| Braathens Regional | Marseille (MRS) → Bastia (BIA) | ATR 72 | Economy Class | 16/04/2023 | Current review |
| Braathens Regional | Marseille (MRS) → Bastia (BIA) | ATR 72 | Economy Class | 16/04/2023 | Current review |
Ladies and gentlemen welcome aboard this new Flight review for a flight operated by Braathens Regional Airlines between Marseille and Bastia. This review is a worldwide exclusivity since no written review has ever been done on board BRA's ATRs! First, let me introduce BRA. Braathens Regional Airlines or simply BRA is a Swedish regional airline. Born in 2016 from a merger of ten Swedish regional airlines, it operates mainly domestic flights across Sweden from its base in Stockholm-Bromma and some international flights. So, you are probably wondering why I am traveling with a Swedish airline on a French domestic route. Actually, Air Corsica is facing a delay in the delivery of its ATRs and is forced to charter some flights to satisfy passengers' demands. Thus, although the flight number is Air Corsica, the flight will be operated by a crew, a cabin, and an aircraft of BRA!
It's 7:30 in the morning, and I meet you in Terminal 1 Hall B of Marseille-Provence Airport.
It is possible, even from the public side of the terminal, to observe the aircraft landing through large windows.
I'm not even checked in for the flight yet and my plane is already arriving! I can then observe for the first time this very colorful livery.
I then hurriedly checked in and went through the security controls. I find myself on the airside.
I go to the right to reach my gate (31). The indications are clear.
My flight and gate are well announced on the departure board.
I wait for the boarding to begin by observing the aircraft around.
All along the pier, there are seats equipped with electrical outlets.
On the other hand, there are not many shopping facilities.
Here we go! The boarding begins. I am among the last to board the bus, and will be the first to arrive on board the aircraft!
When I get off the bus, I really take the time to appreciate the beauty of this livery! I realize the exceptional dimension of this flight.
I then discover this cabin with light tones in a 2-2 configuration.
Luckily, I was automatically positioned in the first row. Unfortunately, not on the window side...
After introducing myself to the crew, I was invited to visit the cockpit. This will be the opportunity to have a very interesting discussion with the Swedish pilots!
The legroom is obviously exceptional. I can fully extend my legs.
The jumpseat is positioned right in front of me. During the takeoff, I will talk with the stewardess who will explain to me that the crew is staying in France for a month. Thus, every month until the summer, a new BRA crew will be assigned to Corsica.
The boarding is finished, and the taxi begins. The noisy engines will be running at full speed during the take-off. Being in the front row, the loud engines won't bother me. I imagine that the experience is different for the people in the back.
About the seat facilities, there are two elements: the tray table, hidden in the armrest, and the seat reclining button.
Outside, we are gradually gaining altitude. Nevertheless, we will quickly reach our cruising altitude, at 17,000ft
The service is performed. We receive a typical Corsican cookie and a variety of hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks.
We follow the French coast towards the East, and the bay of Nice and its airport appear! Can you spot it?
The safety card:
And finally, the descent begins with magnificent views through the window of the Corsican landscape.
The belts are fastened, we are ready to land.
On the left and on the right, the beautiful landscapes continue to pass by.
We turn before aligning ourselves with the runway. Then, we landed smoothly 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
We arrive at the parking lot, the engines are turned off.
Thank you BRA for this flight!
It is then time to disembark and to be able to observe the aircraft again from the outside.
An Air Corsica A320 is waiting for its next flight.
In a few minutes, luggage arrives!
I then visit a bit the airport, before heading toward the exit!
The experience of this airport really depends on which terminal you leave from. I have very bad memories of terminal 2, while on the contrary, terminal 1 is quite nice. On this trip, I found a bright, relatively modern airport with good facilities. The security checks and check-in were efficient. At the gate, many seats were available, which is a very good point!
BRA was an excellent discovery. The aircraft was very recent, so the cabin was comfortable and modern. The crew was extremely friendly. All in all, it is a very good airline! I hope you enjoyed reading this review as much as I enjoyed traveling with BRA!
This was my first visit to Bastia Airport. Contrary to the other Corsican airports, this one seemed to me equipped with modern infrastructures. The luggage arrived quickly.
