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LATAM became the first airline in the Americas to regularly operate the most modern aircraft of the Airbus company, the A350 ONLY. At that time I was part of one of the first commercial flights of the Airbus A350 of LATAM Brazil and here I tell you how that experience was flying to Manaus.
At that time I did not yet have the blog, so i found it interesting anyway, tell you in this flight report about how to fly in an airplane 0 kilometers about two years ago.
It should be noted that we stayed at the best hotel for spotting in Guarulhos, hue, which possibly has, one of the best terraces for aeronautical photography tasks. That same day in the afternoon a new experience would begin at the LATAM Brazil Training Center, located in a sector very close to the second airport of Sao Paulo, Congonhas.
LATAM Brazil Training Center
Before the trip to Manaus, we got to know the exclusive and specially equipped training space for crew members and also pilots, Ground staff, cargo and others from LATAM Brazil. In this great center we were able to learn the details of the strict and demanding training process that every potential cabin crew member must pass satisfactorily to join the select and trained group of members of the airline.. Here, new candidates go through various tests of physical and technical ability.
Training of ditching, aircraft evacuation through emergency slides of A320 and A330, smoke and cabin decompression simulation, Firefighting, first aid, customer service and even survival methods in extreme conditions like jungle.
In this place they train and certify daily around 30 junior and senior crew members of TAM, always maintaining the highest safety standards, within these parameters we were able to be part of the training of new and recurring crew members, jumping down the slides, saving a doll or dummy inside a labyrinth of smoke and deeply knowing how demanding the training and standards that the airline applies to all its employees in the air operations area. After an exciting day, we were ready to fly to Manaus in the first Airbus A350 in the Americas..
Flight to Manaus
The flight that took us to Manaus was the sixth regular flight of the modern A350 XWB from Sao Paulo, first regular route that began operations on 25 of January of 2016 and that served at that time for familiarization of pilots and crew. We had the privilege of being one of the first 4 000 passengers to enjoy the benefits of this new aircraft in the fleet of 147 planes that LATAM Brazil has.
From the current Terminal 2 from Sao Paulo, we were received by TAM staff who guided us to the check-in area, where we were assigned to our pleasant surprise, seats in the new Business Class that this first aircraft has and that will soon be standardized in the rest of LATAM's long-haul fleet. We quickly pass the security filters, despite the high flow of passengers that is recorded in the morning at the most congested airport in Brazil. Our flight JJ3408 was scheduled to take off at 9 hours 30 minutes, by enjoying the support of the airline staff we were able to access the boarding gate and therefore the plane earlier, so for at least 15 minutes the plane fell victim to the camera just for us.
On board
From the first visual contact this plane stands out from any other in the airport, his black mask in the cockpit reminds us of the beautiful Nazca Boobies that inhabit the Galapagos Islands. Upon entering the plane the details continued to surprise us, a multilingual welcome sign and a wooden floor made us realize that this plane is of another level and the passenger is the protagonist.
the smell of new, brand new seats, bright screens and no fingerprints were still on the tour of the plane. We started in the economy class, where the seats have been corrected and optimized so as not to make the initial mistakes of discomfort and little space between seats in the Boeing 787. Each seat with its individual screen, control and the now more than ever appreciated USB charging port and multi-plug socket for those who care about the battery of their mobile equipment and cannot be disconnected. A more than acceptable recline within the industry standard makes the economy class a level above the competition.
We continue towards the galley rear where the space for the crew is the largest within this range of aircraft and where there is also, unlike again with the B787, the rest beds of the senior crew, something anecdotal, since when these planes begin long-distance flights, the resting pilots will have to cross the entire plane in view of the passengers and more than one of them will wonder where they are going.
The tour advanced in the front of the plane, where business class seats have an 18” flat screen, they are reclining 100% type bed, control individual, USB connector and also multi-plug socket for all kinds of electronic equipment. Comfortable, but mostly spacious, the experience for the Business passenger will be first class. The entertainment on board is complete, films, series, songs, games, information map and camera option, that allows you to see the outside of the plane, in this case an aerial view from the “belly” of the aircraft. separate note, this aircraft does not yet have WiFi service, extra we expected for the newness of the aircraft, LATAM has not yet defined its implementation or not.
We completed the return by the brand new plane in the obligatory visit, the cabin. Larger than an Airbus A330 and with 10 ten large 12” and 18” screens, making this cabin “paperless”, so pilots do not need to have physical charts, since all the necessary information from letters, checklist and more, now it is presented directly on the screens. During the visit to the cabin we were able to talk with the pilots, a commander from LATAM and one from Airbus as part of the training, training and adaptation to the new aircraft, normal formula always applied by airlines and manufacturers.
we take off
Punctually our flight took off directly to the heart of the Amazon. With a duration of 4 hours the experience was very pleasant. Due to lower pressurization, recycled air more often, the atmosphere on the plane is cozy and pleasant, even for those people who suffer from problems and pains in the ears. Being a domestic flight, the food and beverage service on board is modest and consisted of a drink of your choice and a ham sandwich., nothing bad, but something more was expected to be in Businnes.
The flight continued very smoothly and we were able to enjoy more photos, but above all the wide variety of entertainment, Without a doubt, on long-distance flights, this aircraft will be the most valued by passengers..
This aircraft flies higher and faster than others in its range, that is why the flight time versus the itinerary is less. Also for this higher and faster concept and by adding the largest load of passengers and transported payload, this plane is up to a 25% cheaper than others in its segment. After 3 hours and 35 minutes and then fly over the great Amazon and the enormous Rio Negro, we landed at the Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus (THERE IT IS: MAO – OACI: SBEG).
Manaos
We spent a whole day in this beautiful capital city of the State of Amazonas, founded the 24 October 1669, It has a population of more than 2 million and in it we were able to learn about its history and boom during the rubber fever between 1879 and 1912, when it became the second largest city in the world. Subsequently, With the arrival of synthetic rubber, this city experienced a deep economic crisis., but in the last 10 years the city has managed to take off again thanks to the mass production industry. More of 2 Millions of motorcycles are manufactured in Manaus and the largest beverage plant in Brazil is also located in this now thriving city that amazed us with its European architecture., beautiful streets surrounded by dense jungles, with an intense and hot tropical climate.
At the end of the wonderful and interesting visit to Manaus we returned to Sao Paulo, also on board the Airbus A350, oddly repeating crew. Without a doubt, a plane that we recommend flying, you will notice the difference.
LATAM Airbus A350
Brand new Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) PR-XTA SN24 with capacity for 348 passengers in two classes (30 in Business Class and 318 in Economics). From the fourth aircraft of this model the capacity will vary to Premium Business 30 seating, Economy Plus 63 seats and Economy 246 seating, thus introducing a new concept of Economy in LATAM. It is powered by two large powerful RR Trent XWBs with over 84 thousand pounds of push force worth more than USD 35 million each, much more efficient in fuel consumption, and with a reduction of 10% -it is included 25%- carbon dioxide emissions (CO2)
The A350 XWB brings the latest generation in aerodynamics, design, differentiated technology and performance. The wings of the A350 XWB are designed to adapt during phases of flight by automatically changing their shape for greater aerodynamic efficiency.. Which translates into less friction with the air, lower fuel consumption and higher speed.
More data on the A350
- The A350 XWB has an extra wide fuselage, providing a quieter and very comfortable cabin for passengers in all classes.
- With 5,58 meters (220 inches) distance between the armrests of the seats in the same row, the cabin has seats with a width of 45,72 cm (18”) in Economy Class and 62.99 cm (24.8”) en la Premium Business, this being the widest Business class seat in the LATAM fleet.
- The cabin layout of the A350 XWB – with soft curves, flowing lines, large windows and innovative lighting – it also creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. The panoramic windows of the A350 XWB are 24% larger than a similar current generation aircraft and this creates great viewing angles, offering passengers a good view of the outside world.
- The A350 XWB offers in all classes of service, overhead compartments with large capacity to accommodate hand luggage.
- Innovative lighting concepts help reduce the effect of jet lag, highlighting the feeling of quality in the overall cabin space. Full LED lighting allows 16,7 millions of different colors to create personalized atmospheres.
- The A350 XWB's air management system helps passengers enjoy a more enjoyable flight. All the air in the cabin is renewed every two or three minutes., in a draft-free environment and at an ideal temperature, maintained through its advanced air conditioning technology.
Technical data
| LATAM Brazil (JJ-THERE) | |
| foundation | 1961 |
| HUB Principal | Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport |
| Fleet | 147+ |
| destinations (National and international) | 63+ |
| Web page | www.latam.com |
| Flight Sao Paulo – Manaus – Sao Paulo | |
| Airplane | Airbus A350- 350-941 XWB |
| Registration | PR-XTA |
| maximum takeoff weight | 268 tons |
| landing weight | 205 tons |
| Maximum weight (aircraft out of fuel) | 192 tons |
| Occupation GRU-MAO | 332 |
| Occupation MAO-GRU | 338 |
Airbus A350 Gallery
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