I love the skies

Ever since I was a little girl, I have cherished clouds, being able to be high up in the skies and fly over these chunky sky pillows. When I was 12 years old, doing my first flight from Durban, South Africa to Cape Town, South Africa, I was left breathless over the 2 hour journey at sunset. It is truly, Alhumdulillah, one of the most beautiful things to behold. It was at that time, that I decided, I loved planes.

Artist Impression of A380 seen here Doha's city (this is how new Doha looks now)

Today, flying has become somewhat of a routine, for me, taxing between South Africa and Qatar.





As if the increase in aircraft accidents have left me unaffected, the 8 hour trip to and from, is like a breeze and no matter how tired I am, I am just so excited to be over the clouds! Over and above of placing my trust in Allah, the rest of that relief comes from flying with the countries flag carrier,i.e.: 5 star accredited Qatar Airways Airline - not only does it give me piece of mind on safety but they operate young fleet that notably live up to the 5 star status. The economy class has been structured so well that you can fold your legs comfortably without touching the seat in front. I have flown with many other airlines and found the seating to be cramped - It is understandable how Qatar Airways managed to scoop so many awards in recent times (ranging from best economy class, best cabin crew and more recently retained the Best Middle Eastern Airline title for the fifth year running at the annual TTG Asia Pacific awards held in Bangkok and Best Middle East Airline accolade for the second consecutive year at the 2010 Business Traveller Asia Pacific). The planes are new and modern offering excellent in-flight entertainment and cabin crew services. Over and above these facilities, it offers a first class premium check in facility (Doha) and Mobile/Online check in. 

Well done Qatar Airways - you're doing a great job!





For a virtual tour of some of the airlines offerings, have a look here 

Doha, will soon also be opening its new airport, which comes with high expectations. Take a look

Ethiopian airline crashes

Possibly one of the saddest news this week has been the crash of a 737 jet operated by Ethiopian Airlines. Have a look at the news feed http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ethiopian-Airliner-Crashes-into-Sea-After-Takeoff-from-Beirut-82569682.html

Best Airports in the world, 2009

Every year, sleepinginairports (http://www.sleepinginairports.net/bestof.htm)  does a review of airports to determine the best and worse airports. Here are the chart toppers for 2009:

1. Singapore

2. Seoul Incheon

3  Hong Kong

4. Amstedam Schipol

5. Dubai

6. Munich

7. Kuala Lumpur

8. Frankfurt Main

9. Zurich

10. Copenhagen

I am really excited to see Dubai and Kuala Lumpur (KL) on the list. I love both these airports. They are, in my opinion, very beautifully designed and welcoming after a long flight. Dubai specifically has spent alot of money on the interior decor - I just love it.

There are adequate seats and shopping outlets as well as WIFI to keep you busy. In the only criticism for Dubai International, it would be nice to see them work on an internal transport system as the airport stretches out quiet far in length. It can take you anywhere between 15-30 minutes walking to get to the other end. I have seen little buggies riding around but in my opinion, far too few and seems more reserved for the elder generation.:)  

KL on the other hand has an efficient transport relay system between the gates and the airport. All operated by a train system and even an external train system that takes you into the city (as an option, available on exit only ofcourse:)). Only criticism of this airport, is you have to becareful for cheats who try to taxi you or sell you cellphone cards at higher prices (at the airport itself). Other than that, loved it:)

Mental note: Visit Hong Kong and Singapore soon:) 

I was rather delighted to see that even though Johannesburg International (OR Tambo) did not make the top 10, it certainly ranked up as No.1 best airport in Africa. Well done OR; it seems all the money going into the improvement of the airport for 2010 has paid off however I have to say OR still has a long way to go. Critically, getting off international carriers that are not South African Airways means you get off further away from passport control/exit and have to walk a marathon (with uphills even) which is a disaster. Airports are meant to be easily accessible - after a long trip you really tired and dont want to have to walk a far distance to get out of the airport. Again, like Dubai's departures, OR needs to look at more efficient transport logistics on its arrivals even though they have tried to accommodate with travelators (flat escalators). Commendably on my last two trips to SA, I noticed Passport control got a face lift and moved up a little closer however the walk between passport control and exit seemed to have grown...I hope by June 2010, we will see a difference. To its advantage however, it has really cool interior decorating...Take a look at these photos