Merry Christmas

This is a Christmas message from Aircraft Aviation in Europe.

Today is Christmas Day 2014 I like to say thank you very much for viewing my blog, watching my YouTube videos and sharing my aviation photography on Facebook. This year has been fantastic of my travel movement I went couple of new European Countries I visited other than Malta I went to Republic of Ireland and The Netherlands twice. When 2015 arrives if you notice I am going to the United States that will be my best year to visit non-European destination from the history of Aircraft Aviation of Europe. There will be no other European countries to visit next year so I will be returning to Malta next week & March to re-new my travel documents.

There is nothing for me to say right now hope you'll have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year of 2015.

Merry Christmas!

From Aircraft Aviation in Europe

What happen to Continental Airlines?

Continental Airlines founded in 1934 was American airline based from Houston, Texas. Continental had 2 other airliners for flights with-in the United States called Continental Connection and Continental Express which they were use for domestic & connecting flights in it's code-share agreement.

In March 3rd 2012 Continental starting to merged with UAL Corporation meaning it's now with United Airlines along with other Continental companies merged along now with United Express. That also means when it Continental was merged United Airlines introduced more jobs, new destinations domestic & international and fleets like the recen't Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

United Airlines N17133 Boeing 757-200 new to Continental Airlines 1998 in Dublin, Republic of Ireland 7th February 2014

With the fleet & livery with United Airlines they are completely the same & some fleets are also from Continental like this one N17133 was new & delivered to Continental in 1998 this was one of the later Boeing 757-200 that has 2 emergency exit each side of the wing. 

United Airlines N661UA Boeing 767-300ER new to United Airlines in 1992 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 21st July 2014.

But some aircraft were new to United Airlines before painting in 2010-present livery for example N661UA in Amsterdam, The Netherlands is a Boeing 767-300ER new to United Airlines in 1992: some United Airlines still have livery from 1998 but it sounds like most 767's are in current livery. If you live near major European airports I think you can still get some shots of United 90's livery in either Dublin, London Heathrow, Paris and Frankfurt. 

Introducing Flybe's new livery!

Flybe G-JEDP Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 new to Flybe in 2004 seen in Southampton, UK 20th July 2014.

Roughly 9 months ago Flybe has introduced a brand livery to a British airliner from Devon, United Kingdom Flybe in purple colour. G-JECY named Spirited of Liberum is the first aircraft Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 in new Flybe colours & still no news yet when Embrear E-175 & E-195 I hope all Flybe's fleet will be in new purple livery my first shot of Flybe's new colour G-JEDP in Southampton, United Kingdom 4 months ago. 

Flybe G-ECDH Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 new to Flybe in 2008 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2104.

As I went spotting in The Netherlands I see another new Flybe livery just arriving from unknown British Airport I can't remember. G-ECDH is another Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 new to Flybe in 2008 taxing to the gate. I don't have any more review of Flybe's new livery all I have to say it looks beautiful just can't wait we see Embrear in 2015. 

KLM Cityhopper Visitor Terrace

In May 2011 KLM Cityhopper is now being used for visitors to look inside Fokker F100 registered PH-OFE. It was brought to KLM Cityhopper in March 2003 new to Inter-Canadien in March 1989 C-FICQ when it was cased out in October 1989 it joined Intair until 2 years later it served 6 years with Air UK in 1992; in 1998 it joined KLM as G-UKFE serving flights from United Kingdom to The Netherlands it was based from London Stansted, UK. After it was merged with KLM Cityhopper in March 2003 it was re-registered to former PH-OFE 5 months later. 

Unfortunately you can enter the cockpit it's not in use for visitors just staff only when the gallery is closed. One cool thing they still add in the cockpit you can hear current air traffic control from the control tower my wish is if KLM still has flight recorder it would be interesting where did OFE travelled.

 There wasn't a lot of seats  roughly 9 seats the back of the aircraft at least it gives you extra hight is you wan't to take aircraft photos in good weather condition. Like most Fokker aircraft you can see engines like McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series, Tupolev TU-154 for example if your lucky sit at the back of the plane you can see the engine.

This is the information of this aircraft and numbers showing what's around the plane. The only problem is there is no English translation or any other international translate so non-Dutch people don't know what it translate I think Zwaarder dan lucht en toch vliegen means Heavier than air and still fly. One photo I forgot to take a shot of the cabin is you can see the cargo bay you can walk on it made out of glass. 

If you wan't to see this old Fokker F100 come to Amsterdam Airport viewing gallery from departures check-in. 

Going to the United States of America!

In August 2015 I am going to the United States for the first time flying to a non-EU flight in Aircraft Aviation in Europe history my first non-EU flight was back home in Malta in the 90's when we Maltese wasn't in the EU.

What's going to happen when I travel to the US? I will not be doing plane spotting in America it will be only full flight video (pending if I sit on window seat) if I don't hit on window seat ending up in the middle 4 seat row I will take pictures in the cabin & maybe picture of the wing when I fly on Thomas Cook Airline Airbus A330 from London Stansted,UK - Las Vegas, US. The flight will be 1 stop to Glasgow, UK in Scotland which is an hour & the half and 9 hours, 36 minutes to Las Vegas from Glasgow which make it 12 hours & 45 minutes makes it a new flight time record from Aircraft Aviation in Europe.

With outbound flight from Las Vegas,USA - London Stansted, UK it will be a non-stop flight witch is 10 hours & 14 minutes. I am not going on my own I'm going with an old friend of time who isn't a plane spotter so aircraft photos will be taken either at the terminal in Las Vegas and inside the plane.

Flybe returning to Bournemouth, UK in Spring 2015

Today Flybe has announced it will be returning to Bournemouth, United Kingdom after 4 years Flybe pulled out due to lack of customers & competing their rival next door Southampton Airport in my opinion. The only destination Flybe travel to is Jersey the only Common Travel Area (CTA) destination before Aer Lingus Regional had it's chance to Dublin, Republic of Ireland years later but failed.

Main fleet Flybe will be sending out if Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 it might be possible Embrear E-175 & 195.  

What destinations Flybe will fly to? for the first time in Bournemouth Flybe will fly new international flights, couple new UK Domestic flights and resuming CTA flight to Jersey. Each international destinations and domestic to Manchester will begin in 18th & 19th May.

UK Domestic destinations: 

• Manchester
• Glasgow (First flight begins 29th March 2015)

International & Common Travel Area: 

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Biarritz, France
• Deauville, France
• Dublin, Republic of Ireland (CTA)
• Jersey (CTA)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle, France
• Toulon, France

London Gatwick, UK North Terminal 13th September 2014

Note: Photos are taken from my JVC HD Camcorder because I forgot my Fujifilm camera at home.

British Airways G-VIIP Boeing 777-200 new to British Airways in 1999 based in Gatwick. 

 First photo is British Airways G-VIIP is a Boeing 777-200 new to BA in 1999 starting to board as flight BA2167 on 8 hour flight to Tampa, USA.

British Airways G-GBTA Boeing 737-400 new to British Airways 1993. 

Let's have a short talk about the retirement of Gatwick's based Boeing 737-400. British Airways have plans to retire all remaining Boeing 737-400 are meant to retire this month or next month but instead I found out they retire next summer I don't know if it's true or not are more Airbus A319 & A320 are around the corner. G-GBTA new to BA in 1993 her previous tail was World Tail 'Saudi Arabia'.

Air Transat C-GTSI Airbus A330-200 new to Air Transat in 2011.

 This is my second photo of Air Transat one back in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in July and now this. Air Transat in South Terminal flies 6 Canadian destinations to Calgary, Toronto-Pearson & seasonal flights are Halifax, Montreal-Trudeau, Ottawa and Vancouver. C-GTSI is an Airbus A330-200 new to Air Transat in 2011 taxing for departure runway 08R.

Air Malta 9H-AEH Airbus A319 new to Air Malta in 2004.

When my EasyJet flight to Amsterdam was boarding I quickly saw an airline from my country! Air Malta flight KM117 from South Terminal taxing runway 08R returning to Malta 9H-AEH. You can watch my flight KM640 video from April to Catania, Italy and full video flight KM643 as it was my first flight video in new Air Malta colours on Airbus A320. 

Air Berlin D-ALPJ Airbus A330-200 new to Air Berlin in late March 2008.

This aircraft is rare to see in Gatwick! When I was inside EasyJet I saw Air Berlin pushing back for departure as it arrived from Berlin Tegel, Germany. This Air Berlin D-ALPJ is Airbus A330-200 new to Air Berlin in March 2008.

Norwegian Long Haul EI-LND Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner new to Norwegian Long Haul in  March 2014.

Finally another Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Gatwick! First I saw Thomson Airways and second Norwegian Long Haul. Norwegian Long Haul fleets are Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Gatwick to United States. With the registration they are registered from Ireland as see one is EI-LND new to the Norwegian Long Haul in March this year arrived in Gatwick from the States.

Amsterdam Airport July 2014 Part 4

I like to apologies for the delay of the blog I have been busy with work related I'm back to make final part in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 months ago.

ArkeFly PH-TFK Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner new to ArkeFly 8th June 2014 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2014.

I was about the leave the airport for the day in 22nd July until I saw another Tui's new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Tui's Dutch airliner ArkeFly only has 1 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner which is this one PH-TFK only a month old taken 2 months ago in 22nd July ArkeFly has another Boeing 787 Dreamliners in order will be PH-TFL.

Martinair Cargo PH-MCR McDonnell Douglas MD-11 new to Martinair Cargo in 1995 seen in Amstersdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2014.

This was my first shot of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Martinair Cargo! PH-MCR was new to Martinair Cargo in 1995 seen during the Dutch sunset. If only KLM's MD-11 brings to Martinair Cargo fleet not scrapping them as some are not that old like Boeing 747-400.

Malaysia Airlines 9M-MRF Boeing 777-200ER new to Malaysia Airlines in 1999 seen in  Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 23rd July 2014.

When I arrived in Amsterdam 3 days after the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 I wasn't thinking to take a photo because of that horrible crash I decided to take this photo of 9M-MRF seen to be resting in the apron in the early morning 23rd July 2014.

Ukraine International Airlines UR-PSJ Boeing 737-900 new to Ukraine International Airlines in 2013 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 25th July 2014.

When I was waiting my flight to Southampton, UK I came across another Boeing 737-900 of Ukraine International UR-PSJ. Before I saw this aircraft my first Boeing 737-900 was Turkish Airlines back in Dublin, Republic of Ireland taken in February. UR-PSJ new in November 2013 boarding to Kiev, Ukraine.

Flybe G-JECN Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 new to Flybe in 2006 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 25th July 2014.

Here is my plane! Flybe's G-JECN is a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 new to Flybe in 2006 just parking after a short flight from Southampton, UK this was my flight back to Southampton. As you can see in the back ground I wasn't expected to see when it was on final approach!

Emirates A6-EEQ Airbus A380 new to Emirates in February 2014 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 25th July 2014.

Yes my first shot of Airbus A380! Now I did took one after I took a photo of Malaysia Airlines in 23rd July but it didn't come out great so this what you see now if my first ever shot. This A380 is A6-EEG only 5 months old touched down from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Couple of A380's in Amsterdam is not only Emirates I also saw Singapore Airlines unfortunately couple of aircraft parked in the way on 23rd July. 

British Airways Boeing 737-400 G-DOCA new to BA in 1992 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 25th July 2014.

Finally on my trip I saw another British Airways arrived from London Gatwick, UK. G-DOCT Boeing 737-400 new to BA in December 1992. You can watch my video of G-DOCA YouTube video filmed last month.

Once again I apologise I didn't make a new blog over the past couple of months due to work related I will make another blog later.

Amsterdam Airport July 2014 Part 3

Air Transat C-GTSY Airbus A310 new to Westair Canada in 1988 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlans 22nd July 2104.

This is a lucky shot and wasn't expected! I saw Air Transat A330 but it wasn't a good shot so when I hear an old engine sound I turned around, it was an Airbus A310!. Air Transat has currently own 9 Airbus A310 in the fleet from Canada. C-GTSY Airbus A310 new to Westair Canada in 1988 just arrived in Amsterdam Canada. 

KLM PH-KCD McDonnell Douglas MD-11 new to KLM in 1994 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 22nd July 2014.

Now I have already mention of KLM's retirement of all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 I manage to get a good shot when I arrived in Amsterdam encase I don't see it. PH-KCD McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was new to KLM in 1994.

Arkefly PH-OYE Boeing 767-300 new to Britannia Airways in 1998 ex G-OBYE seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2014.

Let move on to another Tui operator Arkefly. If your remember I made a blog of different Tui colours, Arkefly has 2 different liveries I will make a new blog of Arkefly fleet & liveries. PH-OYE Boeing 767-300 new to Britannia Airways in 1998 ex G-OBYE  from the UK.

Cyprus Airways 5B-DCH Airbus A320-200 new to America West Airlines in 2005 ex N674AW seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2014.

I always wanted to see Cyprus Airways! I was wondering if Cyprus Airways might fly to Malta one day instead Emirates. One thing you notice is Cyprus Airways has withdrawn older Airbus A320 when new from 1989 till mid 90's most now are second hand like this one 5B-DCH new in 2005 to America West Airlines ex N674AW.

Miami Air International Boeing 737-800 N738MA new in 2004 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2014.

What we have here is Miami Air International operating for Arkefly for how many times! It's registered N738MA based from Miami, USA it has been operated with Arkefly before and Martinair once.

EgyptAir SU-GDZ Boeing 73708-00 new to EgyptAir in 2010 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 22nd July 2014.

I have EgyptAir Express now I have EgyptAir! When I was in Malta I notice Egyptair Express no longer operated from Cairo to Malta? I was about to leave the airport I notice the tail of EgyptAir just landed in Amsterdam from Cairo, Egypt they send out Boeing 737-800.

Amsterdam Airport July 2104 Part 2

Couple of photos we're going American! First photo is United Airlines N661UA is a Boeing 767-300ER new & delivered to United Airlines in 1993. Next to N661UA is N648UA another Boeing 767-300ER new to United Airlines in 1992. I have a Youtube video of N661UA you can watch seeing push back & taxi hope you enjoy it!

United Airlines N661UA Boeing 767-300 new to United Airlines in 1993 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 21st July 2014.

 

Delta Airlines N851NW Airbus A330-200 new to Northwest Airlines in 2004 taken in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 21st July 2014.

I have couple of Delta Airlines photos but I decide to chose this one. This aircraft N851NW Airbus A330-200 was new to Northwest Airlines in July 2004 brought over to Delta Airlines in October 2008. Most Delta's second hand aircraft aircraft are from Northwest Airlines because in 2010 it merged with Delta Airlines in the United States. 

British Airways G-BNWB Boeing 767-300 new to BA in 1990 taken in Amsterdam, The Netherlands taken 21st July 2104.

British Airways G-BNWB Boeing 767-300 was new & delivered to BA in February 1990 home for London Heathrow, United Kingdom. Most trips G-BNWB travel to is Germany, Sweden, Italy, Cyprus, Denmark and Spain. Now I been hearing British Airways will be retiring all Boeing 767 in the near future to make way for BA's more Boeing 787 Dreamliners & possibly Airbus A350's. 

Singapore Airlines Cargo 9V-SFO Boeing 747-400F new in  August 2004 taken in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 21st July 2104.

 Here is Singapore Airlines Cargo introduced 11 years ago! They only have 8 Boeing 747-400F. This aircraft 9V-SFO one of the latest Boeing 747-400 to be built as Freight 747-400 was first built from 1993-2007. 9H-SVO was new to Singapore Airlines Cargo in August 2004 operating from Singapore to different parts of the world, it does operate from Amsterdam to different countries other than The Netherlands to Singapore.

Saudi Arabian Airlines Cargo TC-ACJ Boeing 747-400F new to Air Canada in 1991 ex C-GAGN taken in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 20th July 2104.

Another Boeing 747-400F. Saudi Arabian Airlines Cargo in Turkish registration TC-ACJ it was new to Air Canada in August 1991 ex C-GAGN. Most of the older Boeing 747-400 being new to passenger airliners either taken for scrap or transform to Freight. 

China Southern Cargo B-2071 Boeing 777F delivered to China Airlines Cargo in 2010 taken in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 20th July 2014.

This is my first Boeing 777F! Originally reg N447BA from Boeing in August 2009 delivered to China Southern Cargo in July 2010 B2071. It operated 4 Freight destinations to Abu Dhabi in UAE, Suvarnabhumi, Thailand, Prague Czech Republic and Taiwan from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 

Amsterdam Airport July 2014 Part 1

This was my first time I visited The Netherlands and spent 5 days of one of my best plane spotting areas in Europe! I'll be making 4 part blog in Amsterdam Schipol Airport.

When I was on Flybe parking I saw this aircraft belong to KLM. It's a Boeing 747-400M meaning Passenger/freight or Combi. It carry passengers at the front with cargo at the back with a large cargo door open. It first flew in 30th June 1989 KLM was the first one delivered in September 19th 1989. There are 3 in KLM Asia livery only heading to Asia. as

KLM PH-KCB McDonnell Douglas MD-11 new to KLM in March 1994 taken 20th July 2014.

One of the main reason I want to go to Amsterdam is to take few shots of the last 4 KLM's McDonnell Douglas MD-11. In 1993 KLM delivered their MD-11 in December 7th 1993 I believe the first one is PH-KCA most of KLM's MD-11 as recently sent one in storage & most waiting for scrapped. To be honest KLM should continue operated MD-11's as they are not as hold compare to older Boeing 747-400 most are still active (like British Airways). Here is link of KLM's last flight which will start at the end of October. 

http://airchive.com/blog/2013/10/31/last-klm-md11-flight-in-late-2014-end-trijet/

Aer Lingus EI-DVM Airbus A320-200 new to Aer Lingus in March 2011 seen in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 20th July 2014.

Well well we meet again! I mention on Facebook about Aer Lingus's retro livery EI-DVM I saw it in Dublin, Republic of Ireland back in February but NOW I saw it in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in July! I will make a blog of Dublin Airport I forgot to do. EI-DVM  seen in Amsterdam getting ready for push back & off to Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

Flybe operated Amsterdam everyday from the UK. They fly from Birmingham, East Midlands, Exeter, Southampton and Inverness one of Scottish first international flights from Inverness. Flybe's main parking is in D Gates as well as non-Schengen to the UK, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria Cyprus and Non-European flights. 

Bournemouth, UK June 2014

I only have few shots when I was in Bournemouth, UK unfortunately I arrived at the airport a bit late I was on my way to Bournemouth Airport & caught traffic in M27 Motorway from Portsmouth & Southampton. Arrived in Bournemouth the flight starts boarding so my apologies I have couple maybe few.

Ryanair EI-DWJ Boeing 737-800 new to Ryanair in 2007 taken 19th June 2014.

First photo of course is Ryanair! Yes I returned home to Malta on 19th June last month for a week flying with Ryanair for a change. This aircraft I went is EI-DWJ Boeing 737-800 new to Ryanair in October 2007 it's possibly going to be replaced by newer Ryanair's upcoming 737-800 as I heard they replace the older 737-800's.

Atlantic Airways G-JCMT Boeing 737-300 new to Philippine Airlines in 1900 ex EI-BZH taken 26th June 2014.

This is interesting one here. This is Atlantic Airlines G-JCMT Boeing 737-300 new to Philippine Airlines in 1990 ex EI-BZH. When I left Bournemouth on 19th June the livery was plain white till when I get back last Thursday it looks like Titan Airways. It should be due to enter Atlantic Airways maybe this month. 

What happen to JAT Airways?

JAT Airways YU-AOR new to USAir 1989 ex N428US taken in Malta August 2005.

JAT Airways was a Serbian Airliners from Serbia dating back in 1927 as Aeroput then it commenced operations in April 1947 as JAT Yugoslav Airlines it changed it's name to JAT Airways in March 2003. It operated in Europe, Africa and Middle East. Before I say what happen to JAT now let me ask you my trouble I had with JAT in Malta. When I was 14 2005 I stayed for a month trying to get JAT when it arrived in Malta early evening the camera I had back then did not support some early night shots till I changed the settings until finally I have this photo of JAT YU-AOR a Boeing 737-400 new to USAir in 1989 ex N428US. The fleet back then with JAT Airways had 3 ATR 72-202 & 2 500 series and 12 Boeing 737-300.

Air Serbia Airbus A319 YU-APC new to Kingfisher Airlines 2005 ex VT-KFH taken in Malta 23rd June 2014.

So what happen to JAT Airways now? in 2013 JAT Airways reorganized and renamed a new airlines called Air Serbia included new fleets & destinations. The fleet Air Serbia have now is 6 Airbus A319-100 & 2 A319-100LR on order,1 Airbus A320-200 1 currently on order & 10 brand new A320neo are in order, 3 ATR-72-202 & 2 500 ex JAT and 6 Boeing 737-300.

D-Day 70th Anniversary in Portsmouth, UK

                                 

Today is the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in the United Kingdom and France to celebrate I will share  the Red Arrows & helicopters. The location I took is in Portsmouth, UK with all ships circle around Portsmouth, Gosport and Isle of Wight. Before we go to helicopters let's look at the Red Arrows. 

9 Red Arrows flying the English Channel between Portsmouth, Gosport and Isle of Wight with beautiful clouds making it red, white & blue making it like the British Union Jack flag. I took lots & lots of photos of the Red Arrows try to make very good shots in the air it wasn't easy when it flies the fast like Concorde.

This is my favourite photos climbing so high!  

This is challenging to take a photo of 2 Red Arrows together when zoom the camera & blur images. I try multiple times & failed so I decided to take this with ships, sea and Isle of Wight in the background it was a lovely day in the Solent area. I'm not done yet there is couple of great photos I took other than that.  

This is my best favourite I took done by 2 Red Arrows & 1 doing the arrow of a love heart most of my friends took this photo in different areas in Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.

Before the Red Arrows of flying in Portsmouth I saw this helicopter belong to Air Britain M-ONTY from Isle of Man. This helicopter is Sikorsky S-76C just tock off from a rugby filed in Southsea, Portsmouth.

This is the last performance flying through Portsmouth for the day. This might be the final event for the brave British Soldiers who started joining World War 2 at the age of 18 & 19 some brave soldiers are now in late 80's & early 90's.