10: Kenya to The Seychelles
(NBO-SEZ)
Chosen by Captain Sean O'Callaghan
'Touching down in the Seychelles is both technically interesting and a gorgeous descent. It is spectacular coming in over the sea and the sweeping rocks covered with rainforest. But what really caught my attention is the landing. Depending on the weather, you might have to steer the plane round a bay and then land on a very short runway. As a pilot, this is the kind of thing that sticks in your mind.'
9: Bangkok to Sydney (BKK-SYD)
Chosen by Senior First Officer Graham Haydon
'When you leave Bangkok it's dark, but you can see bright lights over Sumatra and Bali in Indonesia. Over Australia you fly above miles and miles of outback, a beautiful nothingness. If you are landing from the north you can see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and if you come from the south you get great views over Botany Bay. It's a wonderful chance to see all the famous landmarks from a different angle.'
8: Berlin to Frankfurt (TXL-FRA)
Chosen by Captain Graeme Hindhaugh
'When I joined British Airways in 1988 we were still using the air corridors that were used by the Allied powers during the Berlin Blockade. As you land in Frankfurt, you can see a tall monument with three pillars that point towards Berlin. This represents the three air corridors which connected Berlin to the West, and is a memorial to the pilots killed during the Cold War. Before the Wall came down, you could see the stark contrast between the bright lights of West Berlin and the slab block flats in East Berlin. Looking down you could feel the history.'
7: London to Los Angeles (LHR-LAX)
Chosen by Senior First Officer
Mark Wallage
'The first highlight is when Greenland emerges over the horizon — white mountains against azure sea. You then fly over Canada before reaching America's breadbasket: the fields of crops there make a mosaic of greens, browns and yellows. Over Vegas you can make out casinos along the strip. Landing at LAX is nice — its coastal location means a fast approach from the east and on a clear day you can just about make out the Hollywood sign.'
6: London to Innsbruck (LGW-INN)
Chosen by Senior First Officer
Ruth Turner
'Touching down in Innsbruck, set in the stunning Tyrolean mountains, there are exceptional views for passengers and pilots alike. Sometimes, on approach, you have to move from one end of the valley, manoeuvring across the Brenner Pass and over the village of Axams with its steepled church, before turning to cross the River Inn and landing from the opposite end. A demanding but rewarding day out.'
The next and final instalment of the 30 greatest flights, as chosen by British Airways pilots, includes Rio de Janeiro to Santiago and Edinburgh to London. Missed any previous instalments? Catch up on entries 30-26, 25-21, 20-16 and 15-11. ENTRY 5-1.
Interviews: Ianthe Butt, Eilidh Wagstaff.
