THE flight: Flight SW385 from Namibian capital city Windhoek to London Gatwick, flown by an A340-300.
The check-in: As this was the second leg of my journey, I'd already checked in at Cape Town where there were just a couple of other passengers queuing at the Air Namibia desk. Staff there were welcoming and friendly.
The seat: The 42-seat business class cabin is configured 2x2x2 with a galley and toilets dividing it into two sections. The 60-inch pitch meant there was ample room to stretch out, even when both my seat and that of the passenger in front were in full recline. A tray table was stowed in one arm and a small TV screen in the other.
THE SERVICE: Amenity kits, pillows, blankets and headphones were handed out shortly after take off, before the drinks trolley came round. The hostess wasn't sure of the quantities involved in a Bloody Mary so happily poured a strong vodka and left me a carton of tomato juice, bottle of Worcester-shire sauce and a pepper shaker! A nice seafood dish soon followed, accompanied
by a good choice of South African wines.
THE ENTERTAINMENT: There was a choice of ten audio channels and several films were offered on the personal video unit, though nothing really took my fancy.
The arrival: The flight landed at Gatwick ahead of schedule at around 4.30am. It was the first arrival of the day so immigration was a breeze, but the baggage handlers had obviously not started work since we had to wait quite some time for the baggage carousel to grind into action.
The verdict: The inflight entertainment leaves a little to be desired, though the seat itself had plenty of space and good recline, meaning I managed to snooze most of the flight away. The departure and arrival times fit nicely around a day's business.
The details: Air Namibia flies from London Gatwick to Windhoek twice a week, with 21.15 departures on Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving 09.30 the following day. Return flights are Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing 20.40 and arriving at Gatwick at 04.55 the following day.
www.airnamibia.com Andy Hoskins
