Review of China Southern flight from Shenzhen to Beijing in Economy

INTRODUCTION

Hello everyone, welcome to my first report on this site. I’ve been a huge fan of this site for many years but I wanted a special occasion to write a report.
One day, I was browsing on Instagram and saw a post that changed my day… 

https://airwaysmag.com/china-southern-last-a380-flight/

That post brought memories of my good old days in Asia. In 2014, I moved to China, and had the opportunity to try some interesting aircraft, among them, the magnificent A380. It was my first and only time yet that I had the chance to fly in such a wonderful aircraft. I remember promising myself that I would see that good old friend again someday… somewhere… But I couldn`t keep my promise. Therefore, this is a heartfelt tribute for the mighty CZ A380.
 
There is a Chinese song that I learned well during those wonderful KTV’s nights. It is about a person who had to leave and did not have the chance to bid farewell. This is exactly what happened to me with CZ A380. Therefore, this one goes for him!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQLcGV3rKnY
 
This is the best part of the song:
 
我怕我没有机会 … I'm afraid I have no chance
跟你说一声再见 … to say goodbye to you,
因为也许就再也见不到你 … because probably I wouldn't see you again.
明夜我要离开 … Tomorrow I am leaving
熟悉的地方的你 … the familiar place and you.
要分离 我眼泪就掉下去 … Going to separate, my tears fall right away.

BACKGROUND

In 2014, when I was booking my ticket to fly to China, I was very tempted to fly on a CZ A380 from LAX to CAN and then continue to PEK on the same aircraft.
However, the decision became easier when I realised that CX was about to drop the B747-400 from their remaining SFO – HKG route. In fact, on August 25th, 2014, I was able to fly on B-HUI during their last week operating the route.
 
After that tough but obvious decision, I promised myself to do my best to fly on a CZ A380.  

ACHIEVING THE DREAM

After a long day in Hong Kong which included taking transportation to mainland China and going through the entry process, I made it to SZX, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport or 深圳宝安国际机场. It was a very foggy and a bit rainy afternoon, but the weather was not an issue to enjoy this wonderful experience.

After passing check-in and security, I went straight to the gate to enjoy every single second admiring the mighty A380. 

I couldn’t believe myself that I was finally able to board that wonderful aircraft.  

BOARDING

Here is when magic happens. I was impressed by that large fuselage and wonderful livery.  

Every detail was very welcoming. Just look at the amazing blue carpet that somehow resembled the good old times of TAM with their signature “The Magic Red Carpet”. 

The cabin looked very well. I really liked the design of the fabric on the seats, even with those big seat covers with something that looked like advertising.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

CZ A380s had a wonderful configuration that included some Economy seats on the rear section of the second floor. 

Therefore, I had the opportunity to climb the magic stairs on the back of the plane. The first thing I noticed other than those beautiful lights on the stairs, followed by the massive rear galley of the second level… 

… And the nice Economy section

THE SEAT

I found these seats super comfortable. This makes sense as they were deployed long-haul back in the Good Old days to fly from LAX to CAN, etc.  

I had the opportunity to choose an Emergency Exit seat. Legroom was excellent. This seat gave me a quick glimpse of the Business Class service. In addition, seating in front of a crew member was very interested. We had a quick chat in Chinese-mandarin about the wonderful A380. 

RUNWAY AND TAKE OFF

It was a rather cloudy and rainy afternoon. Therefore, Take Off views of the city were not possible. However, these pair of RRs made the whole experience worth it. 

INFLIGHT

Right after take-off, I had to get some urgent work done. Therefore, unfortunately, I couldn’t enjoy the inflight entertainment. Moreover, the side PTV screen wasn’t really helpful when trying to work and take a look at the flight map. Anyway, I tried to take this rather blurry picture of the Safety Card. 

MEAL TIME

Around half an hour into the flight, meal service was offered. As you might have seen, Chinese airlines offer a very decent selection of their wonderful cuisine on their domestic flights. Based on previous, and more recent flight reports, I am very delighted to know that they still give amazing meals in all classes. 

In that occasion, I had the following selection:
 
Starter: 9
A colourful mixture of carrots, capsicum, cabbage, and olives. Also, a nice bun was included. I just love any kind of bread.
 
Main dish: 10
White rice with some amazing beef with mushrooms, celery and cabbage marinated in soy sauce.
 
Dessert: 10
A sweet piece of marble cake. In addition, we had three chunks of cantaloupe, and two cherry tomatoes that were the perfect end for this wonderful meal.
 
Drink:
I might have had a drink or two? 

W/C VISIT

Just a quick line to show the clean and wide W/C available on the A380. 

LANDING

Every good thing comes to an end… And that was the case for the wonderful A380 service on CZ. We landed in a rather dark and foggy PEK at 20.00. Before leaving the plane, I walked briefly through the Business Cabin. Hoping for a second chance on those amazing seats that… was not meant to be…

FAREWELL

That evening, I was in a rush to a dinner in Sanlitun 三里屯 district, Peking. Therefore, couldn’t take many pictures of the A380. However, I took the following picture promising myself to it again long-haul…

Their retirement took me by surprise and appointed one ocean away from them… How sad I felt because I couldn’t keep the promise to fly again on the CZ A380…

However, as a lifelong memory, the CZ A380 will a slot on my personal “airspace” forever…

无论我去哪里，你都会跟我一起… “No matter where I go, you will be with me”

谢谢 _ THANK YOU

Thank you for making it this far in my rather emotive first report. I will try to post some recent experiences from the place where I am currently based.
Comments and recommendations are always well appreciated!!
 
Best regards,