Qatar Airways

Hi everyone,


Iam just home now from this FANTASTIC experience.
I do have pics, but just wanted to give feedback of how the trip and (delay) went.

Dont belive the press reports, The delay was handled Brilliantly and we were given a FREE return Business class ticket (econ econ tkt)and a FANTASTIC 4 star hotel to overnight in.
The delay just added to the excitement, for ME especially.

I arrived Early for check-in on the 25th full of Excitement for this Inaugural service from Hong Kong to London.
Check-in not open I waited around and checked out the airport and had a coffee.

Not long after I returned back to the check-in desks, staff were setting up for passengers.
I had no reason to hang around here, only for the fun of taking few pics,watching the passengers, VIPs and TV/press.
Oh yes and its a good thing I did hang around, as they were giving out model aircraft and Flight certificates to celebrate this special occasion.

I just wanted to soak up all the activaties of the day.

I had already checked in using the Downtown (central station) bag drop off service, which lots of airlines use in Hong Kong.

Even oasishongkong has this facility, BRILLIANT.

Highly reccomended and saves dragging you cases around if you have a late eve departure.
Pasengers starting checking in and Press were like flys around a hunny pot, camera crews and their reporters shoving microphones into faces asking how they felt and blah blah blah (it was funny to watch).

The check-in staff were very professional and tried to hide their delight and laughter at all the press atttention.

I was asked a few questions from some local papers, but there was not really alot to say except I was looking forward to the flight and I had flown in from London two days before for service.


I loitered around check-in for about an hour or so and was waiting for the VIPS to make there way to the gate. As I knew there would be lots more photos and a cereomony of cutting the ribbon speech etc.

Business class passengers (aka Moi) were given lounge Invites, the lounge is a generic lounge with snacks and sandwiches and drink, and friendly staff.
(who were pleased to have been given model aircraft gifts also)

I was Lucky to be part of the official ceremony at the gate which was cornered off for the press and Invited guests.(have my VIP pass) )

Speeches were made by the CEO, president etc etc and the ribbon cutting ceromony was a Great success.Cameras flashing etc
Champagne, canapes were offered, with press packs handed out.

lots of excitement buliding.

TRUST ME I WAS ON SUCH A HIGH AT THIS POINT.

I checked at the gate to see if I could sit in the A zone (nose section) and I was delighted to be given a seat behind the chiarman, his wife and son (nathanual) sorry for spelling, a really sweet boy with perfect manners.

And sat next to me was Airbus exec Michael G Homer, also Boeing Exec Robert K laird (vice president) was sat a few rows back.(which i found out after I boarded)

My boarding pass,Seat 19A was handed to me )........)WOW.

Ground staff made a tunnel leading up to the gate for passport check and boarding pass checking, whishing passengers a wonderful flight with more smiles.

I was the first passenger to board, I must admit I did Nudge another passenger aside to be the first onboard, but he smiled and we chatted onboard.

I ran down the jetway like a kid and boarded the aircraft to friendly smiling crew who offered me a drink and asked if i need any assistance in stowing my bag.


As I boarded the Boeing 747-400 door 1 Left, I was amazed at how much room there was in the Nose (A Zone) of this Business Class Cabin, config with 12 seats from rows 18-20 and 21-29 in three other cabins on the main deck, the Upper deck was config 11-17.

The seats in the front row of 18A/C H/J have six rows of windowsbeside them and Ooddles of space on the floor in front.

Row 21 is config in a 2-3-2 just behind door 1 left/right (still part of the nose section) but the centre seats D E G have poor recline, so avoid these if you want better sleeping.

I did walk around the cabins J and Y snapping pics and cahtting to the crew.
Surprisingly the J class cabin was almost full in the rear J sections of deadheading cabin and cockpit crews.

these guys and Girls were all smiles and excited about the start of there new careers and journey to london (some had not travelled to europe before).Ex JAL and Dragon Air Cabin crews.

The Cockpit crews are mostly British and UK based, (hi Daniel First officer if your reading this, your a very Friendly, genuine guy).

I made my way back to my seat and the Chairman his wife and son, CEO Steve Miller (who started Dragon Air) 20 years ago ahd boarded along with other Oasis executives.

More drinks were offered, jackets etc were being stowed and preperations made for take-off.

At no time did I feel excluded from the ceromony and the CEO/chairman etc did not have that stuck up know your place towards the cabin crew.
It was a very relaxed, yet exciting moment for all involved.

Steve Miller CEO has a lot of respect for his staff and this showed by his friendly manner towards them.

there was a cocktail like atmosphere in the forward nose cabin and on the upperdeck as well, those upstairs prob wishing they were down, and those down wondering what was going on upstairs lololololo.

Seatbelt sign came on, and everyone sat down and buckled in,the safety demonstration was done manually, and waited for push back.

I cant remember exactly how long we waited before there was an announcement (as I was So excited), but the Captian made his speech welcoming us onboard and that there was a slight delay due to ATC and other aircraft were also being delayed.

We waited and waitred and waited, other announcement and updates made that Lufthansa also had a TWO hour delay as did BA etc.

Steve Miller and Chairman Raymond Lee made some annocements, but everything was out of their control sadly.

"maybe CX had made a call and asked that we not be allowed to fly" well you never know with Airlines and Dirty tricks!

I personally feel this is the NEW Virgin Atlantic of the Orient, keep an eye on this young longhaul start up, and watch them expand and grow.

Two hrs passed, more updates made, three hrs, buy this time there was a really nice relaxed atmosphere for us in the Good seats, and a cocktail and canap'e party was enjoyed.

Another hour passed and then finally about 5 hours we were told that Russian ATC had not given us permission to overfly there country.
Finally a announcement made that we could not fly that day and would be accomodated or given compensation as compensation and hopefully fly the next day.

there had been some upset passengers in the economy cabin, and the chairmans wife priscilla was shouted at by a few passengers (so I was told).

but generally most passengers were understing and there was a calm and friendly deboarding.
the Airlines handling agent Jardine aviation, handled the standed passengers Incedibly well, we were escorted thru immagration and to the coaches to take us to the Novotel, a 4*star hotel near the airport.when we arrived they were expecting us and checkin was easy and quick.

*only thing about transfer to airport, the coaches had really poor storage for luggage, which was not Oasis fault, so some luggage had to be loaded in the coach cabin.

the hotel was Incredible, almost Brand New, modern style and very stylish (for both Econ and Biz passengers).
The bedroom was wonderful, with large flat screen tv's and current modern design fittings etc, the bathroom was FAB, a long corridor type bathroom with his and her sinks, seperate shower and toilet.

(hopefully I can upload some pics of this trip).

We were given meal vouchers for Dinner and breakfast, and I was really pleased with the Buffet style restaurant this hotel provided.
It was High quality food, all types of goodies, a salad bar, chefs cooking chicken/pork/beef etc, there was fresh seafood and the Deserts were FABULOUS (all of them).Presentaion was Excellent.

breakfast was also of high standard.

I personally was not upset by the delay/cancellation, some passengers were accommdated on Virgin atlantic and flown in Upper class to london that day as they had important meetings.As were some dead heading staff.

I slept resonbly well and woke early for breakfast,and left early to get back to the airport on the 26th.
I had a coffee in the terminal, and made my way back to check-in, sat on the low check-in conveyer belt stand and waited for check-in staff to arrive.

Reading the days papers (I had made TWO, small pics but I was happy) and llater onboard I found out from Airbus Exec Michael homer, that I was also on the WWweb holding up an OasisHongkong bag at the waiting photoghers as we walked back into the terminal. FAME AT LAST lololololo

Again the press arrived and out of the corner of my eye I could see lots of movement and activity, they had spotted the oasishongkong bag sat on my trolley and me reading the paper at the check-in desk.

They soon came rushing over to ask questions and take more pics.

it was exciting and funny at the same time to be the centre of attention, but it also made me really nervous and when they had fled to another passenger to start all over again with questions and picture taking, I realised how sweaty I had got (fames not for me really), a little attention is nice but it can be intense.

Check-in commenced again,and I was given my same seat as the day before. the boarding pass still had the same date as the previous day! as did the luggage tags. Another Lounge Invite handed out, which i didnt use.

I made my way back thru security and went to look for our 747, which was parked away from the gate.

I have to admit I did sneak into the CX lounge, but was equally dissapointed with what I found, theres No lounge like the VS clubhouse.

Anyway, one over on CX, I left after a coffee and snack and a good nose around, and headed for the gate.

I was hoping i was going to board First again, but they held me back and let a family with child and the Chairman etc board first lolololo

the staff even apologised to me for keeping me waiting.

I was the Very first to board yesterday so I was happy.

Everyone boarded less about 50 pax and we taxied to the runway.
As we took off, some pax clapped (though ONE exec, who shall remain nameless (and I quote said, How CHEESY)......... his attitude changed on landing at LGW to cheers and smiles as he realised it was OK to let down the Posh facard. (Iam a LADY) we can safely say!


service started with drinks, meal was served with choice of chicken or beef and a very comfortable raffles class Ultimo seat at 60 inches was my home for the next 12 hours and 13 mins.(these have been repadded, said CEO steve Miller as were the econs eats.

Biz class passengers chatted and mixed, people moved from upper to lower cabins, the CEO and chairman went and thanked econ passengers for flying with Oasis, TV crews and News reporters did there stuff again (CNN were a real pain) onboard, if you ever have a News team onbaord, dont let them have there own way, make THEM wait for you.

The news reporters in econ kept coming foward for interviews, and I was asked for several times , they even ahd me eating the second choice meal of the beef, which wsa Delious and nicer tham my other choice earlier.

Onbaord Photogher David G McIntyre was taking some fab pics of all the Inaugural (HI DAVID) and took some great pics of me

the flight was smooth, less a few small turbulance arears.
second meal was also very tasty, sorry forgot what it was.

Overall it was an Excellent experience, which I will be repeating in a few weeks time.

I will say, try this Airline, I was really pleased with the level of service, not because of the Inaugural flight, I feel this standard will contine.

And I shall deff enjoy using my Free Biz class tkt.

Oh YES, forget to say, the Captain of this flight was Ex Concorde Captian and Retired BA captain Steve Bohill smith, so not Only an Inaugural but flown by a Concorde pilot.

He was incredibly pleased to be apart of this Airline and First flight, I sat and chatted with him in one of the rear J cabins and he signed a few goodies for me!

Arrival at LGW was good, but No hoards of press like HKG, just one lone camera man.

I think the Delay has worked in Oaoshongkongs favour ,Good luck oasishongkong.

Final thought, if you want to travel cheaply or Comfortably with Good service Oasishongkong is a Great option.

Its not Singapore Airlines, but for waht your paying its Fantastic value.
ANd NO WAY is it Ryan AIr or easyjet in the good seats.

PHOTOS HOSTED BY LUCKY9876coins, thanks lucky.

SMART51

Don't wait long,eager to read more ^

tfung

nice report! But why the angry face in the topic title?

aSiAnRiCk

Thanks for the report ^

This had me lol'd and I probably would have done the same thing too

HIDDY

Good report and I wish them well,but I fear that the big carriers will start a price war due to overcapacity on London route.

I see Air New Zealand are already offering fares of Ł295 on their LHR route,time will tell.

CDG1

Wonderful trip report. Thanks a lot!

I am glad you have enjoyed the whole experience.

Look forward to seeing the pictures!

Qatar Airways

i just wanted to be First onboard again, but as I was the day before, I did chuckle to myself.

kyushuman

Can I ask how much is a discounted return ticket HKG-LON-HKG in J on Oasis?
Thanks!

HIDDY

London Gatwick-Hong Kong return

Business Class- Minimum fare Ł1071

Qatar Airways

oasis have used Singapore airlines Old Ultimo seats, seats are noce and comfy with 60 inch pitch (Airlines old First class pitch).

nose section 2-2 then 2-3-2.

DetroitFlyer

Will you have pictures soon?

Qatar Airways

Hi

I need some HELP finding a programme I can load my pics on adn than add to the report.

Any easy options (iam not a great computer person).

richmond3121

You can try flickr: http://www.flickr.com/ you can use the same sign-in as a yahoo account...

Also, did you enjoy the mall next to the Novotel at Tung Chung? It's an interesting place to shop. I particularly enjoy the Pacific Coffee, which is located in the "bridge" above the highway out to HKG (pic) (pic) ). Federal Plaza has nice, well-priced and creative dim sum (pic here ). There are much worse places to get stuck in HKG. :-)

Qatar Airways

Thankyou,

will give that a Go.

Was really pleased with the Hotel, did not realise it was paart of a mall until today (thinking of staing there in NoV, and was looking at hotel website).

The Hotel Buffet was FABULOUS, really good quality good, presentation etc.

Wish me luck uploading pics.

Qatar Airways