Changi Beach 2018.09.23 [Part 1]

A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to do some photography at Changi Beach. The area is really spotter friendly with good lighting, good shade and restrooms available. Was there to get the arrival of SQ's ULR 350 and it was beautiful. Here's the link to the photos.

This post shows the other "normal" traffic you would usually get at Changi. You get such a great selection from all over the world. You would however miss the ATR turboprops as not many fly into Changi.

So the first on the list was Philippines Airlines, with their 330.

Philippines Airlines A330-343 (RP-CC8762)

One advantage Penang airport had was that there was only 1 runway, so all arrivals are on that particular one, Runway 04. Occasionally the winds change and they come from the other direction. At Changi, when arrivals are from the North, there's a chance that aircraft may land on 20R (where I was) or 20C, slightly further off, beyond the reach of 300mm, as you will see below.

Lufthansa A350-941 (D-AIXD)

Weather was rather good with occasional cloud patches which blocked the sun for short periods of time. Here's a familiar face.

Malindo B737-8GP (9M-LNP)

Here's another 738 from China. May be time for this bird to have a nice bath.

Shenzhen Airlines B737-87L (B-1711)

One great thing about the traffic here is that they keep on coming. And one can expect it to be of almost any kind. We had the 737, up next is an aircraft that's so large, ATC designate them the Supers.

British Airways A380-841 (G-XLEH)

Fun fact, the designations Super and Heavy are for the controllers, and pilots to know how big the aircraft are and how much wake turbulence they generate, and how much separation is required between them and the aircraft following them. Wake turbulence can be a serious thing, especially if you are a small aircraft travelling too close to a huge one like the A380 as it can cause your plane to be tossed around.

Up next is the longest variant of the 737 family, the -900 series. 737s usually have 4 pairs of doors, one up front, one at the rear and 2 over the wings. This one, to cater for the increase passenger capacity has an extra pair just behind the wing.

Lion Air B737-9GP(ER) (PK-LHR)

As Jetstar's A320 arrived, I had the opportunity to frame it together with a departing aircraft. Most of the arrivals are on 20R and departures are on 20C. The aircraft in the background is China Eastern's A320. After departing, Northbound aircraft would make a 180 degree turn towards the north.

Jetstar A320-232 (9V-JSO)

Then we have the shorter variant of the 737 from China.

China Southern B737-71B (B-5285)

Switching over to the far end, Lufthansa's A380 makes an appearance. Good to see them sending a few flights over per day.

Lufthansa A380-841 (D-AIMA)

More to come in Part 2



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Singapore Airlines A350 ULR Delivery

I'm back after a few months and here I am in sunny Singapore. Finally got the chance to visit the famous Changi Beach. There were quite a few (seriously a lot more within such a short time compared to what I usually get in Penang) catches which will be posted when I do have the opportunity.

But now, to the main topic. SIA is known for their ultra-long-haul flights direct to Newark and Los Angeles using the A340-500 aircraft. These direct flights however were stopped in November 2013 as they were not profitable with the "fuel guzzlers".

Now, the route is seeing the light again with the arrival of the A350ULR (Ultra Long Range). So 2 engines, same distance, much lower fuel consumption.

Here's the first one, coming all the way from Toulouse, France routing via the North Pole, as SQ8895. Photo Link

These A350s have straighter winglets

Singapore Airlines A350-941ULR

Front Section

Fun fact: 

9V-SGA, the current registration for the A350ULR was formerly the registration for the A340-500 used for the ultra long haul routes as well. Interesting to know that they are reusing them for the same purpose.

I will upload other traffic I got during the 2-hour session when I am able to get some free time.

Thanks for viewing and stay tuned for more.

SSLee

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Special Arrivals into Penang

So here we are for the second post of 2018. Today's session was a rather short one with one main catch, the first A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter unit.

Air Hong Kong A330-322P2F (EI-HEA)

She was an ex Malaysia Airlines bird. It went for a conversion before returning as a freighter. One difference from the A332F is the lack of the nose gear extension blister (and of course the increased length).

Port side view

Heading to the cargo bay

One opportunity not to be missed. A shot of two freighters from A and b.

A and B

Korean Air Cargo departed at 9am, as per the usual departure slot. The 77Fs are the more common type now. Only on some days will be get the glimpse of the 74F. Hoping for their 748F to visit soon. Here's the rotation shot, just as the nose gear lifts off.

Korean Air Cargo B777-FB5 (HL8285)

Flexing her wings

With the departure of the 777F, came back to back arrivals from some rather familiar traffic. From Singapore:

SilkAir B737-8SA (9V-MGM)

Scoot A320-232 (9V-TRK)

Now just as I am about to call it a day, I spot something rather interesting on FR24. A 747, on its descend somewhere off the coast of Phuket. This meant only one thing, it was headed to Penang (my mind just casts off possibilities of it heading elsewhere, too quick to be descending for KL anyway). So I waited. and here she is, all the way from Azerbaijan.

Silkway West Airlines B747-4R7F (4K-SW008)

Now that is one long tail number. She used the entire length of the runway. Wasn't the best conditions for FedEx which was right behind this Queen. I would guess that they had to slow down to minimum speed to allow for this visitor to clear the runway.

All out, flaps, spoilers, reversers

FedEx came in shortly after. She was able to make the turn onto taxiway Delta, though she had to give way.... to the Queen of the Skies.

"After you.."

Here are some shots of the rare visitor.

The Nose

The Tail

The complete set

One last arrival before leaving. Indonesia AirAsia. Gotta have at least a shot of the reds before leaving right?

Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AXT)

And back to Silkway.

Heading to the bay

And to end this post, here's a nose bump.

Nose-bump

Thanks for viewing. Keep on visiting for more.

SSLee

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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

MH A350, the A400 and other beauties

Well it is a beautiful December. Many good things came and many more good things are coming. This post will include several shots taken over several days.

With Malaysia Airlines taking delivery of their first and second A350, they are sending them to Penang, Bangkok and even to KK for training purposes before they are sent on the long-haul flights. Let's start off with an overhead shot.

Malaysia Airlines A350-941 (9M-MAB)

This next session was aimed at catching MAC's first visit to Penang. Did not managed to get it this round as they were delayed for about almost an hour plus, and I arrived just after SilkAir's B737-8 MAX landed (grr). Anyway, here are the other ones that arrived. UPS are using their 757 these few days. 757s are such versatile aircraft. Read somewhere that they are now still in demand due to their performance.

UPS B757-24A(PF) (N462UP)

This FedEx came from Bangkok. It's been some time since I've spotted planes from this location. Fun fact, the doors of the 767 slide upwards into the aircraft, unlike other airliners that swing open.

FedEx B767-3S2F(ER) (N110FE)

Was about to make my move when I saw the blip approaching. It was an A400. Flew in from Alor Setar Airport. Instead of landing however, it powered up and flew overhead. Training most probably.

RMAF A400M-180 (M54-xx)

Sounds like a very powerful ATR72

And to end this segment, here's the special-livery A350. With this flight to Penang (MH1138/MH1143), we get two 350 visits to Penang every day. Something fun to see for the month of December.

Malaysia Airlines A350-941 (9M-MAC)

Bearing the Negaraku Livery

That's all for this session. 

SSLee

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Malaysia Airlines A350 visits Penang

A special session.

Malaysia Airlines have just taken delivery of their latest aircraft, the A350 and are doing short-haul runs between Kuala Lumpur and Penang (MH1140 / MH1145) throughout the month of December, providing more than enough opportunity to catch it. Their second A350, (9M-MAC) with the Negaraku Livery will be coming shortly, so got to look out for that too. Now for the photos.

On Approach

Malaysia Airlines A350-941 (9M-MAB)

For an aircraft (and engine) of that size, it is surprisingly quiet, gracefully gliding past. It comes equipped with the new wingtip devices as well as very bright white landing lights. Also glad that they finally got the logo, the Wau in correct position, without chopping any part off.

Approaching the runway.

Definitely going to have more sessions to catch this bird before they are swapped with the 737.

SSLee

Spotting session - 21 Oct - Part 3

Part 3 !!

There was a slight drizzle after the Korean 777 which prevented me to get the arrival shot of the next one, but on the taxi run, the skies cleared. That's Penang weather for you. This one had the "Turn Back Crime" livery.

Indonesia AirAsia A320-216 (PK-AXY)

The second FedEx jet of the day came from Singapore. A 767. One of the 767 would depart sometime around 2pm. Have always wanted to catch the departure of the MD-11s back when they still operate, but had always took it for granted that they would forever be there. To those of you out there, if you to do something, do it as soon as you can as you might never know when you might not have the opportunity again. And I'm not just referring to photo taking here. Do what you gotta do.

FedEx B767-3S2F(ER) N125FE

Short commercial break for AirAsia....

AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AJW)

Before resuming with the programme.

Wide shot of the aircraft approaching the Cargo Ramp.

Decided to then head over to get some departure shots. Was not looking for anything in particular, but just to grab some of the departing narrowbodies. I got one alright, but not something I expected.

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

As far as I know, Neptune Air doesn't operate on weekends. She only departs on weekdays to Singapore. Was pleasently surprised. 

The 737-300 series can be considered a classic (at least in my mind). The rough edges, lack of winglets and very loud engines. This was once an airliner that was capable of carrying up to 140 passengers back in the late 80s, before it was converted to a freighter (hence SF) in the early 90s. Been with many airlines before coming to Neptune Air.

Was kinda over the moon with this shot, and was satisfied. Head over to the last place, to get some arrival shots. The road has been widened, but that doesn't stop people from enjoying the wonderful spotting activiy (me included).

Back view

Did not have my wide lens with me this round (dang it!) so could only get some long shots. Took this opportunity to just admire the queen as she glided to the runway. Being so close, the experience was just amazing. I do have to quote a friend of mine who commented about this experiece "My view is all filled with with that plane. IN HD!!!"

With a cloudy weather, one second, you get to see a plane fully illuminated by the sun, the next, completely covered by the clouds.

Jetstar Asia A320-232

And to wrap it all up, here's the belly shot of an AirAsia jet on approach. Just slightly off centre due to the winds coming from the west.

AirAsia A320-216 (9M-AQD)

That's all for this session. It has truly been an enjoyable session, and a somewhat different one too. Thanks for viewing. Stay tuned for more posts in the future.

SSLee

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