UK/USA 2010 Day 0

270210 0104 local time (GMT+8)
9V-SKI over Malaysia

I'm taking advantage of my phone's blog feature to try something new - live on-the-spot blogging. At the moment I'm at seat 74K aboard Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841 9V-SKI bound for London Heathrow, listening to Yagisawa's Hymn to the Infinite Sky. Photos will be added later.

The trip began at the airport a few hours ago, where I met Shuotian, Paul and Calvin at check-in. I was deeply disappointed that I didn't get to see Jinjun, but sadly it was not possible. We had US fries and a Topless 5 at Swensens, reminiscent of the time we went to Japan two years ago.

I dislike being sent off, as compared to being received, as I usually hate leaving my friends behind. This was no exception.

I proceeded to gate A10 (Thunderbolt II) where 9V- SKI was waiting. After a quick call to Jinjun, I boarded her and took my seat.

Pushback was slightly late, not that I minded, since this meant that there was a chance the sun would rise before we landed. We taxied out behind a considerable queue, the longest I've seen in Changi so far. I saw numerous airliners landing, including a United Airlines 777-222ER and a Japan Airlines 777-246ER. Also, we were overtaken by a Qantas A380-841 along the way, probably racing us to London. This lead to an interesting situation of us holding for the runway on W1, the Qantas A380 holding parallel to us on W2 and what I assumed to be a Paris or Zurich bound Singaporean A380 parallel to us on W3. The plane that was holding us all up? A Jetstar A320. Imagine the view from the right of that plane of 3 A380s lined up waiting.

The other A380 took to the skies, then we lined up and began our takeoff run. Our off time was 0033, making this the second longest delay I've experienced in Changi, and probably the longest out-off interval I've had in a while.

As the plane soared into the sky, I felt some of the burden on my back fall away, for which I am thankful. I guess I really do love being in the sky.

Till now the flight has been uneventful, although the clocks in the flight maps are an hour forward for some reason. Interestingly I was asked for my dinner order in advance. Not sure if this is due to my silver status with SQ. Also, after a year, the stage selections appear to be unchanged. Dinner should be interesting. Yusheng for starters. If you get more luck the higher you toss it, then I wonder how much one can get from tossing it 35000ft in the air.


0044 local time (GMT +6)
9V-SKI over the Bay of Bengal

Interestingly I was served dinner first, again not sure if it's due to my status.

Dinner was, as usual, excellent, especially the yu sheng, and I did do a little personal toss of it. Just took a little walk around the back end of the A380 to have a stretch. Top Gear as usual during dinner, love that show. I really should try to get some sleep in.


0344 local time (GMT +4)
9V-SKI over Afghanistan

Guess I'm not getting any more sleep than this. Probably because it's already nearly 8am back home. And I see as I'm typing this that we've just crossed into Iran. Fun part of the world this is.


0414 local time (GMT +3)
9V-SKI over Azerbaijan

Time's passing slowly thanks to the time zones. Just watched Merry Widow, which they've been showing since I flew this flight this time last year. Soon be over Armenia. I'm considering listening to Armenian Dances now. Should have listened to Persis when I was over Iran.


0525 local time (GMT +2)
9V-SKI over Moldova

The seafood noodles Singapore Airlines serves are excellent. Just crossed into Europe and it shouldn't be long more. Incidentally I did listen to Armenian Dances when we passed into Armenian airspace, but we crossed into Georgia before even halfway into the piece.


0549 local time (GMT +1)
9V-SKI over Germany

Deutschland Deutschland uber alles, and I am at the moment over Deutschland, therefore I am above all, and I just happen to be in the RSAF. Just over an hour left to go. Incidentally I am quite annoyed by an article in SilverKris magazine. It talked about how a successful trial flight was conducted on how to save fuel and all, lauded the achievement, talked about the vast environmental benefits and spooned praises to all involved, but made absolutely no mention at all that the star of the show, the aircraft, was a 747-412. Does Singapore Airlines really dislike it that much? Had it been an A380 you can bet the article would have highlighted the fact.


0619 local time (GMT +1)
9V-SKI over Belgium

My last post before landing. Listening to Saga Maligna on the way down. Been a good flight so fat, still racing the sun and hoping it wins.


0553 local time (GMT)
9V-SKI over the United Kingdom

Guess not. Holding over LAMBON. At least this should give the sun more time to come up.


0641 local time (GMT)
London Heathrow Airport

Great landing to a great flight. It was not as bright as I'd wanted, but still quite bright. The next aircraft to land was the Qantas A380 that raced us here (and lost). Now back in the all too familiar LHR T3. I shall end off here and carry on in the next post.


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