Australia bound

June 3 and I am on the road again. But it is a sort of holiday this time, at least I am the one paying. Off to Australia to see son Michael, some friends in Sydney and Darwin , and do some work in a conference and help out at a public information meeting and then assist at a training course in Darwin.
The other thrill will be travelling on an Airbus A380 for the first time, that is why I flew to London early in the morning so I could join the QANTAS flight QF32 from London. A flight at 0720 and some good news. British Airways gave me a free upgrade to Business as the plane was full with a school trip. A very nice surprise and a decent breakfast. Arrival at T3 and transit to T4 was no real problem.

The QANTAS plane was waiting when I arrived.

QANTAS A380 at Heathrow Terminal 4.

I had been able to score an upgrade to Business Class through my frequent flyer points and found that the new cabin on the top floor is very good. The new seats go almost flat instead of the 7-8 degree tilt of the older pattern so it is a lot easier to achieve a decent sleep.

12 hours flying and I was back in Singapore and having a quick drink in the lounge before going back the plane for the run down to Sydney. This was the first time in years I had seen Singapore airport in daylight whilst in Transit and it made a pleasant change. Lots of upgrading work going on, as at Heathrow Terminal 4; the difference is that Singapore does not ressemble a building site and second rate dump like T4. The whole place was still bright and airy and functional.

Singapore gate lounge; passengers waiting to load the A380-A lot of people

Here is the A380 again with a QANTAS A330 taxying in the background. Just shows how big the A380 is. I have to say that the flight on the A380 was very good and highly recommended. Upstairs is very airy and quiet. The new decor is attarctive and QANTAS service is still up there with the best of them.

Arrival in Sydney was no trouble and I was away to the hotel in good time. The Travelodge on Phillip Street is built over the top of the NSW Leagues Club and 20 metres from Martin Place so well located for any visitor to the city.