Suffice to say I've got no more flights planned in 2016. I am grateful that I have managed to complete the entire travels in 2016 safely, despite unexpected events such as the Hurricane Matthew in the United States earlier in October, or more recently, the Bersih protests in Kuala Lumpur. Not to mention the incident in Singapore. Without a doubt, all of these events challenges my capability of executing a contingency plan while traveling.
I would like to thank all of you for believing in me, particularly Ryan from QF Melbourne who I had the delight to meet and being given a tour of Qantas facilities in Melbourne. Also, to Mas Juan who have brought us around Dubai on his off day. We certainly had the most pleasant time visiting Dubai. Without both of you, I would not have things as interesting to share with everyone here this year!
2016 Flying Year, Overall Statistics
Total flights: 23
Distance covered: 69,300 km.
Most flown carrier: Emirates (4 flights) and Qantas (4 flights)
Most flown aircraft type: Boeing 777-300ER (5 flights)
New Airline flown: Oman Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Scoot, Malindo Air
New Aircraft type: Airbus A350-900
Most Memorable flights of the year
EK 408 Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne
I was not expecting an operational upgrade, but at the last minute I had the opportunity to continue my journey on this now discontinued route on Emirates Boeing 777's Business Class. The middle seat on a 2-3-2 could be better, but still the caring team lead by Purser Kevin was ever so friendly in handling the service on board, as if I have known all of the crew many years before the flight!
QF 422 Melbourne to Sydney
I finally had the opportunity to take a flight in Qantas' new Business Suite product. It is indeed a well thought hard-product, allowing the passengers the maximum comfort of sleep on overnight flights, with adequate amount of privacy and space for passengers to relax or work. Combined with the professionalism of Qantas crew, the journey could have not been better.
GA 417 Denpasar-Bali to Jakarta
It was indeed a mission failed, in terms of sampling the new Diamond Seats of Garuda A330. However, the flight on board the A330 with the older, angled-flat product proven to be a memorable one with a team of warm and friendly crew, who takes the time to interact and getting to know their passengers despite the short flight time. Also, I had the chance to meet Capt Manotar Napitupulu, one of GA's most experienced who happened to be in-command of our flight.