TRIP REPORT
I needed to proceed my custom of flying on Air Serbia’s inaugural long-haul flights, so I bought a ticket for the Toronto service on February 20, for the Might 23 departure. I have to admit the enterprise class fare was fairly expensive in comparison with the inaugural flights to Shanghai and Guangzhou. However, I went forward and booked my one-way ticket (as I might be returning residence by way of a special route) and was all set for Toronto, which additionally marks my first go to to Canada.
I arrived on the airport at round 9.30am. It was a busy day at Nikola Tesla Airport with a variety of long-haul flights departing in comparatively quick proximity to at least one one other. This included Air Serbia flights to Toronto, New York and Shanghai, in addition to Hainan Airways’ service to Beijing.
The airline devoted a few check-in desks particularly for the Toronto flight. I used the premium check-in facility on the airport and headed to passport management. There was nobody within the precedence lane for both passport verify or safety.
I selected to not go to the Premium Lounge as I needed to stroll across the airport a bit. Our gate was C11/12, whereas a ceremony was being held at C13.
It was a sight to behold that every one 5 Air Serbia heavy plane have been parked facet by facet on the C gates at Belgrade Airport. It included all of Air Serbia’s A330-200s (Tesla, Pupin and the EXPO planes), in addition to the Hainan Dreamliner. As I walked down the C corridor, there was an extended line for boarding for Hainan Airways’ flight.
Hainan flight boarding for Beijing
Initially, YU-ARB (Nikola Tesla) was scheduled to function this flight primarily based on the seat map, because it has a particular enterprise class cabin format. Nonetheless, a day earlier than the flight this modified, and I realised it was both YU-ARE or YU-ARD (the EXPO planes). I modified my seat as I used to be randomly allotted a center seat with the plane change and selected the window facet seat because the cabin is in 1-2-1 configuration. For extra privateness, I might suggest selecting the odd numbered facet seats, as they’re nearer to the window, whereas the facet desk shields you from the aisle. Though I used to be conscious of this, there have been none obtainable by the point I noticed the airplane had modified, however it was not a problem. I used to be glad to get this airplane as I had not flown with it beforehand.
Virtually all of the passengers on the flight have been Serbians, though there have been some Canadians in entrance of me at verify in. On the gate, I might overhear a lady say she thought she would by no means see the day she might fly nonstop to Toronto. Most passengers appeared to be visiting household. There have been additionally some Russian audio system right here and there.
Boarding started at round 11.40 for the 12.30 departure. A devoted air bridge was used for enterprise class passengers, and it appears I used to be among the many first to board.
The plane options Etihad Airways’ former cabin product, because the airline was its earlier operator. Air Serbia has modified the seat covers to the identical ones as in YU-ARB. Etihad makes use of this very same seat on its B777s these days. I really prefer it. There aren’t any overhead bins throughout the center seats to make the cabin extra spacious.
At my seat there was a giant pillow, blanket and slippers, in addition to a bottle of water and menu. The seat itself is lie-flat, it has a charging port and a USB port.
Shortly after settling in, extra passengers began boarding and the crew got here round with welcome drinks, together with prosecco, water and juices. We have been additionally given a moist wipe.
The cabin crew member serving my facet of the aisle then got here round and launched herself and her group individually to every passenger.
Shortly earlier than takeoff we have been distributed headphones, which got here on this sack, which says it was created from used plastic bottles, which I feel is a pleasant contact contemplating that such initiatives are nonetheless very uncommon in Serbia.
The crew member then got here to take our meal orders. The next is the menu, and you can even discover the meal selections for the return flight from Toronto to Belgrade.
I ordered the primary alternative for the entre and the second for the primary. The crew knowledgeable passengers that we might have our meal any time throughout the flight as it’s dine-on-demand. The crew additionally requested about drink selections and if we want to have totally different drinks with every course.
I have to say that though I feel Air Serbia’s crew is mostly well mannered and good, this crew went past that on this flight. They have been extraordinarily skilled, from the questions they requested passengers to the care they took when inserting glasses ensuring the airline’s brand was turned in the direction of the passengers and so forth. They took care of the little issues.
We obtained a brief welcome from the captain who knowledgeable us concerning the flight time, and we pushed again on time. 20 of twenty-two enterprise class seats have been occupied.
We had an extended taxi from C12 all the best way right down to the runway.
We took off at round 12:45 for a clean flight. After we reached the highest of climb the captain came visiting the PA and gave us one other welcome with particulars about every nation we’d fly over. He additionally made observe that this was the primary flight to Toronto since JAT’s final service.
Shortly after, the crew distributed amenity kits and one might additionally ask for pyjamas, that are given on demand.
Then the meal service started. We have been first served a ramekin of blended nuts accompanied by drinks, adopted by the starter, important course and dessert. Every part was offered individually by the crew slightly than being delivered collectively on a tray. The crew additionally got here round with a bread basket providing a number of selections. The meals have been nicely offered and engaging. I additionally seen that passengers ingesting wine have been served immediately from the bottle at their seat, with the crew ready for them to pattern it earlier than pouring a full glass. Additionally it is value noting that the tray tables will be slid sideways, permitting passengers to go away their seat even whereas the desk stays absolutely set.
I visited the washroom round 4 hours into the flight and located it spotless. One attention-grabbing characteristic of the ahead galley, situated forward of the enterprise class cabin, is that there aren’t any crew stationed there, neither is there any kitchenette setup. As a substitute, all crew exercise and galley operations are concentrated within the galley behind the enterprise class part. I additionally fairly appreciated the fake wooden finishes inherited from Etihad, which nonetheless give the cabin a premium really feel.
The IFE was fairly good. There was a collection of motion pictures, TV reveals of all types (with round 5 episodes loaded for every) and a few video games. The display screen was responsive and may very well be managed each from the display screen and the distant management.
By this level, most passengers had closed their window shades, and the cabin crew dimmed the lights. I then reclined my seat into the absolutely lie-flat place and fell asleep for the subsequent 5 hours or so, helped by the actual fact I hadn’t slept a lot the night time earlier than. The seat is genuinely snug due to its thick cushioning. One factor value noting, nevertheless, is that Air Serbia’s blanket is exceptionally heat, maybe slightly too heat, at the very least for me.
Cabin with lights off
Two hours earlier than arrival, the crew distributed a certificates acknowledging the inaugural flight, in addition to a chocolate and magnet with the Belgrade – Toronto branding.
Round sixty minutes earlier than arrival the second meal service began. There was no alternative for this one, however all the pieces was once more served individually. I have to say it was tasty and I like the actual fact they served parmesan individually with the pasta, which isn’t so frequent on planes.
We arrived in Toronto and sure there was applause from the passengers to mark this particular flight. Upon disembarking, there’s a related setup as within the EU the place you scan your passport and fingerprints at a self-service kiosk. I accomplished the arrival card on-line earlier than the flight, which is advisable because it quickens the method.
Passport management was very fast though there was a giant line and appeared very casual, with two officers at a counter which took only some seconds.
After getting my bag, I transferred to Terminal 1 with the inter-terminal shuttle and headed to the practice station. The categorical practice takes you on to Union Station in downtown Toronto and is the simplest and quickest technique to attain the town.
I actually can’t fault Air Serbia on this flight. I’ve written vital critiques of the airline up to now after I genuinely felt sure facets wanted enchancment, however general, this was a flight with none notable points. The seats have been snug, the service was attentive, the IFE carried out nicely, and the meals was tasty. If I have been to level to at least one space for enchancment, it will be Wi-Fi on the long-haul fleet. This present day, I feel it will go a good distance in enhancing the passenger expertise. I’m not conversant in the economics behind introducing or sustaining the service, however contemplating what number of airways now supply onboard connectivity, and the truth that Air Serbia itself was as soon as forward of the curve on this space, its absence does really feel noticeable.
Nonetheless, I also needs to observe that Air Serbia has made noticeable enhancements alongside the best way. I’ve been flying its long-haul providers since 2016, and over the previous 12 months or maybe slightly longer, I’ve picked up on various refined however significant modifications. These embrace enhancements to the meals, higher presentation, extra polished service and many others. And there are some small issues, just like the headphones was handed out in easy plastic wrapping, whereas they now are available neat fabric-style pouches. These might seem to be small particulars, however they do contribute to the general expertise and are definitely noticeable to frequent flyers.
As for the plane itself, that is, in my view, Air Serbia’s finest long-haul onerous product. I’ve flown each YU-ARB and YU-ARC, in addition to YU-ARA earlier than them, a number of instances, and in enterprise class at the very least, that is fingers down the strongest product the airline has supplied so far.
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