Here are a few interesting flights that I have my sights set on for 2020.
Volga Dnepr An-124 Cargo Flight
The Antonov 124 is one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, it is also the leader of the air cargo market for the transportation of oversized and super-heavy shipments. The combination of exceptional characteristics, such as its cargo compartment size, flight range and uplift capability without using special loading equipment, allows the An-124 to carry super-heavy and oversized cargo up to 120 tonnes across the greatest range. I have been in touch with the Russian Cargo Airline about filming on an Antonov An-124 cargo flight.
Bamboo Airways B787
Bamboo Airways is one of many smaller new airlines that are popping up across South East Asia. Bamboo has been rapidly expanding in Vietnam and currently serves 28 destinations.
The airline expects the B787-9 to fly initially on domestic routes to Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang.
Eventually, the aircraft will be flown on international routes to Asia, Europe and the Americas; Bamboo specifically mentions Japan, Korea, China, Czech Republic and Australia.
SAS A350
Opting to call the first aircraft Ingegerd Viking, SAS has chosen to go with a three-class layout of 300 seats; consisting of Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy.
| Cabin Class | Number of Seats |
| Business | 40 |
| Premium Economy | 32 |
| Economy | 228 |
SAS will begin operating the aircraft on their Copenhagen to Chicago route, on the 28th of January 2020, before launching other routes to North America and Asia with the type.
Virgin Atlantic A350-1000
Virgin Atlantic became the second UK airline to take delivery of an Airbus A350-1000.
With deliveries spread out into 2021, the new aircraft will be used to gradually replace their Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 747-400 fleet.
What’s felt like a vicious competition to offer the best product, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are now proud owners of the largest member of the A350 family.
Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000 features a three class cabin, broken down into the following:
| Cabin | Seat Count |
| Upper Class (Business) | 44 |
| Premium Economy | 56 |
| Economy | 235 |
Iberia A350
I haven’t visited South America for a number of years and I am hoping to fly with Iberia on their A350 in the new year.
KLM B747-400E
21st January 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of first Boeing 747 commercial flight in 1970. The Boeing 747 is still the most iconic aircraft ever built and probably the best designed, apart from Concorde. I hope to fly a few more special Boeing 747s such as the Boeing 747 Combi of KLM.
Above list aren’t everything. With time permitting, there are a few more on the pipeline such as Cubana IL-96 and re-visiting any other interesting Russian/Soviet aircraft.
What are your plans and wish list for 2020?
My favourite airliner from the aesthetic perspective – as well as beautiful sounds is the TU-154. Those triple bogie landing gear cycling up and down are worth the price of admission on their own.
I want to try Starlux.
Sam, My 2020 wish is you take me with you on all those flights.
How about a flight on a DC 8 series 70 ? Or a Sands 747sp ?
The world’s largest and heaviest commercial cargo aircraft is actually the six engine AN-225 MRIYA operated by Antonov Airlines.
https://www.antonov-airlines.com/our-fleet/an-225
You are welcome here in Buenos Aires, Argentina. IBERIA 350 flights every day. 😊
Dear Sam,
I just love all your videos. They are all so well produced and so interesting. They make me feel I am on board the airplane too!
Have you ever considered also doing videos on other aspects of the flying experience such as customs/immigration/airport police/airplane cleaning and flight preparation/catering etc. Would be fantastic I think.
Happy New Year Sam!