Charles Kennedy wrote a piece.
In Lebanon, it was a great week. Lebanon is in a poor state. The currency fell in value. Imported goods are ten times more expensive than before. The black market rate is much higher than the white market rate. Changing money is like robbing a bank because it is the biggest note with a value of about $3.70 One of the biggest non-nuclear blasts in history happened in August of 2020 when 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port, killing 218 and costing the country fifteen billion dollars.
The problem of Lebanon is that each of its 18 religions is more distrustful of other groups gaining power than they are of their own completely corrupt ruling families.
The current system doesn't deliver in any way. Lebanon has no public transportation and almost no electricity. Many shops and apartments don't have power for long periods of time, and there are no street lights or traffic lights. It is difficult to walk back to the hotel after dinner as the footpaths are not level and there are holes in the ground. You have to rely on the light from the cars that are trying to run you over to avoid being run over.
There's a lot to be positive about. They haven't gone back to the bad old days of inter-communal violence despite enormous pressure and the economic crisis. They might find a new way of running things that will be an example to the world, because life is so hard. They are one of the most cultured and entrepreneurial people.
Lebanon is a different country every time I go there. It is not a post-civil war society this time. The civil war is something that happened to parents and grandparents and the consequences are still a factor. Lebanon has become a big, hot, old, young, bustling enigma.
Trip Report: A Trip to Lebanon on MEA – Middle East Airlines
I flew out of Rafic Hariri Int'l Airport of Lebanon after 3 days in the country.
I went to the Cedar Lounge before I left. The lounge has been renovated and has nice settings.
Hot and cold snacks are available in the lounge.
There is a view of the apron on one side of the lounge.
The Cedar Lounge has a spa service.
The MEA A330-200 is an older model.
There are 44 Business Class and 200 Economy Class seats. The exit row of the business class has plenty of leg room.
The view of the skyline of Lebanon was amazing. There is a beautiful day in the eastern Mediterranean.
Takeoff views can be seen in the video.
Drinks were served on the trolley before dinner.
The rest of the flight was easy to navigate. As we travel East towards Syria, Iraq, and the Gulf, the coastline has changed back to the desert.
The economy was filled 80% while the business class was only half full.
You can watch the full video.
I liked the MEA - Middle East Airlines flight very much. The company made money for 18 years in a row. MEA needs to stay ahead of what's happening in Lebanon in order to continue to be the country's main source of income.
The airline's strength is its food and service. The A321neo has good IFE and is also capable of using wi-fi. Two A330s will be sold soon and the A330 cabin is showing signs of age. There are no delivery dates for the A330-900neo.
Skyteam miles can be used to redeem awards at MEA, which is a good thing.
The launch customer is MEA. Hopefully, it will have a better product.
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