More quality African flying
Written: Feb 21 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Friendly crew, comfortable seat, BA standards, good food
Cons: ageing aircraft, Nairobi ground service, and Shut Up Captain!
The Bottom Line: ===
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| vodkaboy's Full Review: Regional Air/ Arusha |
Air Kenya are an independent airline based in Kenya whose main business is running small turboprop aircraft on domestic routes within Kenya. However they set up a jet operation, using second hand Boeing 737s, and they operate under the name "Regional Air" which has become a franchise of British Airways - so they not only operate with BA flight numbers but the aircraft are painted in BA colours, the crew wear BA uniforms and what you get on board is basically BA. Also, probably most importantly, they operate to standards checked and approved by BA.
I flew with them from Nairobi to Johannesburg in January 2004.
CHECK IN
I arrived in transit on a flight from Dubai with Kenya Airways; I had a ticket for Regional Air onwards but wasn't booked, so when I arrived I found the gate that the flight was departing from. There were a few people hanging around, but nobody at the desk. I wandered on further down the terminal to the regular transit desk but they didn't handle BA so after a bit I wandered back to the gate. About half an hour before departure, someone in BA uniform arrived and I approached her asking if I could get on the flight. My alternative connection, with Kenya Airways, was already boarding so I hoped I could get on - if not, I was stuck as I didn't have a visa for Kenya!
The lady took my ticket and sure enough checked me in; I go the window seat in Club class (Business) that I wanted. It took a few minutes though, and although I tried to be cheerful and friendly she wasn't really interested.she was not rude, just didn't say any more than necessary.
After getting my boarding card I wandered along the terminal to a coffee bar and grabbed a dose of caffeine before the flight was called.
BOARDING
There were two people in BA uniform overseeing the boarding. As I went through I thanked the lady, I got a brief smile. I really could not decide if she was bored and disinterested, or actually shy.
There was hand baggage X-ray at the gate then around the corner there was an additional security check, two security men patting down some people and physically checking most of the carry-on. They did look fairly thoroughly but not intrusively and they were cheerful and pleasant, so although it slowed us down a bit, it was a reassurance and not an inconvenience.
The plane was an old Boeing 737 series 200, quite old but it looked clean and well looked after on the outside. We boarded up steps and there was a stewardess at the door, greeting everyone with a genuine smile and a warm welcome.
SEAT AND ENVIRONMENT
I was really impressed with the seats in business class. They use seats that are about the same as the "cradle seats" that BA used on their longhaul Club before introducing flat beds. The seats are placed two either side of the aisle so they are spacious. They are also very comfortable; sitting upright they support the back nicely, there is plenty of arm room and leg room. There are three seat controls - you can adjust recline, legrest and lumbar support. As you recline, the seat tips as well, giving really comfortable support.
The Club cabin was generally good, clean, pleasant. The luggage lockers were spacious, with plenty of room for my bags. The carpet was a rich blue, clean and in good condition. Only the walls looked a bit tatty; although clean, they were showing their age a bit. Clearly the cabin had been refurbished recently but there were signs of age.
Where the plane did show its age was in the toilet! The toilet was small and cramped - as they all are - but there signs around the walls - no smoking, waste disposal here, return to seat - were in a variety of languages: English, Spanish, Swahili and Arabic! This obviously reflected the previous operators of the aeroplane.
DEPARTURE
Once people were settled the crew came round offering a pre-take off drink of champagne, mineral water or orange juice. They came round again with a tray of newspapers and magazines. The papers were mostly Kenyan, both swahili and in English; the magazines included Time and Newsweek.
As we got ready to leave the stewardess came round with hot towels. Having flown down overnight, that was particularly welcome!
IN FLIGHT
After take off the cabin crew started the breakfast service quickly, then after clearing it away they left us to relax but came through the cabin regularly to check if anyone needed something. I was really impressed with the crew - they were all warm, friendly, cheerful and pleasant - such a contrast from what I had expected on an African airline.
The only thing that did annoy me was the constant announcements from the captain. Yes we all expect the welcome on board announcement and the "progress report" but this guy seemed to think we was a tour guide. He came on every five minutes to point out a mountain, a river, a town, a game reserve, his neighbour's duck. It may well be interesting to tourists, but what about business travellers? Also at 8.30 in the morning most people want to sleep... save if for the afternoon run!
Finally after an hour he shut up and, with my seat right back almost horizontal, I slipped away to the land of zzz.
FOOD AND DRINK
The flight left at 8.00am so breakfast was most appropriate and breakfast we got. It started with a generous portion of fresh fruit, with a choice of got breads and rolls; then came a choice of vegetarian samosas or an English breakfast - omelette with sausage, bacon, mushroom and tomato. I went for the latter and it was very tasty and fresh. Finally there was tea or coffee.
I was surprised and impressed that, an hour before landing (and only two and a half hours after breakfast) there was another snack provided - toasted croissant sandwiches stuffed with cheese, chicken or beef. Very nice - and no way you could get off this flight hungry!
ARRIVAL
Having left ten minutes late we arrived about on time. We parked up on a stand away from the terminal but the bus was waiting to take everyone in. As we left the crew gave a warm, cheery goodbye and see you again. I said I would - and it was the truth, I'm flying with them again tomorrow morning!
Recommended:
Yes
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vodkaboy
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