As 2016 came to an end, it is time to make a review of my flight activities this year. I have flown about 130 sectors this year, adding another 200,000 miles to my flying logbook.
Here are the most memorable and outstanding 10 flights I have flown in 2016.
The ranking is totally subjective and personal! I rank them by the amount of pleasure provided to me and how much I have enjoyed the flight.
No. 10
Private Jet Legacy 650 Dubai to Cyprus
Not every day you come across an opportunity to fly in a private jet in total privacy. Definitely memorable!
No. 9
Etihad A380 First Class Apartment Abu Dhabi to London
It was another excellent flight in The First Class Apartment; in particular the service delivery was perfect.
No. 8
Belarus Aviation Tour, Flying the An-2 and An-12
I could never forget standing behind the cockpit watching the pilots skilfully flying the An-12, its cargo door lowered during the flight at 5,000 feet leaving a huge trail of black smoke.....incredible! The An-2 flight over a clear evening sky of Minsk was just so romantic, the perfect romance of flying form.
No. 7
Azerbaijan Airlines A340-500 Business Class Dubai to Baku
AZAL is an unusual airline and its A340-500 is difficult to catch. I was glad to fly her to Baku and witnessed a beautiful sunset over wing. There is even an in-flight bar in Business Class!
No. 6
Qantas A380 First Class Dubai to Sydney
Qantas has a solid First Class Product! I am proud to fly the Australian Airline back home for a visit. The food had totally Australian flavours and The Crew was down to earth, this really helped me enjoy the flight even more!
No. 5
Iran Aseman Airlines B727-200 Tehran to Mashad
Staying in the cockpit and watching the pilot land the B727 in bad visibility and rainy weather. It was one of the smoothest landings, watch the video and I am sure you will agree.
No. 4
Korean Air B747-8 First Class Hong Kong to Incheon
In Dec 2015, I made a failed attempt to fly the Korean Air B747-8; it was changed to a B747-400. This December I made another attempt and I was rewarded handsomely. Not only I was the only passenger on this flight in First Class, I received the most polite and faultless service by Korean Air!
I have now flown The B747-8 on all the commercial airlines: Lufthansa, Air China and Korean Air.
No. 3
Iran Air B747-SP Tehran to Mumbai
This was my last time flying The Iran Air B747-SP. It was a splendid flight from the most kind and friendly crew. I missed it so much. Our flight was so light that we were able to climb straight to 39,000 feet after take-off, in one go!
I could never forget watching the amazing JT9D engines in-flight and sitting up in the cockpit watching the SP cruising at Mach 0.88!
No. 2
Air France B777-300/ER La Première Paris to Tokyo
I had my best airplane meal ever on this flight!
La Première is an exceptional experience! I think Air France have a seriously wonderful First Class Product that rivals any airline out there. The attention and exclusivity was second to none, I was taken great care of at every stage of the process, from transfer to the lounge and from on-board until arrival. The seat has an elegant design offering full privacy, with your own "bubble" area without the confined walls or cubicles.
Salon La Première is a destination all of its own and is the BEST First Class Lounge I have ever experienced.
No. 1
Etihad A380 The Residence Abu Dhabi to Mumbai
A truly unique and bespoke travel experience, delivered with complete discretion and limitless hospitality.
Etihad The Residence is a truly unique and bespoke travel experience. There is nothing quite like it! It has to be the BEST commercial airline travel I have experienced up to this day. Etihad team delivered a faultless travel experience. Every step of the travel is taken care of. I think my photos and video describe the product best.
A big thank you for your support. Looking forward to 2017
What are your top flights in 2016? Feel free to share with us in the space below!
Sam’s Travel Hacks
