First Commercial ATR service!

[markis10]

The excitement is building

 

[MarkD]

I am in 15F, as a lowly Gold my 1F got re-allocted
Never mind, first off

Who else is travelling on the first flight?

 

[Bundy Bear]

I am in 17F on the way up and 2A on the way back, nice to see some acknowledgement of the new service at the gate.


Sent from a cool Apple product using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[awilcockson]

We didn't get balloons on the proving flights

Enjoy the flight, wish I could be there, but 10 days out of the last 11 at an airport was enough ...

 

[LiamR]

Wish I could be there guys!

Alas, I ended up in Sydney today.

Just thought I'd point out this from Markis10's twitter account.

Premium baggage @VirginAustralia #launchflight on Twitpic

Is that Priority Baggage I see?

 

[MarkD]

We got an ATR cupcake

Normal service is sandwich, juice or water, followed by tea or coffee, of anyone is interested in catering side of things



Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[awilcockson]

View attachment 4210
Normal service is sandwich, juice or water, followed by tea or coffee, of anyone is interested in catering side of things

So no pies?

I hope it wasn't that New York Style sandwich we had on the trial flight, I found it very dry and hard to chew/swallow ...

 

[cavemanzk]

Premium baggage @VirginAustralia #launchflight on Twitpic

Is that Priority Baggage I see?

Looks like it, well looks the same as what NZ does on its B1900D/ATR/Q300 services for Priority Baggage. Where you drop the bags on the trolly on the tarmac and collect them from the tarmac at the other end.

 

[MarkD]

So no pies?

I hope it wasn't that New York Style sandwich we had on the trial flight, I found it very dry and hard to chew/swallow ...

No, No pies. Which is quite sad really

The Sandwich was not the New Yorker, a ham / cheese sandwich, no pickles LOL
Apparantly free beer was on offer too, but I didnt get informed of that until we got back to BNE

Also of interest was the announcement made re catering on the PA. BNE-GLT, just the usual "complimentary refreshments will be served shortly blah blah blah". GLT-BNE same message, with the addition of, "please be aware if travelling on further with VA, the complimentary catering is unique to certain routes, and may not be available on your next flight" or something similar. At least they are making people aware of the fact they are going to have to pay on the next trip. All in all the ATR is a good aircraft, and the product as a whole (ATR flight in this case) is very good. I really was impressed with the whole thing.

 

[Justchecking]

Go the balloons and cupcakes! Looks like the babies get a royal reception. I'm liking their look actually. :mrgreen:

 

[markis10]

Looks like it, well looks the same as what NZ does on its B1900D/ATR/Q300 services for Priority Baggage. Where you drop the bags on the trolly on the tarmac and collect them from the tarmac at the other end.

I sat next to the Regional Ops GM on the way back and asked the odd question, at all ports you drop your oversized cabin baggage onto the trolly and then collect at the destination from rear of the aircraft - sweet!

Love the Ham and Cheese S/W and free drinks.

Would not be surprised to see Jenny Craig sponsoring future launches

 

[cavemanzk]

I sat next to the Regional Ops GM on the way back and asked the odd question, at all ports you drop your oversized cabin baggage onto the trolly and then collect at the destination from rear of the aircraft - sweet!

Sounds good, just another step of the two airlines bring them self inline with each other Fast Bag - Domestic Fare Info - Bookings - Air New Zealand - New Zealand Site

 

[ash.1111]

The sanga is the same as the new flexi lunch one!