Enontekio 15.12.07

[Jaboh]

Flew into and out of Enontekio airport 15.12.07 (TOM8547).
Got held up on departure because (allegedly):
A late returning coach delayed aircraft number 1 in a queue of 7 on the apron and, since there is no room to maneuver, all subsequent flights were held until this plane had left.
If the above explanation is true, does anyone know what the procedure would be if aircraft 1 went seriously u/s? Would we be stuck there until it was serviceable or could it be moved eventually?
PS Many thanks to the crew of TOM8547 who kept a big smile and a bigger sense of humour in the face of many, many overtired and fractious children.:ok:

[tailwheel76]

Hi Jaboh,

Did you mean flight 8447/8 from Bristol? If so, I can shed some light on what happened, I think you've misunderstood or been misinformed with some of the info.

To begin with we were asked to delay departure back to Bristol as we arrived at Enontekio later than planned, to ensure everyone had a chance to have a full day in Lapland.

In the afternoon, we arrived back at the aircraft to be told one of the coach load of passengers had an accident on their to and from visiting Santa, so we were waiting for them. The agent at the airport had very little information on where exactly they were, when they had left and roughly when they would be with us.

The aircraft was prepared as much as possible for flight so when they arrived we could close up and depart. They all arrived eventually, and most of the passengers were escorted across to the aircraft, however a few, I believe, were held in the terminal as a Thomas Cook aircraft was being de-iced, right outside the terminal.

We asked they pause the deicing for a few minutes whilst we recieve our final passengers but unfortunately they couldn't for operational reasons. The Thomas Cook aircraft was ready to depart as soon as the de-icing was complete and they were given clearance to start and taxi which they did prompty.

As I'm sure you noticed the apron at Enontekio is very small and congested so with safety being priority the passengers were held in the terminal until the de-icing was complete and the departing aircraft had taxi'd out of the apron.

I think the whole crew were amazed at how well the kids were behaved considering how long we were sat there for.

With regards to the possibilty of aircraft becoming u/s, the way we had all been parked, although it may have looked a muddle, we could all have departed with minimal disruption. They are well prepared and geared up for the operation in Enontekio in what is normally a pretty quiet airfield.

I hope you enjoyed the trip to see Santa and he brings you everything you ask for, and the delay didn't cause you too much hassle.

I hope this helps, if you've any questions PM me and I'll be glad to help.

Merry Christmas.

Tailwheel76

[TightSlot]

Jaboh

Was it a good trip otherwise? - Enontekio is the best destination IMO on the Santa run - this year I didn't get to do one :{

[Jaboh]

Tailwheel,

Thanks for the insight, that's a lot more (or more accurate) info than we (SLF) got from the tour operator(s) and the airport. We were told that 8447/8 for Bristol and Nor - Wich :), was holding all departures due to the delayed arrival of a coach. Allegedly, due to the size of the apron, nothing could move until this aircraft had departed - hence my question about u/s planes.

I think the whole crew were amazed at how well the kids were behaved considering how long we were sat there for.I can tell you weren't crew on my flight, my daughter did NOT fit the above description.:rolleyes:

Tightslot.

It was a wonderful trip, even with the (mild) delays I would recommend it to anyone. A beautiful place to be and absolutely magical for a four year old. To meet the REAL Santa is such an honour.:ok:

Merry Christmas to all.

[WHBM]

In the afternoon, we arrived back at the aircraft
I just wonder how you can have afternoon in a place where, in December, it is dark 24 hours a day ?

Apparently some pax do not realise this :)

[BYALPHAINDIA]

I know what Vic Reeves would say - IVALO:D:D

[Jaboh]

I know what Vic Reeves would say - IVALO:D:D"you.. yes, you..; Are you hunting factory gazelle?"

I'm not sure how this relates to my OP but what the heck. :rolleyes:

PS, I thought he said:

"Oh dearie me, I've just crashed my car whilst under the affluence of incohol, thats my advertising junket out of the window, b****r":{