Spotting Aeroplanes: Sunny Date with Mr. Raccoon

It was the Winter of two thousand and six when I first heard about route proving flights. It was an exciting period just shortly after the millennium year when an aviation milestone was accomplished by Airbus. The A380 first flight marked an era of aviation creativity and innovation; it was a while since a brand new aircraft type (excluding redesigns or variations) was introduced. A list of A380 route proving flights were announced prior to the certification of the aircraft. Vancouver, where I used to live, was on the list, and you could not believe my tremendous excitement. It was also the first I've ever heard of route proving flights. Shortly after, another great aviation innovation, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, made its way up in the air, and route proving flights were also announced. I dreamed, and I dreamed, for one day, I could be on a route proving flight, where I would be one of the exclusive passengers on-board, being the first of the route. Nine years later, my dream came true.

Just a little over a month ago marked another milestone for Porter Airlines as the World witnessed the first commercial scheduled flight to a new sunny destination - Melbourne, Florida. Not only is it a new destination, but it will be the longest flight for Porter on the Q400, accompanied with its first ever double full complimentary services on this three plus hours route. Prior the first commercial flight, a route proving flight was conducted on December 15, 2015. Though different from a technical route proving flight of a new aircraft testing phase, it was still my greatest honour to be able to participate in this event that marked one of the major achievements for the airline.

The morning commenced with a departure time of 0730L on flight PD 9715. Participants gathered in the famous complimentary-for-all airport lounge at YTZ. Upon enjoying a ceramic glass of morning coffee and chocolate shortbread, I boarded with the rest of the group. Tail 801, we boarded on Porter's first fleet. With a scheduled duration of 3 hours and 10 minutes, the cabin crews rolled out the first service shortly after departure. The complimentary racoon snack boxes were offered along with a variety of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Porter glassware. The cabin served as an amazing environment for team engagement and rapport development. The second service was the tradition snack basket, along with the full trolley drinks selection. The first climax came about when the captain announced our in-flight location above Myrtle Beach, one of Porter's newer sunny destinations. The smooth clear sky made MYR's Rwy 18-36 so visible that all attached taxiways, the terminal and hangars were visually distinctive. This marked approximately an hour to arrival at MLB.

As we begun our final approaching into Melbourne, Florida, we could clearly see every corner of the city. The ocean blue sky almost seemed like a reflection of the water from beneath. The couple of scattered clouds added an even more spectacular scene which I'm sure will remain in everyone's memory. Just before touch down into Rwy 27L-09R, the recently operationally seized Transaero 747s were visible, grounded on the apron. Upon landing, not only did my dream of being on a route proving flight came true, but also being inside the cabin while a water cannon shoots over the fuselage.

As we exited the aircraft, we could hear music. By the time we approached the end of the jet bridge, a live band was welcoming us. We then proceeded to the U.S. Customs hall, where they welcomed us as the first passengers being processed in the brand new customs station. Down the escalator to the arrivals hall, another live band was welcoming us. Complimentary mimosas and seafood snacks were waiting for us. It honestly reminded me of the Hawaiian spirits, the shirts, dresses, and beach music. The Airport Authority and tourism representatives made their speeches, and off we went on a private shuttle to the beach. Each shuttle seat was occupied by an MLB beach bag, stuffed with a beach towel, bottle of sun screen, water, pen and tourism info.

The organizers were extremely thoughtful to have arranged a couple of hours for us down to a beach at the Crown Plaza hotel. Paddleboard, surfing, fishing and yoga sessions were arranged, as well as a lunch buffet on the patio. Locals were friendly, and I had the honour to make friends with a couple who makes annual trips down to Melbourne. The same local live band (The Lights Out Project) from the airport made their way to the beach with us. The performance made our moments so much more enjoyable and relaxing!

The day went pass just like that! As we said farewell to sunny beach, we returned to the airport for our flight. The airport terminal was spacious and uniquely decorated. Because the city is known for the space shuttle base, a mini space museum sits in the terminal between the check-in and pre-board screening halls. Just as we thought that the event was over and had to board our flight back to Winter Toronto, the live band returned to our gate boarding lounge once again. Drinks and snacks were offered, making our very last second at Melbourne a blasting memory!

The returning flight offered a similar service, except with a slight alteration to the snack boxes. A few Airport Authority and City representatives, including Melbourne's Mayor, joined us on flight PD 9716. Chit chatting continued as we cruised just below 25,000 ft. The flight concluded with a sincere thank you announcement by our cabin and flight deck crews. At the YTZ customs hall, the agents welcomed the first arrival of Porter's Melbourne flight.

The question still remains as to whether or not political roadblocks permits the newly Canadian made aircraft, Cseries, to operate at YTZ. This would definitely bring more exciting destinations and route proving events of such, as well as even more conveniences and positive economic impact to the Nation. While the current Minister of Transport argues that the Liberal government made their promise and listened to Torontorians about their opinion on preserving Harbour front and Toronto Island, what about the entire population of Canada as to whether or not we would like to create approximately 2,000 new career opportunities and hundreds of millions of dollars of incremental economic impact. As well, do we want to promote our great aviation technology and industry to the world? 2016 kicked off with several negative economical downfalls, especially with our poor Canadian dollars and other commodity cost sufferings. Is it time to find a good balance between people and businesses?

This amazing route proving trip was a blast and I will never ever forget the awesome moments! Should there be more of such events, which I assure there will be, this will always be my first route proving flight!