Asiana A380 Business Class NRT-ICN Special Trip Report
As a fan of the A380s, I can’t resist an opportunity to fly on Asiana A380. Asiana is Airbus A380’s latest customer, and is now using these A380s on flights to Narita, and Hong Kong for trials. Osaka Kansai and Bangkok will join Asiana’s A380 network, when the second OZ A380 is ready to fly. Los Angeles will become Asiana’s first long haul destination beginning August 20. I specifically choose a daytime flight, as it provides a bit better photo opportunity. I believe there have been many reports on Asiana A380s, and let see if I can keep this report short. Asiana Airlines has its ups and downs in the past 12 months, but when it comes to service, Asiana Airlines is definitely one of the best airlines in the region. If Asiana’s flight attendants can speak English better, they will be on the rank of Singapore Airlines, if not better.
July 21, 2014
OZ 101 NRT-ICN Lv1310 Arr1540 Airbus A380-800 HL7625
Check-in
Star Alliance carriers all use South Wing of Terminal One in Narita, and all premium check-in was segregated from the main check-in area. The line was actually quite busy this morning, but the wait was not too bad. This was a typical Japanese check-in experience.
Instead of going to the lounge, I headed towards the observation deck waiting for the arrival of Asiana’s A380s. The observation deck was extremely busy this morning, and I always felt proud as an aviation enthusiast when I was in Japan. Since the second runway was opened in Narita, most arrivals took place at R/W16L/34R. However A380s always land on the R/W16R/34L due to its size. The inbound flight arrived on time and the quality was not that great, but I still want to share. The plane is very impressive.
Turkish Airlines TC-JJI – spotted this plane on my way to immigration
Thai Airways’ Star Alliance 747 HS-TGM leaving to Bangkok – used to be an A380 flight
Since it was a public holiday in Japan, the airport was a bit quieter than normal. Immigration and security clearance time was relatively short. I immediately headed to gate 45 and I hope to snap some photos before the crowd arrived.
Getting ready
The crews keep on mentioning this plane/flight as “Special Edition”
More shots of HL7625
Boarding began at 12:36pm, and there were agents directing passengers to the right jetway. Business class passengers are shown to the upper deck, as well as some main cabin passengers.
I was immediately welcomed by two F/As, and the mini business class cabin was not too busy. I took the chances to take a few photos. The F/As were not surprised by all the camera actions, as most passengers were very excited about the new plane. The F/A offered to take a picture of me and also showed me some of the new features of the planes, as well as the newly enlarged toilets in the front of the plane. Asiana definitely does not follow the extravagant trend like the Middle East carriers, but offer a modern, smart, and simple configuration with improved seats at all three cabins.
Cabin shots:
New center pair seats – really awkward if you are not a couple – the main disadvantage of this kind of configuration
Second main J cabin
The on-board business class lounge – there will be more pillows to decorate this area on future long haul flights!
Snack counter – available on long haul flights in the future
