Penang Planespotting #005 - 25 June 2016 - Part 2, With the KC-30

So here we have it. Most of this post is directed at the KC-30 (seeing they don't come that often, they should get a wee bit more attention). 

Seeing the mobile stairs moving away from the front door as well as the cones being removed by the ground personnel meant that it was moving soon. After all the doors closed, it was ready.

Royal Australian Air Force A330-203MRTT (A39-001)

Pushback was initiated and the profile of this MRTT slowly revieled itself. With an additional refuelling boom at the tail as well as wing mounted pods, this one's definitely an eye-catcher.

FedEx B767-3S2F(ER) (N107FE)

While waiting for checks on the KC-30 to be completed, this FedEx came. They send a mix of MD-11s and 767s up.

B vs A?

Approaching the cargo ramp

And here comes the barrage of shots of the MRTT.

Time to fly

A closeup of the tail

Holding before Runway 04

Rolling down the runway

Truth be told, after getting the KC-30, the feeling was just..... awesome. Enough for me to call it a day. Well maybe not quite yet cause whenever I look into the distance and see landing lights, I shall wait. This one's ex-Firefly.

Malaysia Airlines B737-85F (9M-FFD)

And I waited again for Firefly.

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYG) - Promoting Panasonic's Sky Series Air Conditioners

And with that, the session was over. It is really great to go spotting without expectations, and to be rewarded by visitors or special ones. Sometimes not knowing the schedule is exciting.

SSLee

Penang Planespotting #005 - 25 June 2016 - Part 1, With the KC-30

This was one trip without any expectations. Just a short drive there to get the usual ones for the fun of it. Dragonair's 8am departure was timely, followed by Thai Airways.

Dragonair A330-342 (B-HLE)

Thai Airways International A320-232 (HS-TXC)

Little did I know that this may be the last time I see Thai's narrowbody in Penang. They have now switched to Thai Smile. Those aircraft are similar to the ones that have been captured but boasts winglets sharklets and really fancy colours.

A short scan of the airport's grounds gave me this little beauty.

These short scans are great as it gives you an idea on what to expect. Especially when the special one has a catering truck attached to the aircraft.

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LMR)

See that little plant trying to get some attention?

Air HongKong A300F4-605R (B-LDF)

Firefly ATR72-600 (9M-FIG)

You can tell the 600s from the 500s apart on the Firefly aircraft with the "Raccoon Masks" they have.

Some rubber burning

FedEx MD-11F (N592FE)

What used to be the interesting one to catch is now making more appearances in Penang. SilkAir is in the process of changing to an all-Boeing fleet of B738s. This is their 15th.

SilkAir B737-8SA (9V-MGO)

Korean Air Cargo B747-4B5F(ER) (HL7499)

Wings of the 747 are hanging down with a heavy load of fuel for the trip to Incheon. As always, the Koreans make a roaring departure with their 4 Pratt & Whitney 4k engines.

Penang Planespotting #004 - 19 June 2016

Just a short trip. Wanted to catch the Korean Queen. Got 3 frames from 3 different countries.

Thai Airways International A320-232 (HS-TXD)

Dragonair A330-342 (B-HLK)

Korean Air Cargo B747-4B5F(ER) (HL7439)

A quick but fun trip. Seldom get the change to catch the queen as it comes in early in the morning.

SSLee