Chengdu TIanfu International Airport is located far outside the city of Chengdu. It is designed to handle a large amounts of domestic and international flights and does pretty well at it.
The luggage drop-off & the security checks were very efficient on that day, as very little international flights took off in the morning. Most international flights departing TFU are operated on narrow-body planes. Going through the customs was very easy too, as it usually is the case in Mainland China.
I found myself waiting at the departing hall, gate 102, while sipping some hot water, a common habit in many Asian countries. The boarding went quickly and efficiently. The plane wasn't full and I had two seats next to me for stretching my legs, and making photos.
As the airport wasn't busy on that day, despite the thick fog (with a zest of pollution), we went quickly to the air and off we went!
About 30 minutes after taking-off, the crew went to serve beverages. As an international flights, passengers could choose between non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (beers and some Chile wines). I went for a traditional cup of green tea. The meal followed shortly after, rather basic but decently tasty. And served with the special sauce that makes Sichuan Airlines stand out in the landscapes of Chinese airlines, when it comes to gastronomy!
The flight went on, smooth and quiet. The flight attendants made people shut their window shades, as the sun was hitting the cabin. But wouldn't mind, if you opened it again for having a look and taking some pictures, as we flew over Vietnam and finally Malaysia before the final approach.
The final approach went smoothly too. While taxiing, we had a detailed look at planes parked at Singapore Changi: Etihad and Singapore Airlines A380, several cargo machines including two FedEx MD-11 parked outside the cargo area, waiting for the FAA flight airworthiness approval (or not … ).
Our plane went parking at Gate E06, quite far from the Arrival & Immigration Hall. The luggage were delivered within 10-15 minutes, quickly and efficiently.
