Taag Angola DT 503: DEC/10: TMS-LAD: J Cabin - Airliners.net
Taag Angola DT 503: DEC/10: TMS-LAD: J Cabin
Tue Aug 09, 2011 2:12 am
Feedback always appreciated.
I > Background:
Having accomplished my "mission" to see São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), it was time to head home. Now, I could go back the same way ... but that is so against the fundamentals of being an airline dork. Being in TMS severely limited my options ... since I did not want to fly TP, and Ceiba International's flight to LBV was sold out, I got a seat on TAAG's flight to LAD. This flight comes from RAI and since I had never flown DT, it would be perfect!
I was a little apprehensive about flying to Angola as I find its bureaucracy mind numbing, and each time, the process of obtaining the Angolan visas had been a "telenovela". Anyways, numerous phone calls to old contacts at the World Bank ensured and after a flurry of activities and phone calls, and a bottle of Mr. Walker Blue, I obtained my visa in a record 8 days.
I believe this is the first report on TAAG's 73W service in JCL, and the first on this route.
II > Pre-Flight:
a) Before Airport:
TAAG Angola Airlines is the national flag carrier of Angola. It operates domestic services within Angola, as well as medium-haul services in Africa and long-haul services to Brazil, Cuba and Portugal. Wholly owned by the Angolan government, it has benefited from Angola's resource boom, and the well guarded bi-laterals that have prevented real competition from taking shape.
TAAG has a dramatically improved website (http://www.taag.com/), and I was able to not only browse, but also actually buy my ticket. I could not chose my seat - but that was fine by me. Later on, I could view my itinerary as well. The entire site worked - though had tons of quirks, and very reminiscent of Air India's old site.
b) At Airport:
I hitched a ride with a farmer going to the airport and arrived around 3 hours prior to departure. I had been warned that DT always overbooks these flights, and as much as I loved STP, being stranded there would be terribly inconvenient for my dinner plans in Luanda and my onward plans out of Angola.
As I looked one more time at the airport and smiled, I realized what an incredibly remote part of the world I had seen. I was grateful for my life. At the airport, the queue to enter started building. They had blocked the entrance and were not allowing anyone to go through. In the usual African scene, a porter asked for a payment to put me in the front of the line. A lady came by to sell fish to the people standing by. As customary in these places, there were tons of NGO workers and I started chatting with one of them and realized that I had not paid my airport tax. She vaguely pointed at a direction and I asked if she would not mind looking after my bag. I had no intention of losing my space in the line.
As I made my way to the counter, I begun to understand something was amiss. I speak Portuguese well enough to comprehend that a man (later finding out he was the station manager) was having a heated discussion with someone in Luanda. As I was more interested in hearing the conversation than paying the departure tax, the woman at the counter (let's call her Ms. CW) said rudely: "Sir, you pay or go?". I think I stunned her with my response in Portuguese: "You and I know very well that this flight is not going anywhere. So why create health problems and rush?". Haha. I think she was stunned and managed to apologize and let me even pay in the local money. $1 = 24,000 Dobras (or something like that) ... so it made her life difficult.
Anyways, having caught strains of the conversation with the station manager, I confronted him, and he basically as a matter-of-fact mentioned that the plane had developed a mechanical in RAI and had never left. Now, RAI-TMS is a near 6 hour flying time. Why had he not mentioned to all the ranking passengers was beyond me?! Not that he cared. Anyways, as I was thinking of what to do, I realized my bag was still with the NGO worker. So I went back to the line and gave her the news. Soon people came all around me - and the fun yelling, anger, and drama started. People demanded to be let inside the airport. The station manager came outside to calm the situation. Having traveled throughout Africa, I basically decided to see how the even unfolded. In typical fashion, angers soon subsided and everyone realizing the flight would only go tomorrow began to withdraw.
Since there was no other flight out, I resigned to fate and now had to make my way to the TAAG city office. There was no other way of getting hotel accommodation, and I morally refused to pay. Negotiating with the taxi drivers had become hopeless. Well, let me rephrase: negotiating with the random men with cars who would give me a ride to town was hopeless. They knew that this white dude was stuck at the airport and was quoting over $100! I was beginning to just accept the 10KM walk to town in 35C heat when Ms. CW came and started yelling at the taxi drivers for being bad host to the foreign guest. Aaww ... SOOO African/Latin/Asian  
. She was a big lady and people listened to her. Soon, one of the men just mumbled me to get in. As he was about to pull away, she said to him in Portuguese that it was a small island and she better not hear tomorrow that I had been ripped. She knew the driver's mom. Haha. Thanking her severely as my taxi pulled away, a big smile engulfed me. Here I was ... stranded. Yet, everything felt right. It was almost as if it was a way of humanity to remind me that it existed.
The driver was also incredible. He waited for me at the TAAG city office as they arranged for my hotel stay at the top place in STP. This was as "old school" as it got.
After spending the rest of the day bonding over drinks with fellow stranded passengers, next morning, we all got on the pre-arranged transfer service to the airport. At the airport, things were much calmer. I had bought a box of chocolate for Ms. CW and you could see the joy on her face. She immediately basically took me to the secure area where government vip's hang out (shockingly -roll eyes- same place where I had landed) and basically had some dude bring me drinks and stuff as someone checked me in. Haha. Can you beat that Thai First Class at Bangkok  
? Minutes later, I had my boarding pass, went through immigration, and was on the boarding wait area. I had some time and wanted to buy some more local stuff so basically just walked past the immigration and security guy back to landside to haggle with the ladies. No question asked - it felt empowering to have entered STP illegally!
When boarding was called in, everyone jumped and we were all herded on to walk to our 73W. I took a deep breath and mentally captured the scenery of the young kids around the airport perimeter and climbd onboard.
Greeted at the door, I went to my seat. Y load was around 90%, J load was around 80%. Interestingly, most J passengers were from RAI.
Airport - External:
(Boarding - the inevitable crazy rush)
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
While on the ground, just water offered. After take-off, following service and order: skimpy headphones and a meal service. I was curious if they had an amenity kit - and shockingly, they had one and gave it to me!
b) Aircraft + Seats:
I personally find TAAG to have one of the smartest liveries out there, and this 73W looked immaculate in the tones of its colors. While the inside was maintained enough, it was not immaculate and the regular wear and tear was far more than an aircraft of this heritage should be. The bathroom looked rather dingy (far more than its age) and could have been better maintained. The seats were normal cloth seats and very average. While pitch was rather average, recline was generous and reminded me of the Jet Airways reclines on their international 73Ws's.
Aircraft:
(DT's 73W @ TMS - personally I think they have one of the most striking liveries out there)
*
(Bathroom: could do with a bit of sprucing up)
c) Meal + Beverage:
Meal service commenced soon after take-off and was an "interesting" affair. The entire meal was brought at once and included a rather generous lobster salad which was rather delicious. For main (there were no choices), it was a local delicacy(?) - rice, chicken, carrot, and beans. Unlike what would be in parts of Latin America, this was rather bland and I felt like I was eating food to lose weight. Not good. Finally, the dessert was just weird - perhaps it caters to more local tastes, but I did not truly enjoy a loaf of bread soaked in a sugary sauce filled with pineapple and mango stripes. All strange. Thankfully, the café was splendid and did wonders to drown the other stuff out.
No other meal or beverage service offered, and the crew did not come with water or anything. To be fair, on a small JCL, passengers just asked for stuff, and they delivered.
(Dinner)
(Excellent café)
d) Inflight Entertainment:
Fold down screen showed a second-run Hollywood movie that I cannot recall. We were handed out some of the poorest headphones I have seen in Business Class. Also disappointing was the lack of any magazine. Overall, extremely poor for a JCL product.
(IFE Screen and Control)
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.)
NONE
e) Crew:
The best word to describe the TAAG crew would be "indifferent". I felt they were in "auto pilot" throughout the entire flight. They was some faint greetings during boarding, and some basic conversation during the meal service. Other than that, they did their service runs, and basically retreated behind the curtains. When a call button was rung, they came to ask for what was being asked, brought it, and then retreated back to their cocoon. It was almost like they were robots incapable of any charm whatsoever.
IV> Post-Flight:
Landing in LAD was smooth - but then the usual drama with Angolan immigration started. I was waived through with ease, but three of the people I had met at the hotel earlier were detained and put in a "holding cell". They were a Portuguese, a Japanese, and an Indian national. Their multiple entry visa had caused upset with the immigration officials who could not believe that these 3 guests of the World Bank could actually come to Luanda for one day. No way. To the paranoid Angolans, they were in there to "steal local jobs". I had promised them a taxi ride and since I have this bad habit of putting myself in situations I should not, I decided to hang out at the airport for them. The next 4 hours were spent calling contacts at the World Bank and my contacts at TAAG to secure their release. During that time, the shift of the chief immigration officer changed and there was power politics being played as the new immigration guy did not want to take responsibility for their release. After a lot of going back and forth, on the fifth hour, and after several bribes, the three were released. The entire episode was extremely sad and reflected the current mentality of the Angolan ruling elite. As frequent readers of my trip reports can attest, I am usually very aware of local "protocol" and usually find humor goes a long way in defusing these "situations". Angola is one of the few countries that I genuinely felt helpless. Here were three qualified men with connections being detained. Imagine the plight of the African workers they shared the cell with who had to apparently linger for days. The resource boom has gone into the head of the Angolan elite who feel invincible. Usually I find expat whining very off-putting - but this is one rare time where they have every right to. Talk to any expat in Luanda, and I am sure they will have similar stories to tell.
(Parked besides this bird @ LAD)
V> Impressions + Scores:
My flight out of São Tomé and Príncipe was as different as my flight into it. While I will smile and look back at the "ancillary" drama around the flights, some of it was unnecessary. It does not harm TAAG to treat their passengers with respect and notify them of a flight cancellation; nor, does it do any good for the Angolan authorities to treat everyone as an illegal worker entering their country. Besides these, TAAG does OK. While its hardware is perfectly acceptable for a flight with this stage length, it could definitely improve on its software. Adding an IFE and an in-flight magazine does not take that long. Real and sustained improvements could be had by improving the quality of its personnel - the on board staff were as detached as one could get. If this is how passengers were treated in JCL, I can only imagine how service was back in YCL.
Overall, a thumps down. I would fly TAAG only if there were no other competitive options. Irregular operations happen all the time in the airline industry. How an airline deals with it separates the great, the good, the average, and the bad. Sadly, TAAG in this instance, fell in the last category with no service recovery during the actual flight portion.
VI> Other Trip Reports:
Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:20 am
Hi Alex!
Thanks for another excellent report with great pictures! Too bad TAAG didn't live up to your expectations. Seat looks nice but the meals looks a bit strange. Nice with an amenity kit for such a short flight!
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
Especially because the airline had no IFE and magazine
They do have a magazine but must have been out of it at your seat or row. I kept a copy after my flight about four years ago. I think you can even read parts of the magazine on their website. Think the magazine is called "Austral"
Looking forward to read about LAD and how you got out of there.
The777Man
Boeing 777s flown: UA, TG, KE, BA, CX, NH, JD, JL, CZ, SQ, EK, NG, CO, AF, SV, KU, DL, AA, MH, OZ, CA, MS, SU, LY, RG, PE, AZ, KL, VN, PK, EY, NZ, AM, BR, AC, DT, UU, OS, AI, 9W, KQ, QR, VA, JJ, ET, TK, PR, BG, T5, CI, MU and LX.. Further to fly.. LH 777
= Hmmm ... maybe the GIG option  
? What are you thinking?
Thanks for another excellent report with great pictures! Too bad TAAG didn't live up to your expectations. Seat looks nice but the meals looks a bit strange. Nice with an amenity kit for such a short flight!
= Agreed. Overall, a pretty strange affair.
Quoting The777Man ( Reply 2 ):
They do have a magazine but must have been out of it at your seat or row. I kept a copy after my flight about four years ago. I think you can even read parts of the magazine on their website. Think the magazine is called "Austral"
= Interestingly enough, I saw the "Austral" magazine a few months later at a contract lounge in DXB !
Quoting The777Man ( Reply 2 ):
Looking forward to read about LAD and how you got out of there.
= I had a fantastic trip planned on the 74D going on LAD - SID - HAV - but the plan got changed due to the day loss at TMS . Moreover, I had to go to work so took the "boring" LAD -FIH- BRU SN flight. Since I don't write reports on work trips, exit out of LAD won't be covered  
.
Thanks for another interesting trip report!
= Glad you enjoyed.
The amenity kit looks fabulous though, apart from the indifferent service and also the lack of it.
= Ya. Overall, it was kinda weird.
I also really enjoy your commentary about the affairs in Africa, a continent that I am not familiar with and we don't really hear about it except civil wars and famine.
= And, Africa, is incredibly diverse.
Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:41 am
Hi Alex !
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 4 ):
= I had a fantastic trip planned on the 74D going on LAD - SID - HAV - but the plan got changed due to the day loss at TMS . Moreover, I had to go to work so took the "boring" LAD -FIH- BRU SN flight. Since I don't write reports on work trips, exit out of LAD won't be covered .
That's too bad; LAD - SID - HAV on the 74D would have been very intersting to read. I think the 74Ds have left the fleet now that they have taken delivery of the 77Ws. Perhaps you can try those one of these days ?  
The777Man
Boeing 777s flown: UA, TG, KE, BA, CX, NH, JD, JL, CZ, SQ, EK, NG, CO, AF, SV, KU, DL, AA, MH, OZ, CA, MS, SU, LY, RG, PE, AZ, KL, VN, PK, EY, NZ, AM, BR, AC, DT, UU, OS, AI, 9W, KQ, QR, VA, JJ, ET, TK, PR, BG, T5, CI, MU and LX.. Further to fly.. LH 777
Tue Aug 09, 2011 6:03 am
Hi Alex,
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
As I made my way to the counter, I begun to understand something was amiss. I speak Portuguese well enough to comprehend that a man (later finding out he was the station manager) was having a heated discussion with someone in Luanda. As I was more interested in hearing the conversation than paying the departure tax, the woman at the counter (let's call her Ms. CW ) said rudely: "Sir, you pay or go?". I think I stunned her with my response in Portuguese: "You and I know very well that this flight is not going anywhere. So why create health problems and rush?". Haha. I think she was stunned and managed to apologize and let me even pay in the local money. $1 = 24,000 Dobras (or something like that) ... so it made her life difficult.
Anyways, having caught strains of the conversation with the station manager, I confronted him, and he basically as a matter-of-fact mentioned that the plane had developed a mechanical in RAI and had never left. Now, RAI- TMS is a near 6 hour flying time. Why had he not mentioned to all the ranking passengers was beyond me?! Not that he cared. Anyways, as I was thinking of what to do, I realized my bag was still with the NGO worker. So I went back to the line and gave her the news. Soon people came all around me - and the fun yelling, anger, and drama started. People demanded to be let inside the airport. The station manager came outside to calm the situation. Having traveled throughout Africa, I basically decided to see how the even unfolded. In typical fashion, angers soon subsided and everyone realizing the flight would only go tomorrow began to withdraw.
Since there was no other flight out, I resigned to fate and now had to make my way to the TAAG city office. There was no other way of getting hotel accommodation, and I morally refused to pay. Negotiating with the taxi drivers had become hopeless. Well, let me rephrase: negotiating with the random men with cars who would give me a ride to town was hopeless. They knew that this white dude was stuck at the airport and was quoting over $100! I was beginning to just accept the 10KM walk to town in 35C heat when Ms. CW came and started yelling at the taxi drivers for being bad host to the foreign guest. Aaww ... SOOO African/Latin/Asian Smile. She was a big lady and people listened to her. Soon, one of the men just mumbled me to get in. As he was about to pull away, she said to him in Portuguese that it was a small island and she better not hear tomorrow that I had been ripped. She knew the driver's mom. Haha. Thanking her severely as my taxi pulled away, a big smile engulfed me. Here I was ... stranded. Yet, everything felt right. It was almost as if it was a way of humanity to remind me that it existed.
Wow, what an adventure!
DT 's 73W @ TMS - personally I think they have one of the most striking liveries out there
I can only agree!
While the inside was maintained enough, it was not immaculate and the regular wear and tear was far more than an aircraft of this heritage should be.
The plane was delivered in 11/2006.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
I had promised them a taxi ride and since I have this bad habit of putting myself in situations I should not, I decided to hang out at the airport for them. The next 4 hours were spent calling contacts at the World Bank and my contacts at TAAG to secure their release. During that time, the shift of the chief immigration officer changed and there was power politics being played as the new immigration guy did not want to take responsibility for their release. After a lot of going back and forth, on the fifth hour, and after several bribes, the three were released.
That was very kind of you!  
 
Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:25 am
Wow! Very interesting!
The airport does seem like it is from another time!
The meal is actually impressive in size. So did you suck the heads out of the shrimp? Some people think that is the best part!
The amenity kit is also quite impressive for a short haul J class! Did they give them out to everyone or just to you because you asked?
It is weird that the amenity kit is so nice, but the headset is the keep disposable kind you get in Y on U.S. carriers...
As always I enjoyed the trip report and kept saying "Transito!" in my head while reading it!
Tue Aug 09, 2011 12:04 pm
Hi Alex
Just when we thought that you had posted the most exotic trip report out there, you go and totally outdo yourself! Kudos! We're all very, very jealous of your opportunities to travel JCL on some exotic airlines and routes.
Interesting to see they had the amenity kit with Biotherm products, that's quite nice.
Also interesting to see there is a China Sonangol aircraft parked to the right of the other DT 737. Probably ferrying pax to the Angolan oil fields. Yet another example of an Chinese ACME company  
  Do you remember what a/c type it was? AFAIK they only operate A320s.
Cheers
Tue Aug 09, 2011 12:46 pm
Hi Alex,
I have just finished reading Planehunter's report of travels to DXB and luxurious resorts, then I come and read something that is out of a completely different world. You do seem to manage to get caught up in all sorts of troubles. Still, it makes for very good reading. At least you did find someone to help you along the way  
As you say, TAAG could certainly improve their interaction with passengers, both before boarding (keeping them informed of cancellations or flight delays) and in flight. On the other hand you did end up with an amenity kit that is surprising on a short run - many other carriers don't offer them except on long haul overnight flights. An oversight, maybe. Was this handed out to all passengers in J or just you?
Thanks for sharing your adventures,
Quokka
#15
Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:24 pm
Another TAAG trip report! This airline seems to be a "favorite" of A.Netters for a truly exotic and off-the-radar experience. This reminds me so much of my trip with TAAG. Except they ended up "saving the day" in the end for me. I'm quite envious that you were able to get a visa.
When did your flight finally leave?
In the usual African scene, a porter asked for a payment to put me in the front of the line.
Did you accept?
. I speak Portuguese well enough to comprehend that a man (later finding out he was the station manager) was having a heated discussion with someone in Luanda.
First signs of trouble!
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
Anyways, having caught strains of the conversation with the station manager, I confronted him, and he basically as a matter-of-fact mentioned that the plane had developed a mechanical in RAI and had never left. Now, RAI- TMS is a near 6 hour flying time
Classic. Your trip occurred in December, during TAAG's operational meltdown. All of their 777s were out of service, and I think they were having some issues with maintenance. A lot of their planes were going tech, and the EU was suspicious that they were taking shortcuts again. But an inspection in January revealed that TAAG was at least attempting to perform proper maintenance. As of now at least, they seem to have gotten their act together once again, so maybe they will be able to sustain it this time.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
At the airport, things were much calmer. I had bought a box of chocolate for Ms. CW and you could see the joy on her face. She immediately basically took me to the secure area where government vip's hang out (shockingly -roll eyes- same place where I had landed) and basically had some dude bring me drinks and stuff as someone checked me in.
Very nice!
After a lot of going back and forth, on the fifth hour, and after several bribes, the three were released
This is ridiculous. It sure seems hard to encourage economic development with such an attitude.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 4 ):
= I had a fantastic trip planned on the 74D going on LAD - SID - HAV - but the plan got changed due to the day loss at TMS . Moreover, I had to go to work so took the "boring" LAD -FIH- BRU SN flight. Since I don't write reports on work trips, exit out of LAD won't be covered  .
You are probably lucky you weren't able to take this flight. I doubt it would've gone, because their one 74D was busy doing runs to GIG and GRU since their 777s were out of service.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
(Why they provided an amenity kit on this short flight is beyond me - especially it being a F kit! Especially because the airline had no IFE and magazine!)
TAAG is very imbalanced with their product offering. It's quite strange. However, they actually do have a magazine. Perhaps it just wasn't loaded onto your flight.
http://taag.com/documents/Austral86Jul_Ago11.pdf
Your TAAG experience once in the air is pretty standard for them I believe. I've been told by a friend of mine that TAAG has made some changes to their operational procedures, and delays have been reduced significantly. Obviously when an aircraft goes tech, there's nothing you can do though.
Thanks for sharing, as usual I found this report to be extremely interesting!
Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:27 pm
Hi Alex,
What a great way to start one's morning; checking out A.net and seeing one of abrelosojos' TRs. Who needs a coffee to wake up?
Sorry to hear about all the crazy things that happened at TMS and LAD . It seems that drama follows you everywhere (maybe something to do with the destinations you choose?). I hope the rest of your stay at (and departure from) Luanda was much smoother.
The meal looks impressive. The quantity and presentation makes it look like a meal you would get at your local restaurant.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
WideBodyroga
Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:44 pm
Hi Alex,
another amazing and adventurous trip report. For traveling in Africa you certainly need a lot of patience and sometimes determination, I really find it impressive how you handle all these situations, well done.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
They knew that this white dude was stuck at the airport and was quoting over $100! I was beginning to just accept the 10KM walk to town in 35C heat when Ms. CW came and started yelling at the taxi drivers for being bad host to the foreign guest.
Wonderful, what a story, that's truly Africa. And nice of you that you bought something for Ms CW as a thank you.
That meal on TAAG really looks interesting, and what a generous ration. Too bad the main course and dessert didn't taste well.
Well, thanks again and I am really looking forward to read more about your adventures.
CaptainRed
Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:46 pm
Hello Alex, great report as always! A very interesting, and hence a bit entertaining read.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
I hitched a ride with a farmer going to the airport and arrived around 3 hours prior to departure.
Lol, I would never have imagined you getting to the airport like that. I thought you always had a chauffeur drive you to the airport, or was that time in JFK the only time?  
I had been warned that DT always overbooks these flights,
Interesting. So you couldn't have booked a ticket in Y, and hoped for a J upgrade 
I think she was stunned and managed to apologize and let me even pay in the local money. $1 = 24,000 Dobras (or something like that) ... so it made her life difficult.
Talk about inflation! How much was the airport tax?
After spending the rest of the day bonding over drinks with fellow stranded passengers, next morning, we all got on the pre-arranged transfer service to the airport.
Did the airline pay for your accomodation, or did you have to fork it out yourselves?
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
I personally find TAAG to have one of the smartest liveries out there, and this 73W looked immaculate in the tones of its colors.
You really think so? I personally find it quite hideous. Looks very 1960's, also don't like their logo, what is that animal anyway. A deer?  
The entire meal was brought at once and included a rather generous lobster salad which was rather delicious.
Looks more like prawns to me, are you sure it was lobster?
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
Thankfully, the café was splendid and did wonders to drown the other stuff out.
Looks like a very well brewed cup of coffee. Also that créma givens hints that it must've been freshly ground.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
No other meal or beverage service offered, and the crew did not come with water or anything. To be fair, on a small JCL, passengers just asked for stuff, and they delivered.
That is very bad indeed, how were they expecting people to finish their meals without anything to wash down the food with. Were many people bothered with this?
Anyway, thanks for the report. I like how you review these exotic african, etc carriers. Still haven't seen a RAM report from you, yet  
//Jonas
Quoting The777Man ( Reply 5 ):
That's too bad; LAD - SID - HAV on the 74D would have been very intersting to read. I think the 74Ds have left the fleet now that they have taken delivery of the 77Ws. Perhaps you can try those one of these days ?
The777Man
= I have decided to leave the 777 flying to you  
. Can't match the greatness of your reports! However, I do like exotic routes, so vamos a ver ...
Quoting Avianca ( Reply 6 ):
sounds good, but ex CCS booked , as per my understanding you can book them ex CCS with Gol or Tam connection.
= Hmm. I will have to check with my travel agent magician. Have you already researched what the fares would be?
sounds even more interesting CCS - HAV on Conviasa / HAV - SID - LAD - GIG on DT and than boring Gol or TAM back to CCS .
what are the schedules for the HAV - LAD flights?
saludos
= OOO ... this sounds like a much better proposition. May I ask what passport you hold? Getting an Angolan visa is quite an annoying feat.
You never cease to amaze me with your reports.
= Thanks PH .
Quoting PlaneHunter ( Reply 7 ):
That was very kind of you!
= Funny thing is ... in all my experiences, travelers to these parts of the world, usually help each other. I was just merely doing the same.
The meal is actually impressive in size. So did you suck the heads out of the shrimp? Some people think that is the best part!
= You bet I did  
Quoting Burj ( Reply 8 ):
The amenity kit is also quite impressive for a short haul J class! Did they give them out to everyone or just to you because you asked?
= I asked for it. Though, it was amusing it was branded for F class. Always thought DT had 3 classes of service ...
It is weird that the amenity kit is so nice, but the headset is the keep disposable kind you get in Y on U.S. carriers...
= Burj, it was WORSE than US carriers in YCL.
How is Sao Tome; the beaches etc? Thanks.
= It was awesome. Did you read my report on STP Airways? There are some pictures there.
Quoting swedenflyer ( Reply 10 ):
Hi Alex,
I've read many reports about TAAG long-range Y class on the 777, and that seems much better than regional J class. They have PTVs, and even a meal choice. STP seems on the rise as a country, and so does DT as the Angola flag carrier!
As always, a pleasure to read!
= Thanks Swedenflyer.
Just when we thought that you had posted the most exotic trip report out there, you go and totally outdo yourself! Kudos! We're all very, very jealous of your opportunities to travel JCL on some exotic airlines and routes.
= Thanks Coal. I am lucky enough to be able to do these things.
Interesting to see they had the amenity kit with Biotherm products, that's quite nice.
= Ya. It is actually products I'd use!
Quoting Coal ( Reply 11 ):
Also interesting to see there is a China Sonangol aircraft parked to the right of the other DT 737. Probably ferrying pax to the Angolan oil fields. Yet another example of an Chinese ACME company Do you remember what a/c type it was? AFAIK they only operate A320s.
= Isn't that a 737? AFAIR, it was a 737. Also, I hear that Sonangol is going to fly domestic routes in Angola for passengers. Anyone have any insight to that?
Quoting Widebodyroga ( Reply 15 ):
Sorry to hear about all the crazy things that happened at TMS and LAD . It seems that drama follows you everywhere (maybe something to do with the destinations you choose?). I hope the rest of your stay at (and departure from) Luanda was much smoother.
= Haha. Do keep in mind the countries I "report" on are not ones for smooth sailing - STP , Angola, Somalia, Somaliland, Tunisia, Yemen, Congo, North Korea, Libya, etc.  
... trust me, I have plenty of "boring" trips. But, most of them are routine for work or family visits, and there is only so much I can write about a LH CCS - FRA flight. Moreover, I don't report work trips. If I wrote on all that, y'all probably would be bored to death!
Quoting Quokka ( Reply 13 ):
On the other hand you did end up with an amenity kit that is surprising on a short run - many other carriers don't offer them except on long haul overnight flights. An oversight, maybe. Was this handed out to all passengers in J or just you?
= I don't know about others ... but I asked.
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 14 ):
Another TAAG trip report! This airline seems to be a "favorite" of A.Netters for a truly exotic and off-the-radar experience. This reminds me so much of my trip with TAAG. Except they ended up "saving the day" in the end for me. I'm quite envious that you were able to get a visa.
= Haha. But, you're slightly obsessed with Angola ... right  
? Ya - the visa (pain in the ass) was totally worth it.
When did your flight finally leave?
= Following day.
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 14 ):
Classic. Your trip occurred in December, during TAAG's operational meltdown. All of their 777s were out of service, and I think they were having some issues with maintenance. A lot of their planes were going tech, and the EU was suspicious that they were taking shortcuts again. But an inspection in January revealed that TAAG was at least attempting to perform proper maintenance. As of now at least, they seem to have gotten their act together once again, so maybe they will be able to sustain it this time.
= I thought their 777's were cleared for Africa flying?
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 14 ):
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
After a lot of going back and forth, on the fifth hour, and after several bribes, the three were released
This is ridiculous. It sure seems hard to encourage economic development with such an attitude.
= Well, the elite think that economic development is happening. Just look around Luanda for the amount of construction activities.
You are probably lucky you weren't able to take this flight. I doubt it would've gone, because their one 74D was busy doing runs to GIG and GRU since their 777s were out of service.
= Perhaps. But, it would still have been nice on that 74D  
.
What a great way to start one's morning; checking out A.net and seeing one of abrelosojos' TRs. Who needs a coffee to wake up?
= Haha. Thanks.
The meal looks impressive. The quantity and presentation makes it look like a meal you would get at your local restaurant.
= Really? It wasn't that yummy though.
Another wonderful report - your way of describing these events puts us right in them. Glad you were able to assist the poor guys in LAD who were detained!
= Thanks man.
Great report - and I was wondering how you were going to get out of Sao Tome!! Pretty chaotic scenes when you originally got to the airport. Glad you were able to navigate your way through all of that.
= PJET - guess that was part of the experience  
.
Thanks for taking the time to do this very rare report. Cheers P/jet
= My pleasure.
Quoting CaptainRed ( Reply 18 ):
Hi Alex,
another amazing and adventurous trip report. For traveling in Africa you certainly need a lot of patience and sometimes determination, I really find it impressive how you handle all these situations, well done.
= Losing your cool in these situations rarely help - and I have realized that in Africa, just handling them politely go a long way.
= Promise, the next one is not going to be from Africa  
.
Would have been nice... Next time?!
= Gabon is on top of my list of placed I'd love to go to.
TAAG is operating a modern fleet (especially for Africa) with their B73W's, B777's. But their EU banned operations in the past combined with your experience are leaving a bitter taste in my mouth...
= They are a very "random" airline. Have you seen them in Europe though? Striking livery.
What a honour! And, isn't she beautiful?!
= Indeed!
Quoting LH4116 ( Reply 20 ):
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
I hitched a ride with a farmer going to the airport and arrived around 3 hours prior to departure.
Lol, I would never have imagined you getting to the airport like that. I thought you always had a chauffeur drive you to the airport, or was that time in JFK the only time?
= Haha. I maintain that one must be able to go from flying First Class Suite to staying in a backpacker hostel.
Interesting. So you couldn't have booked a ticket in Y, and hoped for a J upgrade
= I NEVER get OP-UPS  
Talk about inflation! How much was the airport tax?
= Around USD 25?
Did the airline pay for your accomodation, or did you have to fork it out yourselves?
= Airline paid. I had to ask ...
You really think so? I personally find it quite hideous. Looks very 1960's, also don't like their logo, what is that animal anyway. A deer?
= I think it is the Angolan national animal called the Sable Antelope. Can someone please confirm this?
Quoting LH4116 ( Reply 20 ):
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
The entire meal was brought at once and included a rather generous lobster salad which was rather delicious.
Looks more like prawns to me, are you sure it was lobster?
= Oops. It was prawn.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
Thankfully, the café was splendid and did wonders to drown the other stuff out.
Looks like a very well brewed cup of coffee. Also that créma givens hints that it must've been freshly ground.
= Very nice indeed.
Quoting wheretonext ( Reply 26 ):
Another great trip report... glad to see the outbound flight from TMS covered, too. It's unfortunate that TAAG was a disappointment this go-around. The last few TAAG reports I've read have been consistently good, granted they've all been on longer haul routes with their 77Ls.
= I agree Matt - I was rather disappointed by DT - but then again, this was a regional operation, so perhaps different approach to service?
It's a shame that there's so much red tape in Angola cause I feel TAAG could grow into a strong regional carrier if LAD wasn't such a hassle.
= I agree. But the question also remains what would yields be if DT simply opened its market?
Do you ever consider selling your stories to Hollywood? You have been writing one after another blockbuster. This report should be a huge box office success as well!
= Haha Suryo  
... you would be the only one in the theater. BTW, I just returned from a fantastic vacation to Indonesia - reaffirmed why I love the place so much!
Honor to whom honor is due and it shows! Excellent job, Alex!
= Agreed.
Quoting akhmad ( Reply 27 ):
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
I had promised them a taxi ride and since I have this bad habit of putting myself in situations I should not, I decided to hang out at the airport for them
You are true to your word. Kudos!
= As I said, in these situations, I have had people go out of their way for me - so this was no different.
Quoting Avianca ( Reply 28 ):
if I am not wrong this can be booke in CCS paying VEF...
Yes of course, only a German, hope that with that it is not impossible to get a visa...?
saludos
Avianca
= Avianca, I am going to ask my angel travel agent. How does your calendar look? With the German passport, the visa will be a challenge. I can reach out to my contacts if you are serious and see if we can get you a business visa. For tourist visa, I know one agency in Namibia/South Africa that does these, but it is expensive.
Quoting eastafspot ( Reply 29 ):
Hello Alex,
i'm joining the rest of the communty to praise your latest report, wonderful writting style, beautiful pictures, and exotic route... perfect!!!
= Léo, thanks mate. None can beat your reports on Africa however!
Thanks a lot for reading.
Saludos,
Quoting Avianca ( Reply 6 ):
what are the schedules for the HAV - LAD flights?
Hi, TAAG operates HAV - LAD every other Friday (fortnightly). The flight doesn't stop in SID anymore, but instead goes nonstop to LAD . The route has seen the 772, but lately it has been operated by the 77W.
DT 703 HAV - LAD 02:00 20:00 777
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 21 ):
= Isn't that a 737? AFAIR, it was a 737. Also, I hear that Sonangol is going to fly domestic routes in Angola for passengers. Anyone have any insight to that?
Yeah, Sonangol owns SonAir, which is an Angolan airline. They fly domestic flights, a flight to IAH operated by AtlasAir, and have helicopters that transport oil workers to rigs.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 21 ):
= Far from done.
Progress on this airport has been really slow. Do you know if they're even working on it? Wonder how it will turn out...
= Haha. But, you're slightly obsessed with Angola ... right  ? Ya - the visa (pain in the ass) was totally worth it.
Haha yeah it's one of the countries I keep updated with.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 21 ):
= I thought their 777's were cleared for Africa flying?
Yeah they are flying now. But they all went tech at the same time back in December. How this happened I really don't know. The 777s were out of service during December, January, and much of February.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 21 ):
= Well, the elite think that economic development is happening. Just look around Luanda for the amount of construction activities.
Perhaps this wealth will eventually trickle down to everyone else? This economic "boom" is pretty recent for Angola right?
Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:36 am
Hi Alex!
First of all, your trip report about TAAG was very interesting. Not only did it cover an interesting flight on a rare airline, but it also gave some glimpses of STP and Angola, a completely different reality than here in Finland.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
She was a big lady and people listened to her. Soon, one of the men just mumbled me to get in. As he was about to pull away, she said to him in Portuguese that it was a small island and she better not hear tomorrow that I had been ripped. She knew the driver's mom. Haha. Thanking her severely as my taxi pulled away, a big smile engulfed me. Here I was ... stranded. Yet, everything felt right. It was almost as if it was a way of humanity to remind me that it existed.
The story about the pre-departure happenings at the airport, the delay and the procedures would at least make me feel helpless. Such a small breeze of humanity you encountered with the woman is something I'd at least remember for a long time..
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
Anyways, having caught strains of the conversation with the station manager, I confronted him, and he basically as a matter-of-fact mentioned that the plane had developed a mechanical in RAI and had never left. Now, RAI- TMS is a near 6 hour flying time. Why had he not mentioned to all the ranking passengers was beyond me?! Not that he cared.
I guess there is no standard procedures in such a situation...
(DT's 73W @ TMS - personally I think they have one of the most striking liveries out there)
Looking good in the sunshine!
(Why they provided an amenity kit on this short flight is beyond me - especially it being a F kit! Especially because the airline had no IFE and magazine!)
It seems Taag Angola is an airline of contrasts!
Thanks again for a wonderful read.
Regards,
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 31 ):
DT 703 HAV - LAD 02:00 20:00 777
= Wow. A 77W doing the mostly political flight - now I am even more curious to do this and check out what the loads are going to be!
Avianca, at first I was thinking if we do this, we take the CU flight on the Tu-204 the day earlier? What do you think? MHTripple, you should totally join us if I can get you an Angolan visa - and you have my place to stay at in Caracas. The three of us could be "shady" and be part of the equally 'shady" itinerary of CCS - HAV - LAD - GIG - CCS ... Thoughts?
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 31 ):
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 21):
= Isn't that a 737? AFAIR, it was a 737. Also, I hear that Sonangol is going to fly domestic routes in Angola for passengers. Anyone have any insight to that?
Yeah, Sonangol owns SonAir, which is an Angolan airline. They fly domestic flights, a flight to IAH operated by AtlasAir, and have helicopters that transport oil workers to rigs.
= This is what I thought. Within TAAG circles, Sonangol is not looked upon favorably ...
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 31 ):
Progress on this airport has been really slow. Do you know if they're even working on it? Wonder how it will turn out...
= The last time I checked with my TAAG contacts, they said that the Chinese had stopped working on the building ...
Haha yeah it's one of the countries I keep updated with.
= Let me guess ... Mozambique is on that list  
?
Quoting MHTripple7 ( Reply 31 ):
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 21):
= Well, the elite think that economic development is happening. Just look around Luanda for the amount of construction activities.
Perhaps this wealth will eventually trickle down to everyone else? This economic "boom" is pretty recent for Angola right?
= I wish that was the case. I see Angola becoming increasingly like Eq. Guinea and Gabon with a distinct difference between the elite and everyone else. Just like in Eq. Guinea and Gabon where the international community (mostly French) joined in the exploitation of the resources, the Chinese-led consortiums are doing the same in Angola. Maybe, I am negative?
Cheers
Coal
= WOW WOW. That is one seriously disturbing article. The Chinese government-nexus continue to scare me. I felt I was reading the script of "Blood Diamonds" or "Syriana"!
BTW, after reading your report on HongKong Airlines, I was going to fly them a weekend back ... and then with the weather, their flights were canceled. At HKG , the scenes outside their counter for flights to PVG was intense with a lot of really upset and mean Chinese ... worse, the agents were clueless. I did not want to go anymore for business meet in PVG and they could not issue a refund because I had bought my ticket on the web. Next time  
.
Quoting 717Flyer ( Reply 33 ):
First of all, your trip report about TAAG was very interesting. Not only did it cover an interesting flight on a rare airline, but it also gave some glimpses of STP and Angola, a completely different reality than here in Finland.
= Let's keep on trading stories then  
... your reports of Finland are equally fascinating for me to read ... what is next for you?
Quoting 717Flyer ( Reply 33 ):
The story about the pre-departure happenings at the airport, the delay and the procedures would at least make me feel helpless. Such a small breeze of humanity you encountered with the woman is something I'd at least remember for a long time..
= Yup.
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 35 ):
Avianca, at first I was thinking if we do this, we take the CU flight on the Tu-204 the day earlier? What do you think? MHTripple, you should totally join us if I can get you an Angolan visa - and you have my place to stay at in Caracas. The three of us could be "shady" and be part of the equally 'shady" itinerary of CCS - HAV - LAD - GIG - CCS ... Thoughts?
sounds more than great, well in September I am off to a milage run to HKG
LIM - SCL - AKL - SYD - HKG - LAX - LIM for less than 1500 USD  
October, November or December depending on the dates but would be more than a pleasure.
Regarding the Visa, the company who I am working for has a bigger ops in Angola, maybe possible to get a visa via them.?
kind regards
sounds more than great, well in September I am off to a milage run to HKG
LIM - SCL - AKL - SYD - HKG - LAX - LIM for less than 1500 USD
= Please educate me on how you get such a fare! You must tell me!
Quoting Avianca ( Reply 36 ):
October, November or December depending on the dates but would be more than a pleasure.
Regarding the Visa, the company who I am working for has a bigger ops in Angola, maybe possible to get a visa via them.?
kind regards
Avianca
= Ok. Let's talk via email. I will reach out to MHTripple as well and see. It is a harder period for me as October is Routes, and I am planning on being in Southern Sudan in November - but perhaps we can do something?
Saludos,
A.
PS : Company route is always better. I can also "claim" you work for our company as an expert consultant. Haha.
Live, and let live.
#40
Tue Oct 11, 2011 6:12 pm
Hi A ! ...I read this report with comments and I think that is one of the better ones who made ​​the cross-section of today's social order and prejudice and ignorance ... interesting reading ... especially comments ...
personally I think they have one of the most striking liveries out there
You have an eye for extravaganza hehehe ... I agree
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
Bye bye kids on the runway
Can you imagine what that means to them ... Everything is in the picture ... I would have joined them
 
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 35 ):
where the international community (mostly French) joined in the exploitation of the resources, the Chinese-led consortiums are doing the same in Angola. Maybe, I am negative?
if the French and the Chinese companies were the only exploiters and creators of poverty and corruption in this world, world would be a paradise ...
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 35 ):
Avianca, at first I was thinking if we do this, we take the CU flight on the Tu-204 the day earlier? What do you think? MHTripple, you should totally join us if I can get you an Angolan visa - and you have my place to stay at in Caracas. The three of us could be "shady" and be part of the equally 'shady" itinerary of CCS - HAV - LAD - GIG - CCS ... Thoughts?
Again want my opinion ?!? heheheh THE routes ... THE professionals ... THE TRIP REPORTS of the year ... go go go
stipica  
Great minds have great tastes huh ?
hahahah que modestia
Maybe ... a conversation over Raki!
Raki ... new love from BEG ? ...heheh naughty naughty ... answer is in your Afriqiyah report ...
Quoting abrelosojos ( Reply 40 ):
= You wanna fund us?
yes of course ... just send me your Liechtenstein bank account I have already contacted my bank on the Cayman Islands to prepare some change ...heheheheh too much schnapps alex !?
ah yes Los Roques ... few members of my family are delighted with them ... Perhaps it is time for me to fly with Britten-Norman and "El Sol de America"... The plan is Columbia and Venezuela, but putting together four weeks is always a problem but definitely the destination for 2012/13 ... clearly you will be notified ... some recommendations ? because I do not like organized trips like my relatives
Thanks a lot for stopping by.
Always a pleasure ... stipica  
Sat Oct 22, 2011 5:55 pm
Hi Alex,
Great report, not that many TAAG reports here as you know, an interesting carrier in a country nobody really wants to visit if they are honest.
I personally find TAAG to have one of the smartest liveries out there
- Totally agree, all their machines look superb!
Quoting abrelosojos ( Thread starter ):
Meal service commenced soon after take-off and was an "interesting" affair. The entire meal was brought at once and included a rather generous lobster salad which was rather delicious. For main (there were no choices), it was a local delicacy(?) - rice, chicken, carrot, and beans.
- The starter looked huge, the main looks very bland and lacks any imagination at all, not a great looking meal.
The amenity kit looks pretty decent though as you say, why hand out on a flight of this duration?
Cheers
Maybe ... a conversation over Raki!
Raki ... new love from BEG ? ...heheh naughty naughty ... answer is in your Afriqiyah report ...
= Haha. I had way too much Raki in BEG - which is actually a very neat city.
Quoting stipica ( Reply 41 ):
ah yes Los Roques ... few members of my family are delighted with them ... Perhaps it is time for me to fly with Britten-Norman and "El Sol de America"... The plan is Columbia and Venezuela, but putting together four weeks is always a problem but definitely the destination for 2012/13 ... clearly you will be notified ... some recommendations ? because I do not like organized trips like my relatives
= I hate organized trips - and hence find Los Roques the BEST island in the Caribbean. Cayo Coco in Cuba used to be incredible - but then they built resorts, an airport, and ruined it. Keep me updated on dates so I can plan to be here.
Great report, not that many TAAG reports here as you know, an interesting carrier in a country nobody really wants to visit if they are honest.
= It is sad because the country is actually quite beautiful.