Review
To start off, we take a tour of the Operations Control Center of the airline which is responsible for the day to day functioning of the airline. Following this interesting introduction, we join the cabin crew as they are briefed for the first flight of the day onboard the A340-500 operated by HiFly, from Lagos to Heathrow. After a thorough walk around inspection of the aircraft, we join the flight crew in the cockpit as they prepare the aircraft for its journey.
During our first flight to Heathrow there were many highlights. Personally, I enjoyed the discussion with the Captain on the major differences between the A340-500 and the 300 series and what makes the A340-500 one of the best A340s ever built. I was also impressed with the use of the Ipad in the cockpit which has significantly simplified the task of reviewing charts and operation manuals. There was very impressive display of the Ipad and its capabilities that I think you have to see it to believe!
After our arrival in Heathrow, we switch aircraft for our return flight onboard the 737-800 to Abuja. Apart from the cockpit preparations, this was pretty much a routine flight with no significant highlights worth mentioning. The following day we join the crew of the Dash 8 Q400 to flights from Lagos to Asaba and Abuja. These flights were very interesting and apart from scenic views from the cockpit, you may also enjoy the cockpit overview and external walk around of this marvelous aircraft.
Destinations also featured in this DVD are Benin City and Accra which we journey to onboard the 737-700 and 800 series. Two of the highlights that I enjoyed the most were the discussions with the Captain on the history and accomplishments of the airline that really shed some light on how significantly different this airline really is in comparison to the stereotype of other airlines from Africa.
The final highlight had nothing to do with the airline or destination itself, but it was the new and very interesting camera views introduced on this DVD. During the final two flights in the 737, you will notice a blended camera view on landing where you are able to see both the throttle and a view of the runway blended together. Just Planes continues to be creative in their production of these DVD and I hope we see more innovation in their editing.
Overall this is a DVD that is worth its price and I won't hesitate to recommend it anyone. 9/10
Once again, these DVDs were an absolute pleasure to watch and I think anyone who loves aviation will enjoy them. At a cost of $25-30 each they are a bargain. These are perfect for days when you what to see or do something aviation related but also want to enjoy the comforts of home. Just Planes has really stepped up their editing and production of their DVDs and I am sure we will continue to see more innovations in their future products. AvSim
Comments
The Arik Air program was definitely a pleasant surprise for me as I'm a big fan of the A340-500/-600, and until now I had no program in my collection featuring domestic African operations. The flight to LHR on board the Airbus was especially well done, in part due to Cpt. Sallaberry's enthusiasm about his aircraft. I also especially enjoyed the Q400 flights, which allowed me to see airfields in Nigeria and listen to their respective ATC. Of course the 737 flights are enjoyable as well, and I believe the final flight in the program makes the longest 737 flight in the Just Planes series at 6h 43m! Great job once again! Joseph Maner
I was totally amazed with this latest Just Planes production. To my surprise the airline featured is Arik Air. I have always wished Just Planes would feature this airline and it finally happened. First of all, I would like to thank the new edition to the team, Simon Wilson who directed this latest production. Nigeria is not an easy place to film, so I want to especially commend him for accepting this assignment and doing an excellent job under some difficult situations at times. I really enjoyed the A340-500 to LHR and the B737-800 portion from Lagos to LHR. I found Captain Claudio on the A340 portion very gracious and engaging. The scenery was awesome and was captured beautifully by Simon. Great aircraft and destinations are featured, so do not hesitate to purchase this DVD. By the way, the Blu-ray quality continues to amaze me and I am looking forward to more great things from Just Planes in the future. George Alves
Another great Blu-Ray program. I was very happy to see the A340-500 added to the series and especially since it was the special HGW version. The flights to and from London were spectacular (the night footage was well done and very clear). The scenery throughout the program was also very nice with some interesting destinations. For Simon's first program, he did a great job. I really like his style of camerawork and I am looking forward to the next one. Mark Wilson
For Just Planes to feature a Nigerian airline was quite a surprise, but viewers won't be disappointed with this program. Three aircrafts are featured and various destinations from the sophisticated London Heathrow (LHR) to the small and basic Benin City airport (BNI).
The best highlight in this program is the LOS-LHR leg which featured the A340-500 in detail. Capt. Sallaberry made a very good presentation and external walkaround. Outstanding video and audio quality. I'd rate this production at 4/5 stars! Roy Joven Benzonan
What an awesome overview of the A340-500. It's great to see a captain who knows his plane to this level of detail, and enjoys explaining it. This guys lives and breathes aviation! CP
Very nice A340-500! A very special aircraft.This A345 is like driving a full equipped Lamborghinni versus a standard Mustang!! Thanks and keep doing the good job! PV Email your comments
