The marvel of flight never ceases to amaze even though I have flown severally. However, nothing prepared me for the spectacle of flying the Airbus A330neo.
I was some of the lucky few journalists chosen to fly the Airbus on its maiden flight from Entebbe International Airport to Nairobi on August 29.
There is something about people who transit Entebbe Airport during these Covid-19 times. There is an air of importance about them; something that suggests, being cleared to fly is an achievement in its self. I felt the same. Returning a negative Covid result is an achievement.
As we hit the asphalt ready for the flight slated for 20:30 hrs GMT, my mind raced and my heart was an out-of-control pendulum. The Airbus A330neo stood majestically like a male peacock with its feathers up.
I waltzed in like royalty. Before that could happen, I captured the moment on camera lest people think I’m simple!
Perched at the window seat, I braced for a thrilling experience on Uganda’s most modern aircraft. Take off always gives me jitters. It was the only time I wore a worried look. It never took long.
Briefly on the runway, the captain cautioned us to tighten our seat belts. However, unlike other flights I have previously flown, this time round, as I fathomed if we had taken off or were still taxing on the runway, I began seeing Kampala lights narrow down, until I started seeing flickers of light in the distance.
We were skybound. I relaxed more in my expansive seat and when I looked out at the ever-distant ground. I felt like my ground-based troubles go away- At least temporarily.
The flight captains, Francis Baros and Peter Thomas were more reassuring. They relayed that the sensory-rich A330neo is a quieter aircraft, which is one of its unique features. They also explained that the A330neo was built to manage turbulence, it doesn’t hit like other planes. “
The moment the A330neo leapt in the air, the whole world dropped out from under me and this gave me a chance to admire the interior of the aircraft. The plane was all quiet. About 100 passengers were on board and this was quite a good number considering the Covid-19 times we are in.
The plane boasts of 270 seats, 28 as premium economy and 30 business class.
In the business class, it’s a new world of its own. Flying business class should be added on many people’s bucket list.
The business class is a destination in itself. I am pretty sure passengers will love flying the A330neo more than any other aircraft and will go the extra mile to fly on it. Some will even seek destinations just to fly it. And why wouldn’t they?
The A330neo gives you easy access to extraordinary in-flight luxury and brings the excitement back to flying. From Economy to First class, it sets the standards on everything from space and comfort, to technology and entertainment.
Smell, sound, light
The plane has automated lighting that resonated with the environment that it’s in. It uses the latest drop-in LED system which offers lighting scenarios and enhances passenger experience and comfort.
To say it smelt so fresh is an understatement. All passengers who commended the airbus, “I have travelled in planes but this one is really fresh,” said Aisha Natali as she stepped in.
She made similar comments as she disembarked as Jomo Kenyatta airport, “I have not got enough of this plane.”
The cabin and crew were very hospitable. One thing I love about Uganda Airlines is that they have maintained their ‘local’ mantra. We were served piping hot local meals, washed down with locally made juice, bananas and Uganda waragi for those who love the tough beverages.
My favorite memories on the flight included fine dining and first class seats.
The flight to Nairobi saw the giant Airbus take off at exactly 20:50 (8:50 PM) and within 40 minutes it had safely landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
At Jomo Kenya
tta Airport, the Airbus plane was given a water salute as passengers onboard cheered after a comfortable and enjoyable flight.
Many staff and handlers at Jomo Kenyatta Airport were seen excitedly taking selfies with the giant aircraft. The Uganda Airlines pilots and cabin crew, the majority of whom are Ugandans, also received a cake from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport management with the inscription “A330 welcome to Nairobi”.
Beginning October this year, the two Airbus A330-800 neo (new engine option) aircraft will be mainly used for long-haul routes such as Dubai, London and Guangzhou, but Uganda Airlines management decided to give passengers flying to Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and other regional routes an opportunity to experience the Airbus as a way of giving back to loyal customers.
This coincided with the second anniversary of Uganda Airlines marked on Saturday, August 28, 2021.