Remarks: Getting fewer in number and being very fuel inefficient compared to more modern planes the 747s still look amazing to me, no matter the variant (except the SPs which look odd). Most of Air China's passenger 747s are relegated to domestic routes now.
Remarks: One of four A343s with Kuwait Airways approaching 19R in Bangkok, which is an all-A340 service. This was very nice to see as they do not operate scheduled flights to HKG (my home airport). The only occasions we see Kuwaiti planes in Hong Kong are state visits or charters.
Remarks: A type Air China no longer operate. B-2497 is now at El Al as 4X-EAL. The 767 doesn't look as graceful as its competitor the A330 but with the right scheme, like Air China's, is a nice looking plane.
Remarks: One of the strangest special schemes I’ve ever seen….it’s meant to show a panda. This livery was introduced in 2007 to celebrate their 20th anniversary of flights to China. They have some really good special schemes (like the retro 767) but unfortunately only on domestic planes!
Remarks: The 747 classic has nearly gone extinct from our skies which is such a pity but also an economic reality. VP-BIJ is no longer with Air Bridge and is now supposedly operating for Afghanistan's Kam Air. It was originally a Nippon Cargo bird as JA8194 delivered in ’91.
Remarks: UA 862 departing bound for San Francisco. They are one of 3 airlines operating between the two markets along with Cathay & Singapore Airlines.
Remarks: Tri-jets are some of the most photogenic planes around and they are never boring to photograph, even ones you see regularly. We see a variety of UPS aircraft in Hong Kong which include the 747, MD-11 and 767, with the 747 being the most frequent. They previously operated the 757 here but no longer. This is an ex-JAL MD-11 (JA8588).
Remarks: The behemoth is seen here slowing down after landing with reversers out on engine no.3. The A380’s two inboard engines are the only ones capable of reverse thrust. Qantas A380s are now history in Singapore as the city-state’s role in Qantas’ famous “Kangaroo Route” has come to an end. Since the beginning of April 2013 the airline has shifted their hub from Singapore to Dubai for the daily Melbourne – London & Sydney – London flights as a result of the partnership with Emirates Airlines.
Remarks: MH072/073 KUL-HKG-KUL has been operated by the 777 daily for many years before being replaced with the A330s briefly this year. This flight is now operated by the A380.
Remarks: MH072 operated by the 100th manufactured A380 seconds from ending its journey from Kuala Lumpur on a typical hot and humid summer day in Hong Kong.
Remarks: AirAsia A320 in the celebratory scheme for their 100th aircraft approaching 25R. Their rapid growth has been very impressive. Coincidentally just minutes later the 100th A380 landed.
