ISB to MAN on AP-EDE, 12th April 2013

[Blackbird]

I flew from Isb to Man on Airblue's A340-300 AP-EDE. Was lucky to get a cockpit visit.

[malpensa26]

great pics =D>

[malpensa26]

how was the flight? food? entertainment?

[jam2k94]

great pics

[Abbas Ali]

Nice pics of AP-EDE flight deck - thank you for sharing.

How was its passenger cabin interior, any pics of passenger cabin?

Would also like to know meal service.

Abbas

[Vaqar Khan]

Great photographs! Thanks for sharing.

[raihans]

One of the best you got


Seems to be First Officer Jameel Ashraf for the flight

nice shots overall, looking forward for more pics from this flight...

[Blackbird]

Dear all
Thanks for all your comments. These are photos of my return journey. I flew same aircraft outbound on 12th March.I do have pics of cabin and will post them soon ISA.
Check in at ISB was terrible since there were 2 counters catering to Sharjah and Man flights. One of the security conveyor belts malfunctioned so all luggage was being channelled through the remaining 2 belts and the chaos was complete. Sharjah was getting late so their passengers were being brought forward.
There was no IFE at all. However for £10 you can book an i-Pad (no internet access obviously) for kids. I booked one for my 9 yr old son. Cabin is 2-4-2 layout throughout however seats are clearly narrower than on the 777. Cabin wasn't exactly sparkling and did indicate the age of the aircraft. It is very obvious that they are making an effort to cut costs on everything. Meal was simple. Chicken pulao, raita and egg pudding plus salad. On Man-Isb leg there was veggie option but not on return flight. Stewardess passed by with bread rolls and butter for those interested. Cutlery was made of very cheap looking plastic. Tea/ coffee was served in white paper cups. Last time I travelled on PIA, even in economy tea was in proper hard plastic tea cups. On Man-Isb leg breakfast was OK. Omlette, bread roll and flavoured yogurt. On Isb-Man leg, at tea-time they just handed out bags of Lays crisps plus hot chicken rolls wrapped in a nice cardboard container. Reminded me of the snacks served on short haul European routes with BA, AF, Lufthansa etc.
My parents fly to Man frequently but I wouldnt recommend this flight for them because the slightly narrower seats are OK for me but probably not for them. Overall the best thing about Airblue on this route is their meticulous time-keeping. I follow their flights regularly online and after some initial hiccups, they are now achieving a very high rate of excellent time-keeping at Man.
I dont remember the name of 1st Officer. Cmdr was Capt Ibrar Hussain. He told me that a 3rd 340 is due probably in May and the next 340 destination will be Jeddah. Currently the 2nd 340 is also used on Man-Isb route but also a lot on UN charters.

[Pineapple]

Does the Airblue A340-400 have a full glass cockpit?

[mac777]

thx for sharing the pics.
how was the load.if they cant provide ptv at least they should provide music channels like in the old days.

i was wondering how can they sustain financially with leasing 2 a340 and making only 3-4 weekly isb-man flights.now it makes more sense with UN flights.
does anyone know if they are operated on domestic flights as well?
it seems airblue and shaheen have realised its not worth competing from khi.both are them operates their widebodies mostly from lhe/isb

[Blackbird]

The flight was 100% full both ways. Infact 5 days before the flight I had a call from Airblue office when I was in Pakistan, asking me if I could possibly delay my departure to MAN for another week due to overbooking. I refused since my kids had to return to school so I had to return.

[Abrardh1]

Nice photos.