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What happens on board a Hajj flight
Hi everyone, and we are on a harsh flight. Hello, welcome on board. My name is Kristina, and today I will take you behind the scenes of what the intricate and synchronized roles are of the cabin crew and the pilots.
From pre-flight preparations to cruising at 35,000 feet plus, every moment is carefully orchestrated to make sure that everyone has a comfortable and safe journey ahead. Long before the passengers board the aircraft, the crew gathers for pre-flight briefing. This meeting is crucial for reviewing the flight plan, weather conditions and potential turbulence.
With the briefing complete, the cabin crew, under the leadership of the purser or the lead flight attendant, prepares the aircraft for boarding. As the passengers begin to board, the cabin crew welcomes them, assists with seating and provides safety instructions. Once the doors are closed and all the passengers are seated, the purser will introduce a person who will lead a prayer for the entire cabin.
Glory be to the One who has subjected this to us, and to Whom we were not certain. After the pilots complete all the checks and receive clearance, the aircraft taxis onto the runway and proceeds with takeoff. Now begins the in-flight service.
The cabin crew distributes meals and drinks to the passengers. So today we have two services on a nine-hour flight. The first service is underway.
I had a choice of beef and chicken. They come with prawn chips, a pudding and some fried appetizer in Indonesian. From the meal distribution and addressing passenger queries, they maintain a high level of service and professionalism.
The majority of passengers on board are elders. Therefore, the Boeing 747 always has doctors and nurses to do regular check-ups and assist anyone who needs help. During the flight, most passengers change into the clothing called the ikram.
The ikram consists of two simple white unstitched sheets for men and modest dress for women, symbolizing unity and equality among Muslims. By wearing ikram, Muslims show their readiness to perform the pilgrimage rites and demonstrate solidarity and humanity as they undertake this significant religious journey together. The Hajj flights typically span from 9 to 11 hours.
Thus, there are two in-flight meal services, one at the start of the journey and another towards the end of the flight. Additionally, the passengers receive gift boxes as a token of appreciation for choosing to fly with Garuda Indonesia. We're currently in the middle of a Hajj flight and I wanted to ask Sam, how is the flight for you right now? This is an experience of its own.
Not just because it's a 747 flight, but going to the holy city of Saudi Arabia with 450 pilgrims. I can imagine how emotional they are when they approach Mecca or Medina because people here saved all their lives for this flight. It means a lot for them.
However, I have to say, the most impressive thing I've seen is human kindness from the crew. How well they treat the Hajjis, how well they treat myself and the respect they've given to everybody. It doesn't matter what language, what religion, what background you're from, human kindness is universal.
Humanity is number one. I'm really glad today to be on board. Throughout the flight, the pilots maintain vigilant monitoring of the aircraft systems.
Regular communication with the ATC ensures safe separation from other aircraft. They also review the descent and landing plan, taking into account weather updates and destination airport conditions. Hello everyone, my name is Vitaly Lyabakha, I'm captain on flight 419 from Jakarta to Jeddah.
At that time, we are flying over Saudi Arabia already, just one hour and 30 minutes left for landing at Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. We're expecting pretty good weather, light wind, moderate turbulence. That flight was pretty smooth.
I hope that everyone on board enjoyed the flight and I wish you all the best and thank you for being with us. Thank you. As the descent begins, the pilgrims have another group prayer.
As we near our stand, excitement fills the air. With clearance given, the doors open and the passengers eagerly disembark. Many have awaited this moment for years, keen to step on Saudi soil and continue their sacred journey to Mecca for the holy Hajj.
And this is what happens during a Hajj flight. We hope you enjoyed and thank you for joining us on this journey.