Changi Beach 2018.09.23 [Part 3]

Now for the third and final part of this spotting session, we shall shift the focus back to the heavyweights. This session was originally meant solely to get the arrival of the ULR A350, but with so much traffic coming in, one just can't help but continue snapping. First up, Scoot's 787-9.

Scoot B787-9 (9V-OJB)

And followed by Jetstar's 787-8. The -8 series is slightly shorter than the -9 series by a few frames.

Jetstar B787-8 (VH-VKG)

Coming in from Bangkok, here's Thai Airways' 777. The equipment used to be the A340-600 at times, but after they were retired, this is the one to go with.

Thai Airways B777-3D7 (HS-TKA)

Up next is Qantas, sending in their 380. They do have several flights coming in around that period. Spotted an A330 coming in earlier on the other runway. This aircraft carries the updated livery with less bold and non-italic "Qantas".

Qantas A380-842 (VH-OQL)

This 330 did a missed approach on the other runway (20C) about 20 minutes ago, and is now back on 20R.

Cebu Pacific A330-343 (RP-C3346)

Here are two SQ birds back to back. First the 380, and the second the 787-10.

Singapore Airlines A380-841 (9V-SKV)

Timing was a bit off for this Dreamliner, and was only able to snap a few photos when it flew overhead. While it isn't the best shot, at least........ there's a bird. Singapore Airlines is the Launch Customer for the -10 Dreamliner.

Singapore Airlines B787-10 (9V-SCE)

And to end the day, this was spotted while waiting for my bus to arrive. Another one of those airlines you don't get to see in Penang. 

Turkish Airlines B777-3F2(ER) (TC-LJF)

And I must say, it was an amazing experience at Changi Beach. It was my first time, but definitely not going to be my last time spotting here. Everything is so convenient. You have a clear view of the approach, there are trees blocking the sun, it is by the beach so you can sit on the sand if needed, and there is a restroom nearby. It is indeed a spotter's paradise. And the traffic... WOW. The only little thing that I had to deal with was the chance of missing some arrivals as they were performing parallel approaches. Lufthansa's 350 all went the other side.

Only have another (rather short) session at Changi Beach. After that, it is back to the Penang files.

Thanks for visiting, and stay tuned

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.

New Year spotting

Happy New Year everyone. A new year calls for new things, new spotting locations and other new things. And since we are now at the beginning of the year, lighting will be much much better than before. Hope you all enjoy.

First up will be Thai Airways, departing in the morning at about 8 as usual.

A320-232 (HS-TXA)

I have seen them sending their 737s, their A300s and their A330s. With the retirement of the A300s and the slow withdrawal of their 734s, Thai Airways have been sending their A330s and sometimes their 772s to operate the PEN - BKK route. Now however, they are using the A320s from Thai Smile.

Dragonair A330-342 (B-HLB)

Next up was Dragonair, on their daily morning flight to Hong Kong. This was just moments before they made the right turn to avoid Butterworth AFB airspace. Slowly starting to miss Cathay's fleet - their 340s, 777s, 747s and 330s.

Apart from taking closeups of departures, there were many flying overhead. MAS, SQ and AirAsia were among them. Here's MH cruising in the sky.

Malindo Air ATR72-600 (9M-LMO)

ATRs are common still. Some all good, while others without landing gear doors. This one's good.

Air Contractors A300B4-622RF (EI-EXR)

Now back to movements on the ground. Have always been bugged by heat haze coming from the runway. However this time, -EXR arrives slightly earlier in the morning. Seen here about to exit the runway with full spoilers and flaps.

RMAF B200T (M41-03)

This was one of the surprise. While waiting for an aircraft to depart, there was a small black speck in the distance slowly ascending. Grabbed my camera and zoomed in, and it was still a small speck, now with wings and two propeller engines. This Beech looks like its going over to Butterworth AFB.

AirAsia A320 (9M-AHH)

Ahh...... one of the first few AirAsia departures for the day. No Idea where it's headed to. See the blue skies ?? 

Korean Air Cargo B747-4B5F (HL7449)

Changed location and caught Korean Air Cargo with a little bit of Penang in the background. Engines are at full power, emitting smoke and all. Looking at this picture makes me feel amazed at how designers made the Queen of the Skies. 

From some little reading, the cockpit placement on the second deck was mainly meant for the placement of the front cargo door for cargo operations. This trait became so well accepted and has been enhanced over and over again, from the -100 to the -800 series.

Air New Zealand Link ATR72-600 (ZK-MVF)

After Korean Air's departure, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I saw a black T-tail. No mistake whatsoever. Should be on a delivery flight from Toulouse to New Zealand, wherever it is based. Penang usually play host to delivery flights, serving as a fuel stop. 

Still many more to come. Stay Tuned.....

Tags:

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Same place, Different views - 02 / November [Part 1]

It's been almost a month since the last spotting session. To all the readers here, thank you for frequenting this blog. I truly appreciate it. Do leave comments if you have any thoughts.

Time sure flies. Before you know it, week after week, month after month passes in just a blink of an eye. Resolutions are made, deadlines are set, though many are still not met. However, a new year is coming. Time for new (renewed) resolutions and goals.

Back to the spotting session. A lot of shots are made from the ground showing the aircraft in the air. This round, more ground-ish shots are included, just to give a different view and perspective.

Airbus Faceoff

Lucky to have both the A330s push back at the same time. Pilots must've been waving to each other.

Dragonair A330-342 (B-HLI)

First to depart gracefully was Dragonair. Light was out and everything was just perfect. Towards the end of the year, the day tends to be brighter earlier, allowing for better early morning shots. Did not realise the rare species until I reviewed the shot on the camera screen. Saw it??

Thai Airways International A330-321 (HS-TEB)

To be able to catch the Thai from this angle meant that it had rotated really early. Guess it must have been a light load. This route was previously served by the A300 before they were retired and replaced by B734s. For me, whatever comes, if it flies, then I'm fine with it.

Malindo Air ATR72-600 (9M-LMK)

I did mention that there will be some different views in these postings. So here's the first one, giving you the feel of how tiny the ATR is when compared to its surroundings. With majority of my shots zoomed in right to the aircraft, the size gauging may be off sometimes.

AirAsia A320 (9M-AFM) with the Hat's of to Dato' Pahamin Livery

This was one of the special AirAsia that departed Penang. Nice grey touch as opposed to the original reds on AirAsia's fleet. They have very short turnaround times, allowing shots of the same aircraft at different times of the day.

China Southern Airlines A320 (B-6288)

This one was on its way back to China. Looking forward to seeing (and capturing) a Boeing in this livery here in Penang.

Korean Air Cargo B747-4B5F (HL7438)

It goes to show that no aircraft, not even the queen of the skies can escape from the effects of crosswinds. A slight tip to the port side shortly after lift off. Pilots were quick to correct the effects.

Malindo Air ATR72-600 (9M-LMO)

Malindo Air is constantly receiving new turboprops to its fleet. Now the registration has already gone to LMR. Good job to them. Their flight tickets are cheap too, with free baggage and light snacks served.


More updates on the second slot. To be continued........






Tags:
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Tuesday Spotting [2014.09.16] - Part 1

After a month of absence, I shall resume.
This is one of those rare moments where spotting sessions are held on a Tuesday. Traffic was good as well. Sunlight was..... well you'll get the idea s the shots come in.

First off, are two foreign carriers that depart at about 8, both to their respective destinations of Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Dragonair A330-343 (B-HYI)

Thai Airways B737-4D7 (HS-TDG)

Starting to miss the sound of Thai's A300s. They have been officially retired.

3 ATR72s departed around this time as well (9M-FYI, 9M-FIA, 9M-LMK), but due to their small size, early rotation and lack of sunlight, the picture turnout was rather disappointing. No worries, as they would make a come back later in the day.

Malaysia Airlines B737-8H6 (9M-MXG)

This is one of MAS' latest livery, with the WAU edges cut off. Personally, the old version was in much better proportion, and looks more complete rather than this one. This looks like there was no space left to complete the logo.

AirAsia A320 (9M-AJB)

This was powering out of Penang International Airport. The airport and its new building (still old control tower) is clearly visible here.

The incoming SilkAir must have over estimated the approach (or maybe something else) and is seen making a tight turn to align with the runway. (Note the approaching AirAsia jet near the bottom for runway heading.

The turnaround time for most of the smaller aircraft are about 40 minutes to an hour. So it is possible to see them arriving and departing within a short period of time, and also see them coming in to Penang a few times per day.

MXG departing

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LMF)

FedEx MD-11F (N614FE)

FedEx Tri-Holer was up next. Had to lift the camera up real high to clear those fences, and even so, the fences still ended up in the shot. Better than blocking the jet. 

End of part 1. With the number of shots taken, looks like it will be a 3-part session.

Stay Tuned..

Tags:

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2014.01.11 Spotting Session #1

One would think that after a heavy rain, the skies would be clear. But this was not the case on that Saturday. There was plenty of cloud cover to shield the sun's VIBRANT rays all the way till midday. While this affected the photos tremendously, it was a cool and windy spotting session with great company of friends.

Let's begin.

Cathay Pacific B747-467 (B-HOP) "Hopping" out of Penang International Airport

Thai Airways International B737-4D7 (HS-TDG) replacing the A306

AirAsia's Brand New A320 with Sharklets (9M-AJE)

China Southern Airlines A320-232 (B-6910)

Korean Air Cargo B747-4B5(F) (HL 7437)

Same Korean Air with smoke trails

Eva Air Cargo B747-45E(F) (B-16483)

This Eva Air used the same length of runway used by the ordinary A320s of AirAsia. Must have been a really light load out of Penang to be able to perform as such.

More to come.... Stay Tuned.

Tags:

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