Hi Andre,
Excellent trip report of the Dreamflight from BRU to OST.
I also had the pleasure of being invited by Jetairfly for this very unique Dreamliner Event. I was invited for both flights, ie BRU-OST via LGG and OST-BRU via CRL.
Jetairfly JAF 9201 BRU-OST
Date: Tuesday December 10th 2013
Flight: JAF9201 BRU-OST via LGG
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: OO-JDL
Seat: 6J (Premium Club)
STD/ATD: 10:45 / 11:20 LT (blocks off)
STA/ATA: 11:45 / 13:06 LT (blocks on)
As André already wrote an excellent trip report, I will just add some of my photos:
The Flight Crew Members discussing their final preparations for the flight BRU-OST via LGG during boarding
Inside the Premium Club
Effect of a dimmed window
Close-up of the right wing shortly after takeoff from BRU
Showcasing the Sky Interior mood lighting
The bar is opened. Travelling to OST in style...
Reaching the coastline
Flying in tight formation with Cessna C208B Grand Caravan PH-JMP of Nationaal Paracentrum Teuge
Smooth landing on RWY 08 at OST
Ceremony at OST
As André already mentioned, the Dreamliner's christening was done shortly after landing by Belgian famous artist Panamarenko. Afterwards, all passengers had the opportunity to take some unique photos of the aircraft parked at OST, before going to the terminal building for a party lunch.
Artwork by Belgian artist Panamarenko on the fuselage of OO-JDL
Parked on the OST apron shortly after landing
Close-up of the Dreamliner tail section
Close-up of the GEnx engine
CEO Mr Elie Bruyninckx giving a speech to all invitees in the OST terminal building
Jetairfly JAF 9202 OST-BRU
Date: Tuesday December 10th 2013
Flight: JAF9202 OST-BRU via CRL
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: OO-JDL
Seat: 3A (Premium Club)
STD/ATD: 14:45 / 15:58 LT (blocks off)
STA/ATA: 15:45 / 16:55 LT (blocks on)
As the sun was already starting to get lower on the horizon, boarding commenced soon for the return flight to BRU. Since some of the passengers weren't on the first flight and hence hadn't had the opportunity to get some photos of the aircraft, they were also given a short opportunity to get some photos of the Dreamliner parked on the OST apron.
View of the forward fuselage and the moon high in the sky during our boarding for the return flight to BRU
Once boarding was completed, we were kindly welcomed again by the cabin crew as well as the flight crew via the PA. Both engines were started at the same time, and shortly after engine startup was completed, we turned away from the apron and taxied our way to RWY 26. Once we entered the RWY, we didn't backtrack but immediately started our takeoff roll.
Moments before engine startup on the OST apron
Climbout from OST gave us some additional nice views of the Belgian coast, especially now the sun was already starting to set. We climbed to FL90 and followed a straight route to CRL over the cities of Roeselare, Waregem, Oudenaarde and Geraardsbergen.
During the short cruise, Jetair's Distribution Director Mr Coussement as well as the COO of Jetairfly, Mr Hofman addressed all pax onboard of the flight. Afterwards the cabin crew offered the passengers a nice mini bottle of cava. A very tasty gesture from Jetairfly...
Passengers onboard the Dreamliner were given the opportunity to visit the flightdeck in groups of 4. It was explicitely mentioned that taking photographs with flash would not be allowed. Unfortunately not everybody got the chance to briefly visit the flightdeck whilst inflight, as in the meantime we had already started our descent into CRL. We were informed however that anybody interested would still have the opportunity to visit the flightdeck after landing in BRU.
Pilots at work on the 787 flightdeck
The approach to CRL went smooth and uneventful. We didn't do a low pass, but instead the flight crew decided to do a simulated missed approach and perform a go around out of CRL. As could be expected, lots of passengers enjoyed the go around, as the engines spooled up again and we climbed fast out of CRL.
Another view of the mood lighting inside the Dreamliner cabin
We climbed back to an altitude of 2.500ft and made our way to the approach of BRU's RWY 25L. The pilots informed us that they would perform a full autoland on the RWY, to showcase the highly advanced capabilities of this new aircraft, even with a visibility of just 75 meters.
Another look at the advanced Dreamliner wing during sunset
Landing on RWY 25L was very gentle, and we made a smooth rollout. As we taxied to stand 145 at the A-pier, we passed 4 JAF 737's which were all parked remote at the Satellite.
Around 16:55 LT the aircraft came to a complete stop at stand 145 and engines were shut down. On the horizon, the sun had already set and the sky turned out all orange and dark blue. A magnificent ending of an extraordinary day.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody at Jetairfly, Jetair and all other companies involved for organizing such a unique Dreamliner Event! Let the dream begin...
More photos are available on my Flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87041388@N ... 621485853/
Best regards,
Ivan
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