(I have also post this same report on anther airliner site).
Flight : SQ857
Date : 27 September 2005
Route : HKG(Hong Kong)-SIN(Singapore Changi)
Equipment : 777-200 (9V-SQF) Seat 2A
Departure Time : 10:30 Arrival Time : 14:10
Took the Airport Express train to Hong Kong International Airport. Its a quick 20 minutes from the Central District to HKIA. Cost was a reasonable HK$100.
Typhoon Damrey has just passed Hong Kong by. However, the effects were still being felt, with strong rainfall and gusty winds.
Arriving at the HKIA Airport Express train stop, it is then a very short walk to the check-in counters.
In my opinion, this ranks as one of the best airports....even better than Singapore Changi airport.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgsairport4.jpg[/img]
Check-in and immigration was a breeze . I had a browse around the shops. Then straight to the Singapore First-class lounge. Not the best of lounge spaces in HKIA. A windowless room, with dated decoration. One of the major critisims I have about Singapore airlines is that their world-wide lounges need up-dating!
Both hot and cold food were provided.... with the ususl CNN televisual entertainment and computer banks.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkglounge2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkglounge1.jpg[/img]
After having a snack of Dim Sum, chinese dumplings. I went over to the gate area.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgairport5.jpg[/img]
Notice the Orbis DC-10 in the background.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/siaplanehkg1.jpg[/img]
The flight was called and First/Raffles passengers were given immediate priority to board thru the dedicated pier.
This plane is an older 772. with 12 seats while, the 773s have 18 seats.
I was shown to my seat ,2A.
The FAs were extremely friendly and chatty.(sorry about the blurred pics) The Captain was Australian.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/siaplanehkg4.jpg[/img]
The plane had a very light load today; with 3 in First Class and as far as I can see Raffles/Business calss looked almost empty.
The plane pushed back 5 mintues ahead of schedule took-off, northeasterly, very quickly and very steeply using only about 1/3 of the runway.
Had a fantastic over-view of the HKG airport terminal; unfortunately, I did not have my camera handy.
Due to Tyhoon Damrey the initial climb out was very bumpy.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/siaplanehkg5.jpg[/img]
As this is an older 777-200, with the older regional first class seats. The IFE screens are small and the films were not on- demand .
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/siaplane6.jpg[/img]
The cabin view from my seat.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/siaplane8.jpg[/img]
My seat.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/siaplane7.jpg[/img]
Drinks and then the Lunch performance started.
Had a good (Tie Guan Yin.) chinese tea.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgsintea.jpg[/img]
My choice was, and I quote:-
The Shi Quan Shi Mei( a complete and perfect chinese culinary experience). Only available on the SIN-China routes.
Cold small starter dishes consists of: Roast duck with Pomelo salad. Sliced pork knuckle with rice. Cuttlefish with ginger and spring onion. Abalone with kong choy salad. Chinese styled Steamed bread.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgsinappet.jpg[/img]
Hot dishes consists of : Seafood in XO sauce.Seabass with pickled vegetables in sweet and sour sauce. Stir fried beef with garlic and chili. Braised mushroom, gingko nuts and chinese greens. Steamed Rice.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgsinmain.jpg[/img]
Soup of Pork and dried duck.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgsinsoup.jpg[/img]
Sweet: Sea coconut, fungus, red dates and lotus seed soup.
[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/xtra1/hkgsindesert.jpg[/img]
Enjoyd the taste and the novelty of this meal greatly.
Arrived a good 20 mintutes ahead of schedule.
It took me less than 10 minutes to walk from plane ,thru the SARs control point, thru immigration, to the baggage collection hall; where my bags were already out and ready for collection! Truely amazing!! Fast or what!!
As we arrived early; I was in a cab already halfway towards downtown Singapore...at the original scheduled plane arrival time.
Check out the SIN-LHR Flight in Part 2
