ARRIVAL From Hatton Cross tube station I caught the three minute transfer bus to Heathrow terminal four and arrived at 1710 for the 1900 inaugural flight (March 26) to Ankara, which continues on to Khartoum, Sudan. Currently there are six flights a week, rising to daily in July. I went to check-in Zone B by mistake instead of the business class check-in zone, but did not have to wait long and was allocated an aisle seat. I went through fast-track security and was airside by 1725 with boarding beginning at 1840. The A320 continues on to Khartoum in Sudan, with a 45-minute re-fuelling stop at Ankara. During this period passengers do not leave the plane, with security checks being carried out on-board - present restrictions mean that passengers cannot board at Ankara to fly to Khartoum.
THE LOUNGE Business class passengers have the use of the upstairs Terrace lounge opposite Gate 10, which has an impressive buffet (introduced after last year's Gate Gourmet problems to ensure passengers did not go hungry, but retained due to its popularity). Wifi broadband connection is available and there are separate TV and computer areas, as well as an ingenious mobile phone charger, which can reputedly take any battery.
BOARDING We boarded at 1830 from a transfer bus, with my seat being in row six, the last row of business class. Our jackets were taken as we settled ourselves and we were offered newspapers and magazines - I chose Cornucopia ('Turkey for Connoisseurs'). We were then offered champagne, orange juice or water before take-off. The flight was busy and in economy class nearly every seat was taken.
THE SEAT In stark contrast to a number of other European airlines, such as Lufthansa, KLM and Air France (who perhaps consider this destination as short-haul), Bmed offers long-haul style seating in business class. Configured in a 2-2 formation, the blue seats are the old BA cradle offering, previously used in Club World until they were ousted by the lie-flat bed. The pitch is a generous 127cm and the width around 51cm. The controls for reclining, massage function and leg rest extension are on the right-hand armrest. In seat power for laptops is being rolled out across the A320 and A321 fleet in business class, while the in flight entertainment (IFE) screen is housed inside the left-hand armrest and extends on a metal hinge, with the control on the side of the armrest.
THE FLIGHT We took off just after 1915 and were instructed how to use the IFE audiovisual on demand while we were served drinks and Pretzels. Food orders were taken after about 15 minutes - there was no menu but a flight attendant explained the three choices. Unfortunately they ran out of my preference of starter and main course by the time they got to me (this could be put down to the fact it was the inaugural flight). Further drinks were served about 15 minutes before dinner which arrived at 2045. It was served on blue trays with metal cutlery and smart white BA crockery. All meals are plated on board and the presentation was a nice touch, although unfortunately the white truffle salad dressing had leaked over my tray and napkin (apparently out of all the dressings this one escapes most frequently). The tasty vegetable and cheese terrine was served with a radish salad, while the main course was chicken kiev with chips and green beans, which was well presented although the chips were a little soggy. For dessert I had sticky toffee pudding. On the return leg breakfast is served, including a tasty Turkish style stuffed pancake and sausage. We finished dinner by 1015 and the lights were dimmed. Unfortunately at this point I could not get my IFE to work - the screen froze and despite resetting it several times the friendly flight attendant could not get it to play. In the end I gave up and had a snooze (on the return journey the IFE worked perfectly and I enjoyed a film and an album of my choice).
LANDING We landed at Ankara's Esenboga International airport at 0050 local time (2250 UK time). As this was the inaugural trip we were taken to a VIP area while our visas were stamped - Turkish visas can be arranged on arrival for around £10. After around half an hour we left for the 35km journey into the centre of town.
VERDICT A relief for business travellers making the journey between London and Ankara as it has cut the time by around 4 hours (previously passengers had to go via Istanbul). The seats are extremely comfortable and a big bonus for travellers in Bmed's business class.
PRICES When Business Traveller checked this week, return flights towards the end of April in economy started at £268, with business class return fares at £723, both including taxes.
Report by Felicity Cousins
