam.
88. Taxiing towards runway 08R, first officer was actually making photos of the Air Bridge before passing underneath.
89. After eating a pizza at one of the many restaurants I needed to go to my departure gate. 20 minutes before the departure the gate information was displayed on the departure screen. Also it noted that there was a 15 minute delay. You can see me flight on the left screen, about half way down.
The flight, Seat, Entertainment, Cabins and Crew:
90. As you might notice I will keep the return report a little shorter than the flight towards Gatwick. Departure gate was gate 567, the signs here are big.
91. Apparently the gate was already open when I arrived at 3:43pm (17 minutes before scheduled departure) of flight BA2762.
92. I settled down on a seat in the waiting area, the gate agent informed us that the delay was going to be more than the initial 15 minutes announced earlier. He also noted that the cabin crew needed to perform their safety checks. In the back of my head I was already thinking about that classic wing view that my seat was going to offer so I didn’t care much, normally if I had a transfer at Amsterdam my feeling would definitely be different. I felt more sorry for my girlfriend that was waiting to pick me up at Schiphol Airport. Boarding started at 4:20pm (20minutes behind scheduled departure). Aircraft operating this flight was British Airways G-DOCB a 23 year old Boeing 737-436 fitted with 147 seats.
93. The aircraft is fitted with 145 seats consisting of 13 seats in Club Europe (34’’ pitch) in a 2-2 layout and 132 seats in Euro Traveller (32’’ pitch) in an 3-3 layout. British Airways operates 737s on short-haul European and UK domestic routes. All 737 aircraft operate from London Gatwick only. The size of the Club Europe cabin is often adjusted. At 4:38pm (38 minutes behind scheduled departure) Charlie Bravo was pushed back from the gate. This was my view from seat 16F.
94. Legroom was poor and my knees constantly touched the seat in front of me, seat pocket looks worn and old but after 23 years of service I can only have respect for this aircraft. She made her first flight on 07-10/1991, making me roughly 6 months older. When I made my first steps this aircraft already flew more miles than I will probably ever fly in my life, quite strange if you think that way isn’t it?
95. After the both CFMI CFM56 were started we taxied towards runway 08R via runway 08L/26R, we also past this Air China Airbus 330-243 registration B-6092.
96. Safety Card of this Boeing 737-436.
97. The September issue of British Airways magazine Business Life.
98. The September issue of British Airways High Life.
99. Luckily there wasn’t that much traffic in front of us and before I know it we were blasting down runway 08R, the noise coming from those engines was impressive. That car park looks like a good spotting position.
100. And rotate!
101. Climbing over a nice landscape with a thin cloud layer in the background.
102. The panel above the seats, cabin looked decent.
103. Captain informed us that the flight would reach a cruising altitude of 23,000ft/7010m and that the weather at Amsterdam looked the same as London. We would perform a landing on runway 06, I always like this kind of information but nowadays it’s not standard anymore. The classic wing looks really nice in the blue sky and I hope these classic jetliners have many more years to go (maybe not at BA but somewhere else).
104. 20 minutes into the flight while cruising over the North Sea a drink and snack was offered, I opted for a coke and some salty crisps. The crisps were really nice and had a cider vinegar flavor.
105. Descend commenced while we made some turns over the North Sea, the sun is reflecting nicely on the flap edge.
106. Spoilers deployed.
107. Like the captain told us we were about to land on runway 06, as some of you might know runway 06 is under maintenance because of a new taxiway being built at the 24 side. That said the runway is only available for limited use and closed outside UDP (uniform daylight period). Landing distance available is also reduced to 2.360m/7743ft (instead of 3500m/11,483ft) and there is no ILS (instrument landing system) and no runway approach lighting available. The crew preformed an NDB approach (asked the crew), in the background you can see the city of Leiden.
108. Window view.
109. Short finals, flying over the A4 highway.
110. The aircraft made a firm touchdown on runway 06 and brakes/reverse thrust were applied.
111. When we passed holding point S2 I saw this Cargolux Boeing 747-8R7F registration LX-VCE.
112. We vacated the runway at S3, if you watch closely you see the end of the runway marked with a fence and a lot of equipment.
113. After a very short taxi to the D pier engines were shut down only 57 minutes after push back from the gate at Gatwick. Some baggage carts for the departing flight were already placed on the apron.
114. When most of the passengers were already of the plane I headed towards the front of the plane to ask permission to one of the cabin crew for a cockpit photo. She asked the captain and he told her that it was not a problem. First officer was finishing the paperwork of the LGW-AMS leg and told me that he also had some papers for me, nice surprise. We chatted for about 10 minutes about the approach and the classic 737, and where the delay came from (late arrival from Algiers). As you might notice British Airways installed removable Ipads for charts and flight information, but the flight deck is not paperless
. I told the pilots I also had a gift for them to enjoy on the return leg, before flying towards London I bought nice can of Stroopwafels (a waffle made from two thin layers of baked dough with caramel syrup in the middle). They really liked it and we said goodbye because the cleaning personal was getting nervous and the gate was about to close.
115. My last glimpse.
116. Another British Airways aircraft was standing next to us at gate D26. G-EUYV an Airbus A320-232, recently delivered on 15-05-2014. A great end of a nice day with two flights to remember.
Impression:
The flight from London Gatwick towards Amsterdam Schiphol went very fast and the cabin crew did a good job with a fast but friendly service. Although the cabin doesn’t look that tidy anymore and the seats are a bit worn it’s a real joy to fly onboard of these jets and I would surely fly one again if I have the chance. Regardless of the delay the crew was kind enough to take some time for me to chat and I really appreciated that.
These classic birds will be phased out over the years and I must confess that a passenger would rather sit in a new Airbus than a classic Boeing. For an aviation enthusiast like me it’s still a jewel in the sky and hope to see them soar through the skies for more years to come.
Maikel
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