Penang Planespotting #006 - 06 July 2016 - Part 2

And what a great day for spotting. It is sometimes better to go spotting on the weekends, and sometimes better on weekdays.

Neptune Air B737-3S3(SF) (9M-NEF)

Side view of the Converted Freighter

With its larger sister

Neptune Air works only on weekdays (well as far as I have tracked), so on weekends, the best shots you could get is the aircraft resting at the apron. Nothing else.

And with the sun conditions you've been seeing, it is apparent that there were very dark and thick clouds within the vicinity, which of course led to some rain. That was NOT good as the Kiwijet was begining its pushback sequence. Missed and AirAsia and a Malindo jet. But thankfully, the rain eased a bit and I was able to put my camera out (with some rain repellent modifications) to get the following shots.

Royal New Zealand Air Force B757-2K2 (NZ7572)

Followed by a short taxi to runway 04

And ultimately departing South

Next up are two Queens. One departing, and one arriving. Look at the rudder deflection on the Korean.

Korean Air Cargo B747-4B5F(SCD) (HL7448)

Eva Air Cargo B747-45EF(SCD) (B-16482)

That's all for this session. More sessions coming.

SSLee

royal new zealand air force penang
nz7572 penang sslee
neptune air penang 737

Penang Planespotting #006 - 06 July 2016 - Part 1

I honestly cannot believe it when I saw this one. 2 trips in a row, a special visitor was around. First shot of the day.

Kiwijet being loaded

Imagine all the Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai that is going into that aircraft. Penang food is awesome, and I would expect that it will be an aromatic ride back to Kiwiland with all of that food on-board.

It was almost 8am, and the sun was still hidden behind some thick clouds. It didn't seem like any good amount of light would be available this trip. Had to push the sensors a bit to get the shots (and of course to stabilise the hands for lower shutter speeds)

Dragonair pushback

The big Thai in Penang

It was the Ramadan season along with the school holidays. I guess load was good enough for TG to send their tripple 7. Still waiting on them to send in their Dreamliners (or even their A350) during equipment shortage or anything of the matter. Yes yes, it is such a great waste to be sending such efficient aircraft on short haul routes, but there's no harm in wishful thinking..... right?

AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AQM)

One good thing (probably the only one as of now) of low light is the ability or rather the requirement to pan with low shutter speeds. Nice effects, but still, a long way from perfection.

Dragonair A330-342 (B-HLB)

2 beauties in one pic. It is not every trip you get such a combination. Up next is Firefly.

Firefly ATR72-500 (9M-FYH)

Followed by the triple 7, the aircraft that is putting a lot of other aircraft out of commission.

Thai Airways International B777-2D7 (HS-TJC)

Closeup of the front of the aircraft

Boeing has really done a great job in the designing of the 777. That, together with efficient engines from GE and RR put other aircraft like the MD-11, the A340 and even the B747 out of commission. The 340 and the 747 are most likely still surviving due to the need for long translantic flights (not restricted to ETOPS) but I fear that too might not last long.

Next up, two ATRs from Malindo in a row.

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LML)

Malindo ATR72-600 (9M-LMF)

Next up was Air Hong Kong's freighter. Wonder when they would send their 747s again.

Air Hong Kong A300F4-605R (B-LDA)

Front part with those Reversers

My attention was then drawn to a line of people just happily walking across the tarmac. They were headed for the Kiwijet.

Next part will show the Kiwi's departure as well as Neptune Air, the elusive small freighter.

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