Just landed in São Paulo, Brazil. Two pilots (in addition to Zahir), one flight attendant and two brothers on the jet. I have now experienced something new. Whatever Z paid for the jet and the renovation... it was worth every single penny!!! All I will say is that I am grateful for a soft (quiet) voice. That and the crew rest area and main passenger saloon is in the front of the jet... AWAY from the suite.Zahir is pitching a deal in the morning. I get to play tourist with his brothers. We are mixing business with pleasure during this extended trip. Z's older brother (in a rare state of excitement) forgot my Arabic is improving and let the cat out of the bag. We are in country for the duration of the FIFA matches. Bouncing (pun intended) between venues and meetings. The local partners have arranged limo/helo travel between venues.
As most of you know sports are NOT my thing. I am happy to just be with them.
Chase
I had a few smart questions, I will try to answer them. Muffin and Zahir helped with the "techy" and history ones.
ReplyDeleteMuffin says this is the longest non-stop flight this specific G550 has ever taken.
The max range is a little over 12000km, and the distance we flew was 10709km.
Actual flight time was a little under 12 hours. There is a discussion as to whether the early arrival was due to a tail wind or the third pilot goosing the throttle. If it was the second, Z says we will have a different third pilot for the return trip.
At boarding, I was in my double breasted suit that is very similar Zahir and the flight crew's uniforms. People at Queen Alia International thought I was the OTHER flight attendant and I was treated accordingly. As soon as we hit cruising altitude Z had me in pajamas and sleeping until dinner.
Our G550 cabin is broken into three zones (I say FOUR). The private aft cabin with bedroom and bath. The mid cabin dining area. The forward lounge/conference area. Now here is where I say four; the flight deck, galley, and crew rest area are at the jet's nose and entryway. Z and Muffin say they count as "service areas" (like the luggage bay) only. It must be a pilot thing.
Back at Estádio Kléber Andrade. Z and his brothers are telling me, "We are here your cheer for YOUR team."
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. team hasn't had such a good showing so far. I hope they can perform better against Japan tonight.