First Dreamliner service for Australia is Air India???

[cmon0005]

Well if they fit it out as well as Qatar airlines it will be well worth flying in J. Heard that Royal Brunei have ordered some 787s and hope to get them some time this year. (from Melbourne office employee) JoyV

Qatar's 787 Business class looks more like my local dentist's examination chair rather than a business class seat... Also don't like the inwards facing middle seats..
However I may prove myself wrong when I try them out once they join Oneworld next year..

 

[joyvee]

Having flown Qatar in a window seat from Doha to FRA return in June 2013, I can highly recommend the comfort, space, storage facilities, table area, food, service and "sleepability" of the business seat. Only the window seats have direct overhead storage. The ability to dial your own window darkness or lightness fascinated me too. A great improvement on the 777 from BKK to Doha although I had an empty seat beside me on both segments . Apparently the month before Ramadan has light loadings as everyone is gearing up for that religious event. A great flying experience. JoyV

 

[markis10]

Some pretty aggressive starting fares, circa $842 return in Y.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Some pretty aggressive starting fares, circa $842 return in Y.

That's pricey for LCC quality service.

 

[markis10]

That's pricey for LCC quality service.

Not to India, given Air Asia to cough is dearer as an example.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Not to India, given Air Asia to cough is dearer as an example.

I will be waiting the first trip report with abated breath.

 

[Melburnian1]

I started another thread about AI: apologies for not noticing this one.

In it, I remark how the AI timetable notes that until further notice, the AI flights to MEL and SYD won't be operated by B787 planes. There is no date given as to when they will.

 

[smit0847]

Air India flights to Australia set to resume

Looks like tomorrow morning is the first AI landing in SYD. Guessing it won't actually be a 787?

 

[gwilli1]

Air India flights to Australia set to resume

Looks like tomorrow morning is the first AI landing in SYD. Guessing it won't actually be a 787?

According to their timetable it is

• Flight
  AI 312
  
• From
  Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport, DEL, India, Terminal 3
  
• To
  Sydney, Kingsford Smith Airport, SYD, Australia, Terminal 1
  
• Depart
  Thu 29 Aug 2013, 15:30
  
• Arrive
  Fri 30 Aug 2013, 08:15
  
• Duration
  12h 15m
  
• Aircraft
  Dreamliner
  
• Catering
  Meal
  
• Number of stops
  None

 

[geordieladinoz]

Flight Aware says the flight departs in 2hrs 27mins (currently 17:43 AEST) and that it is a Boeing 787-8. Not sure how accurate FA is on aircraft type but IME it is accurate.

 

[gwilli1]

We will know once its in the air

 

[melb78]

Just had a look at the flight radar and it had left for Sydney and yes a 787-8 the rego is VT-ANK delivered 19.12.2012

 

[brett-au]

I think its here...

 

[Fruitcake]

The YSSY spotters group are onto it.

See pic in this thread:
Air India B787 - Info + Photo Thread - Page 3 - Sydney Airport Message Board

 

[mckinj02]

Yep...just landed in Sydney!

 

[gwilli1]

Was suppose to get out there , but sleep got the better of me , after a late night finish. Look forward to the pics.

 

[Austman]

Flew directly over me (in inner MEL). So quiet!!

 

[markis10]

Must have been dirty :mrgreen:

 

[Austman]

Must have been dirty :mrgreen:

... or on fire??? (kidding!! )

 

[Fruitcake]

... or on fire??? (kidding!! )

To be honest, I'm surprised one of the news services hasn't run a story along the lines of "Air India's first service to Sydney using the fire-troubled Boeing Dreamliner today was greeted by emergency vehicles upon landing, which sprayed the aircraft with water."