First spotting session of 2018

First of all, to all readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

It is a brand new year and a brand new start to a lot of good things to come. Managed to head to the airport for a rather short spotting session. The main catch of the day, the MH350.

First up, operating from Singapore, FedEx.

FedEx B767-3S2F(ER) (N110FE)

It got a bit quieter during the 10am slot, so since the Korean Freighter was about to depart, decided to head to the departure site.

Korean Air Cargo B777-FB5 (HL8044)

And a shot with the blip

Upon checking the flight tracker, MH1138 was already on route to Penang, with about 20 minutes of flight time left. So the only thing was to head back to the arrival site. Red Cap came in shortly upon arrival.

Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AZE)

Then we had the rather colourful Firefly turboprop, promoting tourism for the state of Selangor.

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYE)

At about 11, Sriwijaya came in. They are now using the -800 series as a standard for Penang-bound flights.

Sriwijaya Air B737-86N (PK-CMT)

And Finally, after almost a delay of an hour, the 350 arrives. What's so different about this 350? Well it has that Negaraku livery.

On Approach

Malaysia Airlines A350-941 (9M-MAC)

A great start to 2018 indeed. More great shots are coming, with Qatar set for their inaugural flight to Penang on 6 February.

SSLee

Spotting session - 21 Oct - Part 1

This is going to be a long one, and an enjoyable one too. Going to be generous on the photos too....

Upon arrival, baby Thai had just completed the pushback sequence and was ready for departure. This round saw all departing aircraft using Taxiway B which gave lots of opportunities for closeup shots. This Thai Smile aircraft donned a different dress, the Cartoon Network Amazone livery.

Thai Smile A320-232 (HS-TXQ)

Looking into the distance, a bright white light caught my eye. Now seeing many approaching shots, bright white lights means a new plane (older planes have yellow lights). 

AirAsia A320-251N (9M-AGH)

It was amazing to see the NEO coming in; the engines, the sound, the engines......

Now back to the international gate, Cathay Dragon (Dragonair) has started taxiing to the runway. This red livery is starting to grow on me.

Turning onto TW B

Widebodies do not usually turn here, but rather start their takeoff runs from the start of 04. Only experienced this once some time back. Here she is making the turn (lit perfectly by the rising sun; thank you)

Cathay Dragon A330-343 (B-LBG)

Upon closer inspection of the front section of the plane, there is a sticker there albeit a bit torn off.

Is that a pillow blocking the window?

Off to Hong Kong

Back to the Bravo, we have Indonesia AirAsia on hold, waiting for their turn to depart after an arrival.

Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AXR)

Aircraft arriving was Firefly's, with the "Visit Selangor" livery.

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYE)

See the lit fan blades

This pilot must've tried to give the passengers the best landing experience. Very smooth touchdown on the mains with the flare still present till after Bravo TW.

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LMU)

Next up, Air HongKong, on-time as usual. Touched down rather early on the runway and only used idle reverse. No thrill of the loud sounds of the engines.

Rubber burning

All out, spoilers, flaps, reversers

Air HongKong A300F4-605R (B-LDB)

This is where Part 1 ends. Stay tuned for part 2.

Penang Planespotting #011 - Part 1

Time for a flashback to the previous sessions at Penang. I would usually want to keep up to date and post up as I spot, but sometimes most of the times, other things get in the way. So here's what's up on the 25th September 2016. I honestly had no idea why I was there, but I guess it was due to me having a camera and being rather free at that point. Plus it was the afternoon session, a time which I rarely spot at. Let's start with the lightweights.

Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AXU)

AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AQU)

AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AHV)

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYK)

Now guess who finally decided to depart? Really excited for this shot.

Bizjet ready for flight

Aaaannndd I now remembered why I was here. This one. THE ONE. The FIRST ONE. Well I've covered this some time back. Here's the link to it. A320NEO.

AirAsia A320-251N (9M-NEO)

Now back to the business jet. Nice sleek outlook and beautiful sound. Powerful too to rotate after a fairly short distance.

Bombardier Global 5000 (N933ML)

Fun stuff. Imagine being able to travel in that one day. (one day). Back to the other traffic coming in and going out of Penang. If you notice this next one, there was a bounce on touchdown.

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYJ)

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LMM)

Now here we have China Airlines' 747F departing. I usually only get to see it arriving due to it only coming in at about 12 and departing at 2 (an oven to be spotting in).

China Airlines Cargo B747-409F (B-18719)

More in the next post.

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.