DUBAI to MAHE (DXB-SEZ) on Emirates A340-500 in first class
There were few people milling in the gate lounge waiting for the bus when I arrived. We were escorted downstairs (I helped some pax with their bags down the stairs). Clearly a very light load in all classes as the bus had less than 30 people on it and no signs of a subsequent bus.
We had a long drive to our aircraft. I hadn't realised the airport was this big. We went past the length of the terminal, around some hangars, past some remote stands and kept going. 20 minutes later we reached some distant stand that felt like it was in Saudi Arabia. I couldn't even see the massive terminal from our position. Large as an A345 is, it was dwarved by the two A380s which were in front and adjacent.
Up the stairs to board. I'm welcomed aboard, escorted into the cabin and invited to pick any seat I'd like for today I'm the only passenger in first class. No need to use the suite's privacy screen! I knew it would be a great flight when I was given frequent top-ups on the ground so as to not waste the opened bottle of Dom Perignon 2000.
As a fairly short daylight flight, there are less amenities than for my flight up to Dubai. No pajamas. No tote bag. Socks. Eye mask. Amenity kit. Oddly no slippers. Arrival card. Menu.
We had a delay in pushing back due to congestion. A second bottle was opened!
Eventually it was time to go. During the safety video the cabin was sprayed due to requirements of Seychelles.
I was fairly tired so after a quick bite I tried to sleep. This didn't work so instead I watched some tv and consumed the proffered drinks. When I heard the familiar cork pop at top of descent I wondered what the crew were trying to do to me. I've already drunk quite a bit on this flight and not sure I can manage another bottle in the short time left.
It was then I was offered some slippers. Oops - a bit late for that. More drink by way of apology.
There was quite a bit of cloud buildup in the tropical heat but we had glimpses of the bush clad islands as we descended. As with many tropical islands, the airport is right on the shortline. We used most of the runway to stop and then a short taxi to our stand. The airport seems fairly quiet with a steady stream of puddlejumpers off to Praslin, a Condor aircraft and a hercules.