Flight Review - CX 888 - Premium Economy

CX 888, 6 July 2012, HKG-YVR, B773ER (4-Classes Configuration), Premium Economy 34C - a general review followed by suggestions for improvement.

What I really want to express, is that all economy seats should be like premium economy to make everyone love flying on planes!  The slight extra inch or two in seat width, the bonus 8 inches of recline, and the five to six inches of extra leg room, really make a difference in travelling experience.  Think about it, if all economy seats are of the quality of premium economy and the cost remain as they are, I bet over 80% of economy passengers walk off the plane with great satisfaction, happily ever after!  Of course, the economy part (e.g. cost of airfare) and seat supply is another matter.  

Still massive spacing in front - can definitely fit another foot of my
size in front of each shoe.  As a reference, I am approx. 5 ft 7 in tall.

 

Extra large and cotton-packed pillow with a blanket that is at
least twice as warm as the regular economy ones

 






















 

Premium Economy personal care kit - includes socks, eyeshade,
toothbrush, and earplugs.  Haven't seen these inflight kits for ages!
Didn't even get one  of these on the YVR-JFK Business Class
ride last time ...

Without further research and consultation, I believe that the spacious A380 can make it happen; it's just a matter of redesigning the cabin, reconsidering load factors, cost, etc, etc, etc.  I mean, if an A380 that is replacing a B747 or 777ER route, and won't be filled up entirely anyways (500+ Seats versus 300+/400+ seats), why not give the economy passengers an enhanced experience - good competitive advantage!   

The meals and utensils are of better quality, just like what it has been promoted.  One of the main difference compared to economy, other than the taste, is the better presentation of the food.  Dinner was great, and Brunch was fair.  

 A picture means a million words, so here we go ...  

Dinner - Presentable Entree

Appetizer: Creamy Vegetable Salad w/ Ham
Entree:     Grilled Beef Tenderloin w/ Madeira wine sauce, potato mash w/
                Italian parsley, sauteed spinach and carrots
Dessert:   Haagen Dazs Ice Cream

 

Closer look at the entree: Grilled Beef Tenderlion w/ Madeira wine sauce,
potato mash w/ Italian parsley, sauteed spinach and carrots

Stainless Steel Utensils

 

Brunch - Nicely presented eggs

Appetizer: Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Entree:     Onion and Bacon Frittata w/ hash brown, Cumberland
                sausage, mushroom and grilled tomato
Dessert:    Yogurt

 

Famous Bonne Maisan Jam in glass jar - Very presentable!

Extra spacing for drinks is a plus!  However, the space for the beer
cup is shared with the seat beside.

Menu just like all other classes

The overall service of the Flight Attendants is good.  Nothing that really "Wow" me, but definitely slightly better than the Economy class.  This could also be contributed by the priority meal services; the Flight Attendants haven't asked the same question to 50 other passengers before reaching us.  Drinks and snacks were offered throughout the flight in person like all other cabin classes.  There were no "personal welcome" at your seat like the Business/First classes (E.g. Mr. Tang, welcome on-board), neither were they referring to your name when serving meals, which is totally fine for me because I find it a bit unnecessary for the Flight Attendants to me "Mr. Tang" a million times throughout the flight.

Curtains were closed after the first meal, making the Premium Economy area a private cabin.  The B773ER's 4-classes configuration has a private washroom within the cabin, making it even better!  Please note that there is no private washroom on all other CX aircraft with Premium Economy - this includes the 3-Classes only B773ER, 4-Classes B744, and 3-Classes A333. 

The exclusive private washroom within the Premium Economy cabin
is only available on the 4-Classes configured B777-300ER.

  
 

Rooms for Improvement ...

As a recommendation for improvement, I would hope that the services offered for Premium Economy PAX are aligned with what is advertised on promotion materials.  The following discrepancies were identified for my particular flight: 


1)  Priority Boarding

As promoted on CX's website (http://www.cathaypacific.aero/premiumeconomyclass/index.html?lang=en), Premium Economy PAX gets priority boarding.  Although the pre-recorded annoucement by the boarding gate said, not exactly the same statement but with the same meaning, "for First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, Marco Polo Members, and One World Alliance Members, we now welcome you to board first ...", ground personnel directed non-Marco Polo Premium Economy PAX to the regular economy line-up.  I was lucky as I am a Marco Polo member, otherwise I would have to wait by the regular line.  

2) Welcome Drink 

 As stated on the Premium Economy webpage (http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_CA/whatonboard/premiumeconomyclass), it states that "you will be greeted with a welcome drink of champagne and juice and a hot towel ...".  However, no champagne was offered.  If you look at CX's Premium Economy Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cathaypacific/app_307611065967150), a comment was also made (by the name of Neil Roberts), that there were no welcome drinks and that the Flight Attendants did not seem to be aware of it.  

Aside from the discrepancies, a leg-rest would be much preferrable for all Premium Economy seats.  Currently, only the very first row offers leg-rest, while all other rows are installed with a three-positioned foot-rest.  A leg-rest supports your entire leg as shown below on the image to the right.  A foot-rest is like a pedal in front of the seat where you step on and rest your foot, shown below on image to the left.  CX offers a "three-positioned" foot-rest, which is slightly more advanced than a traditional economy foot-rest and just as it is named, you can lock the pedal to three different positiosn to fit your comfort.  Mind you, the three-positioned foot-rest is comfortable especially with the extra legroom; however, I would recommend that all seats are aligned to make things fair.  

                         First Row:  Leg-rest                                       All Other Rows:  Foot-rest

 

Overall Experience

iPhone shot from 34C - CX888

As you've read, there are obviously more compliments than recommendations.  My overall experience was extremely pleasant!  The seat was extremely comfortable, though I have to say that I am bias in a sense that I prefer the traditional Business Class layout (similar to CX's Premium Economy) because I feel more like riding a plane!  Flat-bedded seats are great and have their own unique comfort level, but it doesn't feel like a plane ride.  Not sure if you get what I mean, but just my feeling.  Pricing wise, it is doubled of a regular economy fare (YVR-HKG Economy from CAD1,170 and Premium Economy from CAD2,344, tax and fuel surcharge included).  If you can afford some spare money, but not as much as a Business fare from CAD 4,487 (YVR-HKG), then I would highly recommend Premium Economy.

 

Flight Review: CX 837 (YVR-HKG)

Flight CX 837, YVR-HKG, economy, 58H, 23 June 2012.  This was one of the most pleasant CX flight I've ever been on, especially with the crew in my section.  Aside from cabin comfort, flight attendants (FAs) are the ones that really make a difference in travelling experience.  Regardless of how much training they received, great smiles, polite manners, and proactive services, cannot be maintained by most FAs throughout the flight - this is just human nature that we get frustrated and impatient after the 50th time saying, "sir, would you like chicken, beef, or pasta ... oh I'm sorry, we do not have pork."     


I've always praised Cathay Pacific's (CX) inflight meals.  Since my first flight, I've enjoyed and am excited for inflight meals.  If you compare inflight meals to a restaurant, then I believe we are on a totally different channel.  Think of all the complicated preparation, heating, and safety processes that are involved; we should really appreciate those airlines that still try their very best to provide economy passengers with a complimentary three-course meal, which usually includes three choices of hot entrees (Business and First get comp meals anyways).  


This "period's" CX 837 menu is surprising good (I used the term "period" as they do alter once in a while)!  For lunch, I've selected "baked salmon with white wine butter sauce, mashed potatoes, and broccoli".  First course came with "prawns with light curry mayo vegetable salad".  A very interesting and "delightful" sauce with fresh tasting prawns!  The entree was just a slight disappointment as the salmon was over-cooked.  But yes, it's been shipped and heated for preservation, and so over-cooked can be excused!  The sauce and mashed potatoes were great!  As a well-known selection on CX's flights, Haagen Dazs ice cream was simply great as dessert!  


Dinner was what I really need to praise as it was the highlight of the entire flight!  "Beef with peppercorn sauce, parsley potatoes, carrots and spinach."  The beef was extremely tender and tasty, considering it's an inflight meal.  The entire combination of the entree was top-notched!  The cake was ordinary, but it was still very nice to have a piece of cake! 


With CX's new introduction of Premium Economy, I am excited to experience the new service on my return flight.  I am very much looking forward to the "enhanced entree" and new cabin experience!  Now, I am aware that Premium Economy has been offered by various airlines and it was first introduced more than ten years ago - why so excited?  I'm excited and glad that this service is finally introduced on Cathay's fleet.  In fact, according to it's description and promotion, it should be more prestige than other "regular" Premium Economies.  


Stay tune for my next inflight review on Cathay Pacific's Premium Economy Cabin!  

CX 837 Inflight Menu (23 June 2012)

 

   

Where's My A380?

Everytime when Airbus delivers to carriers their first A380, a hope arises that I will see "my" A380's commercial service to YVR.  The hopes never come true but I'm still waiting and my hope is still out there ...

2007, Singapore Airlines, first A380 delivery customer - oh wait, Singapore no longer flies to YVR.  2008, Emirates, with the largest A380 order - wait a second, Emirates is having a dispute with our government on flying rights to Canada.  2009, Air France, perhaps Air France KLM will decide to fly Air France's A380 for the regular KLM services to YVR?  Nope, not going to happen - I'm thinking too much!  2010, Lufthansa, my glorious Lufthansa with regular daily FRA-YVR services.  Oh wait another second, daily flights using A340-300, and A340-600 for high seasons - chances of using its 526 configurated A380 is pretty slim.  2011, China Southern and Korean Air, well one thing for sure is that we have lots of Asian flights.  However, China Southern did commence services to YVR but only 3 times a week using the 772s.  Again, not too wise to fly a 506 seats configurated A380 over.  Korean Air, yes, regular daily flights!  Right, 772s, once a day, probably won't be replacing the 250-ish seat 772s with the 407 seats configurated A380s.  However, during summer, the Korean 744s do come once in a while.  Well, I guess I can go on and on and there still won't be any chance of bringing over the A380 ...

But to keep my hope going, I figured that BA will be receiving its first A380 in 2013 (expected), and BA does daily flights to YVR using 744s.  During summer season, BA flies twice daily flights using 744s from Tuesdays to Thursdays, and Saturdays to Sundays, in addition to the regular daily flights on all other days.  The problem is, Virgin recently commenced the LHR-YVR route, and even though it flies only four times a week using A343s, BA's market share will somehow be affected. 

Other potential hopes include Asiana and Skymark, where both will receive A380s in 2014 and both expressed interest in flying to YVR.  The rapidly expanding Hong Kong Airlines will also be receiving A380s in 2015, which it could be possible to compete with CX's existing HKG-YVR twice daily services.  Emirates, if the long dispute with our government will ever be resolved, could fly an A380 over.  Virgin Atlantic will also be receiving A380s in 2015, but it depends on how much market share it can gain.  Or perhaps, Virgin can consider adding other routes to YVR.

In terms of which carrier I wish to see, I will have to favour Lufthansa, Air France and Emirates, which I believe their liveries fit very well on the A380.  Already with daily scheduled flights, Lufthansa could possibly bring the 748i over, which first entered commercial service (FRA-IAD) earlier this month as a launch customer.  But, I still want my A380 ...  

A380 First Flight to YVR - Route Proving Flight Test - 26 November 2006
(Photo by my friend Michael)

A380 Second Flight to YVR - Flight Testing - 16 October 2007

     

   

The Great British Carrier - Virgin Atlantic

Some of you may have witnessed the inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic to YVR just two weeks ago on 24 June 2012.  Onboard were VIPs including the fun and loving President Richard Branson and other regular passengers.  The Vancouver Airport Authority welcomed the special flight and a whole new business and economic opportunity by arranging a Vancouver spirit team of internal staff in Canucks jersey and hockey sticks, forming an imaginery red carpet as the VIPs deplaned the A330-300 aircraft.  The A340s will be used as future regular commercial flights.  

The media and BC Premiere Kristy Clark were also arranged on an airside by the West De-icing Pad, where the aircraft parked.  With the special welcome arrangement, passengers were transported on YVR's new CoBuses back to the terminal.  Future flights will make use of the airport's gates and jet bridges.  It was sure an excited day as the airport shifted away from the traditional water splash greeting.  
 
Speaking of creativity and innovation, to me, this is thinking outside the box.  I cannot say this is the first airport that has ever done it as I've not seen all the first flight welcome ceremonies in the world, but adding both our local and national hockey spirit, and matching it with the fun loving man Richard was definitely an unexpectedly great choice!  
 
New routes keep rolling on, and let's see what happens when Sichuan Airlines make its inaugural flight to YVR on 22 June 2012.  As a more traditional Chinese carrier, how much creativity can be applied?  Well, I believe that the traditional ways may still retain its philosophy even with a new creative taste - only with the right amount of creativeness that is ... 

VS095 - A330-300 Touched Down on 26R

Special Welcoming on West De-icing Pad
(LOOK, KLM 773ER in speicial "ASIA" livery too!)

Airport Authority Staff in Canucks Jersey forming a welcome lane.
Media on speicla platform near left wing.

 

CX's YVR Service Change (Sep/Oct 2012)

According to Routes Online, CX will once again revise its fleet to YVR. Since the current replacement of the jumbo 744s by the 777-300ERs for the period of 01 May to 30 June 2012 (daily), the 777-300ERs will again operate the 838/837 route from September to October 2012, but only for Wed's, Fri's and Sun's. This time, the 777-300ER marked as 77W D, is a 3-class configuration with new Business, Premium Economy, and new Economy Cabins. It'll will be the first time that the 838/837 (previously 838/839) operates without First Class in 30 years. The evening 888/889 route will remain unchanged at this moment. 

 The up side is the use of newer generation fleet (777-300ER with Premium Economy and new cabins), while the down side is the loss of 747s at YVR. Back the good old days, when the Jumbo was still a hit, 747s filled up many gates. I remember, JAL's 744s, Oasis Hong Kong's 744s, Air New Zealand's 744s, British Airways' 744s, China Airline's 744s, Lufthansa's 744s, EVA's 744s, Korean Air's 744s, and probably many more (oh, right, Air Canada's and Canadian's). Well, at least for these two months, there'll only be BA's and EVA's 744s, plus CX's 748Fs, which only comes once or twice a week. I do understand that newer generations are more efficient and green, but if the 744s are dumped away, either fly more 747-8i's and A380s over! Hey, YVR is built and expanded for all you babies! (Well, yes, demand is what's holding all you guys back...).

CX 839 - Turning onto 26L - Depart to HKG - 01 May 2010

 

CX 839 - Turning onto 26L - Depart to HKG - 01 May 2010

Memories of KLM MD-11 - Inflight Clips

This is the last posting of this week's Memories of KLM MD-11 at YVR!   

Approaching YVR 08L - 04 June 2010

 













If a picture means a million words, then perhaps a video could mean a trillion words ... 
Check-out some inflight clips of the KLM MD-11 from AMS to YVR!  Thanks to these people who recorded and shared these great old memories!  
 

(A 2009 Flight, KL681, created by MRKVA12) - Looks like it's still the old-style inflight entertainment system.  Flight attendents seem extremely friendly, the KLM style :) !

(KL 681, 16 October 2011 flight, created by newreivax214) - Starts off with a few great photos, and then to the real video from take-off to landing on 26R!  Love the shadow at 03:00 ... 

Pretty contrary that I love the plane so much but I've never been on one.  But, hopefully in the near future, before the KLM MD-11 are completely faced off by 2014, I'll get on one!  

And btw, if you want to know how to say Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, let me know and I'll teach you how ...  

 

Memories of KLM MD-11s - Spotting in 2011

It is actually pretty convenient to plane spot around YVR, especially when it is not beside any highways and is usually in low vehicle traffic.  What can be further improved to accommodate Plane Spotters like me are designated Outdoor Observation Decks around the airport field.  There should be one by end  of 26L, 26R, 08L, and 08R.  And of course, this is only my perspective as a Plane Spotter role; the business operation side is another matter.  

If you've never been to the fairly new outdoor observation deck by the South Terminal, go check it out.  Not the best location, but high enough to avoid the fence blocking your lens.  Basically, you can't really see both ends of 26L, meaning you can't really take good shots of planes either touching down or taking-off, but mainly seeing planes speeding along 26L.

Well, looks like last year's good old plane spotting spot is no longer available.  It was close by the end of 26R, just west of UPS where is it currently the construction site of Canada Post.  An excellent spot where planes just touch-down right in front of you ... good memories! 

Looking back in 2011 ... 

23 April 2011 - Touched-down on 26R (The Used-to-be Good Spot)

23 April 2011 - Touched-down on 26R (The Used-to-be Good Spot)

23 April 2011 - Taxi to Gate (Oh look, it's Korean 772 too)

01 May 2011 - Turning onto 26L for Take-off

12 August 2011 - Airside Trip (Kiss the MD-11!)

 




 Stay tune for more of "Memories of KLM MD-11 at YVR" week! 

 

Farewell, KLM MD-11s!

And so, the moment came, and I finally had to say good-bye to KLM's MD-11s.  The blue Tri-jet touched-down at YVR ahead of schedule at around 1325hr, and pushed-back on time at 1600hr.  The only regular scheduled MD-11s that comes in everyday makes it extremely hard for me to face the fact that this favourite of mine will stop coming to YVR.  Though it looks like KLM planned for the B772 during Summer and Fall operations, and A332 for winter Ops, I look forward to the come back of my MD-11 !  KLM's MD-11s is planned to continue operations and will gradually be phased off by 2014.  

Registered as PH-KCF, this was the 6th delivered MD-11 to KLM on 17 December 1994.  Named Annie Romein, this baby is almost 8 years old! 

As we always say, a picture means a thousand words; well, here are millions of expressive words: 
 

KL 681 Approaching YVR 26R (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 681 Almost Touching Down on 26R (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 681 Touched-down on 26R (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 681 Thurst Reversal on 26R (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 681 Taxi-ing to Gate with Spring Flowers (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 681 Taxiing by De-icing Pads (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 681 Parked at Gate 67 (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 682 Taxi for Take-off (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 682 Taking-off on 26L (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 682 Lifting-off on 26L (MD-11, PH-KCF)

KL 682 Off It Goes (MD-11, PH-KCF)

Gears-up.  Farewell Baby!  Bon Voyage! (MD-11, PH-KCF)

   

 Stay tune for great KLM MD-11 memories and collections at YVR over the coming week!

 

Book Your Sunday Off for KLM's MD-11 at YVR !

Looks like KLM's MD-11 will operate the last AMS-YVR flight this Sunday, 29 April 2012!

KL681, AMS-YVR, Scheduled Arrival at 1340
KL682, YVR-AMS, Scheduled Departure at 1600

(Picture taken on 23 April 2011 - KLM MD-11 touched-down at YVR 26R)

Over the past year, I've noticed that I've really fell in love with MD-11s.  Now, don't mix up DC-10 and MD-11, because MD-11 has a set of well-designed winglet.  I do not like the DC-10s at all.  Launched in December 1986 (hey, just 6 months after I was born), the MD-11 was designed for a greater range, capacity, and technological components than the DC-10s.  After the first flight in January 1990, the first MD-11 was delivered to Finair in 1990 and entered first commercial service on 20 December 1990.   
                      

Why am I addicted to MD-11s and in particular the KLM MD-11s?  Well, I really don't have an explanation for that.  It's a feeling; you know, the feel of it.  The KLM livery just fits so well on the body frame of the MD-11s.  The little KLM logo on the winglets make it further hot!  One thing I noticed is that regardless how nice air carriers design their liveries, there will be aircraft types that will not take on the livery well.  It's just like Cathay's livery; it's a very nice livery, but it will only look best on the 747s (in my opinion).

First received in December 1993, the first KLM MD-11 entered commercial serivce in 1994, celebrating the airline's 75th anniversary.  The first routes include flying to Africa and the Caribbean.  KLM currenly has a fleet of 10 MD-11s, and sadly, they will be phased out by 2014.  It is also the only remaining carrier that operates the MD-11s for intercontinental routes.  The MD-11s operated the AMS -YVR route over the past many years and it looks like KLM decided to replace this spectacular aircraft for the AMS-YVR route sooner than 2014.  KLM currently also operates the MD-11s to another Canadian city, Montreal.

I love the KLM MD-11s, and it will be a very sad Sunday afternoon for me as I catch the last MD-11 touch-down and take-off at YVR.  Hey, but you never know, Aviation is ever-changing!  I'm looking for one day, due to capacity alteration and fleet changes, the MD-11s will be arranged back to YVR again!  Stay tune for a detailed rundown of this coming Sunday!

History Sources:  Wikipedia.org (2012), KLM.com (2012), McDonnell Douglas Corp (1993)  

B748i At YVR

Surprise, surprise!

Boeing 747-8i (Passenger Version) came for a visit at YVR today.  Registration A7-HJA, Qatar Amiri BBJ, First Delivery from KPAE, ferry flight to YVR, and off to home.

Is this call fate?  Wasn't tracking, wasn't stalking, but coincidently saw it parked outside AC South Hangar, and took off shortly after.  Just got a blurry iPhone shot!  Stuff like these are things that makes me happy :)

  

Initial Take-Off - Cseries

 I'll kick off with the proudly Canadian made Cseries!  

Had been a great fan of the Bombardier Cseries but don't ask me why.  Aside from it's Canadian made, I'm sure there is something that attracted me to this new innovative aircraft that'll be set for first flight in December 2012 - Montreal.  That something is still unknown.  

With the many criticisms of the production, how it will fail and screw Bombardier over as the company tries to enter this new market and compete with Airbus and Boeing, well I don't care!  What I appreciate is the company's contribution to the Aviation industry!  I would deeply appreciate if investors and business men would stop criticising based on money - oh money this money that, its all about returns.  In a way, yes companies need money to function, and it would be quite irrational to invest if the return is negative.  I don't care - what I care is the beauty of the product.  Hey, it's made in Canada by the way!  Do I care if it losses money?  

What I really believe is that even if this piece of master work fails to sell its expected orders, Bombardier can still afford to continue business as with its existing diverse product lines.  What this plane will offer is a new capacity range with innovation new features.  And if you're gonna say, oh it's just a copy of the 737MAX or A320NEO, or the composite of the 787, well shut up!  In case you don't know, the 737MAX and A320NEO came way way way long after the Cseries, and the A320NEO will be using the new PW1000G engine technology, which was initially made for the Cseries and will be used first by the Cseries.  And, I believe in collaboration and sharing of great ideas to generate better and more powerful outcomes!    

Glancing through the orders, including firm orders, options, and letter of intent (LOI), the total for the Cseries comes to 324 units.  Compared to other recent new aircraft, the Dreamliner 787's net orders total to 855, and the A380's orders total to 253 plus 72 in delivered.  Oh, and the A350, with 555 firm orders.  (Orders as of today, from Wikipedia).  Well, its really hard to compare because all the these newly designed aircraft are manufactured by Airbus and Boeing, which they've been in this market segment for ages.  Plus, the dreamliner, A380, and A350 all falls in a separate market segment than the Cseries, mainly in terms of capacity and flying range.  

The fact that this is the first time that Bombardier enters in such a new market with a capacity ranging from 100 to 150 seats, flying with the new mechanisim of the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines, and plus, to me, it never experienced delays in production (oh btw, the Dreamliner 787 and A380 both delayed for 3-4 years, even with ages of commercial manufacturing experience), I think this new baby is doing very well.  Unless Bombardier is hiding any news or issues, otherwise, there are 8-9 months till expected first delivery and there are no signs of delays.  Even if it delays till Q1 2013, I'll still consider it on time.