Penang Planespotting #010 - 19 August 2017 - Part 2

Here's part 2. Starting off with the departure of the Korean freighter to Seoul. I remember how I'd always hoped for the 777 freighter to come to town instead of the 74F. Guess that made me forget how enjoyable the 74Fs were. Now they only send the 77F and on the rare occassions the 74Fs. Oh well.

Korean Air Cargo B777-FB5 (HL8045)

This AirAsia has a slight mismatch on the cowlings. No matter I guess. Anything that fits.

AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AHM)

Then I was treated with the departure of an A320NEO. I must say once again how quiet these aircraft are. Their takeoff run with full engine thrust was as silent as the CFMs engines at idle reverse.

AirAsia A320-251N (9M-AGD)

Here we have Firefly with a special scheme promoting Kedah's Football Team. I don't seem to see any more of their -600 series. Some has gone to NAM air, though others appear to still be under Firefly. Wonder if they are going to MASWings.

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYH)

And then it was time for the 77F to depart. Here are a few shots. Always a pleasure to see a 777 go.

Takeoff run

Firefly departed shortly after. One thing great about these regional aircraft is that they will turn to the runway from Bravo TW, giving a nice close-up of a head-on shot.

If China Southern can change their fleet from A320s to A321s, one can hope for them to change to something bigger too (I don't know a 757 perhaps? though maybe not too suited for this PEN-CAN leg).

China Southern Airlines A321-211 (B-6663)

Another regional operator, Malindo Air coming in with their ATR72.

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LML)

Shortly after we have a 76F from Singapore. Trying to time this shot just before the wings de-flex at touchdown.

FedEx B767-3S2F(ER) (N101FE)

After taxiing on Alpha, they will wait for the runway to clear before crossing to the cargo ramp on the other side (to the left of this photo).

The tail

To be continued in Part 3.

Penang Planespotting #010 - 19 August 2017 - Part 1

So the for the entire week, I've been greeted by MH's A330. You know when you first hear a heavy coming out of PEN at 8am, you would think it is Dragonair's 330. But upon closer inspection (well just a glance to the sky), MH's distinct woosh livery is seen. Checking later revealed that they were operating flights to and from Jeddah via MH8086 and MH8083. Yippee for me. Time for spotting.

2 330s at Penang. A lovely sight

Being an avid planespotter, nothing excites me more than seeing so many widebodies in one frame. Two 330s, a 777 Freighter and an A321, something that China Southern only recently started to send.

Malaysia Airlines A330-323 (9M-MTB)

Then took a gamble on the position to capture the departure of this beauty. On one hand, from this location, it would guarantee a rather good shot of the aircraft rocketing down the runway, though all whells would be on the ground. On the other hand, being further down the runway could give me a departure shot but steady hands are required as the plane would be much faster there (lighting was atrocious and it was rather Hazy).

Decided to try something different and went for the departure shot. First catch was Thai Smile

Thai Smile A320-232 (HS-TXL)

Up next was KA692 to Hong Kong. This time with Cathay Dragon. Their colours are starting to grow on me.

Cathay Dragon A330-343 (B-LBF)

Not too long after, here's Indonesia AirAsia leaving Penang.

Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AXT)

And finally, the main catch for the day. I would say that gambled paid off, maybe not so in full but it was worth it. The exact rotation point was blocked by that wee tree you see on the bottom left. This shot is fine enough though. They used almost the full runway for takeoff as this is the exact same point where KA was in the shot above.

Leaving to Jeddah

Now before I had the chance to head back to the first spotting location, the queen arrived.

Eva Air Cargo B747-45EF(SCD) (B-16481)

Good thing too as this 747 was not slow enough to turn at Taxiway Delta (immediately to the left of the aircraft as viewed in the photo). Most heavies would turn off by Delta. More photos of the freighter.

Heading to the end of the runway

Waved to them, but I don't think they saw me.

Fully deployed control surfaces

Turning onto Alpha

Left Full view

Heading to the terminal

With no more (visible) aircraft coming in to land, it was time I head back to the first spot. Was not fast enough to catch the arrival of Air HongKong's A306.

Air HongKong A300F4-605R (B-LDD)

To continue in Part 2.