kayakstan.net :: KyrgyzAir
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Tim flew out to Kyrgyzstan from India. His flight was cancelled, twice, and he arrived three days late. When he eventually managed to get through check-in he discovered that although they mentioned a Boeing 737 in his booking, they were being somewhat liberal with the truth. Here are a few words describing flying, Kyrgyz style...
They mentioned before we saw the plane that the 737 mentioned wasn't available, or something equally vague, and that the replacement was an IL-18 - apparantly a 30 year old, propeller powered, Russian design. Upon entering the plane the interior certainly showed its age. Well, what I could see of it anyways. The only interior lights were at the very front of the cabin, the rest had been turned off to conserve power... Apparantly the plane wouldn't start if the rest were left on, just like a student's claped out old banger! There were no overhead luggage lockers - evidently a recent invention - all handluggage either went under the seats or any other place you could find to put it. The threadbare carpet in the centre aisle had been covered with a newer roll, but this was not tacked down and had rucked up, causing everyone, even the stewardesses, to trip over it in the dark. Some of the trim between the white canvas ceiling and the walls had come away, and bolts and loose wires poked through the openings. As we jostled for seats on the full flight, I found a free row of three seats and sat down on the aisle seat with the intention of shifting over to the window seat. I never got that far - the entire row tilted up and I slid back into the aisle. Once I recomposed myself I decided to use the fact the seats weren't bolted down to my advantage and shuffle them back a few inches for a bit of extra legroom.
Once everyone had their seats we sat in the dark in the toasting Delhi heat for a good 20 minutes as they finished loading the last of the luggage. They then closed the doors and we waited a furter 10 minutes. Closing the doors was a bad idea, the already humid interior of the aircraft got warmer and warmer and soon everyone on the packed plane had streams of sweat pouring off them - even the locals who were supposed to be used to the heat.
As the plane began to taxi down the runway no safety briefing was given, but then, if the seats aren't bolted down I guess there's no need to fasten your seatbelt, A mobile phone rang - and was answered - no attempt to stop that either. Hmmm. As we reached the runway and began to take off the lights came on and the A/C finally began blasting out. Heaven be praised! However, some of the A/C vents were missing, leaving big 6" x 2" gaps through which the cold air blasted unchecked. Before not too long those sitting under these vents were shivering away. Those lucky enough to have brought blankets with them dug them out from their hand-luggage, the less lucky simply moved and spent the flight sitting on the floor where it was at least warmer. One aspect to the flight I did appreciate however was the open door to the cockpit. I walked up and spent 5 minutes admiring the vast array of instruments glowing green as the pilots completely ignored them, arguing animatedly with each other, and leaving the autopilot to do its business.
Four hours after takeoff the plane landed remarkably smoothly and a round of applause went up. Normally I don't see the point in these - I mean, you generally expect to land safely - but this time it seemed to be stragely apt. I had finally arrived, the kayakstan.net team was complete and we had one whole month of exploratory boating to look forward to.