Aviation in Amsterdam, The Netherlands August 2020

Long time no spot. While I'm currently on 2 week quarantine, we are going to look at more plane spotting photos in one of my favorite European airports Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This time what you'll about to see, these photos are taken from my brand new Canon EOS 4000D. And will be my favorite shorts & bit of editing while I'm browsing for a new lens.

 

Jet Airways VT-JEW Boeing 777-300 delivered in 2007 ex VT-JEE taken 14th August 2020.

We start with the first aircraft taken on my new camera starting with an Indian faded airliner Jet Airways. Originally delivered to Jet Airways as VT-JEE in 2007 it has been re-registered  & been used to other airliners with Turkish Airways in 2008 leased by Jet Airways then following year in full Turkish Airlines livery & registered as TC-JJC. It was brought back to Jet Airways in 2011 as VT-JEL until in 2014 it joined Etihad Airways as A6-JAF, and finally in 2016 it was brought back to Jet Airways one last time re-reg to the present time. 

Before Jet Airways ceased operation in 17th April 2019, this aircraft was impounded by the cargo handler due to unpaid fees in 10th April 2019. Now in 2020, this long waited Boeing 77 is currently on hold for it's flying future. 

KLM PH-BQD Boeing 777-200ER delivered in 2003 taken 14th August 2020.

This could be the best aircraft spotting photo for 2020. What we have here when I try to get use to my new camera is a KLM flight from Tokyo Narita, Japan on final runway 36R with landing lights on. I have multiple shots from different editing so this could be my favorite one. 

DHL Air G-DHKC Boeing 757-200F originally delivered to Ibera in 2000 ex EC-HIX taken 14th August 2020.

DHL regularly visits Amsterdam using their Boeing 757's as this aircraft from DHR Air from the UK operating for European Air Transport from Leipzig, Germany.

Air Canada C-FNNQ Boeing 777-300 delivered in 2013 taken 14th August 2020. 

Air Canada seen in it's brand new livery on final from a flight from Toronto Pearson, Canada. When I was last in Amsterdam back in January, Air Canada was primary using Boeing 767-300ER until in June 2020 when Air Canada retired their 767's due to Covid-19 & replaced by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Ryanair EI-DPB Boeing 737-800 delivered in 2006 taken 15th August 2020.

Ryanair seen on final Malaga, Spain in the early hours of the evening. It also operates from Dublin, Ireland. Because Schiphol airport is very expensive to Ryanair when it comes to landing fees etc, Ryanair has a hub in Eindoven one of Ryanair's biggest hub in The Netherlands. Also only few flights to Masstrict near the border to Belgium. I might have repeated it but this is a reminder if Ryanair is in your budget to The Netherlands.

Qatar Airways A7-BFC Boeing 777F delivered in 2011 taken 15th August 2020.

Qatar Airways Cargo you see here is a daily visitor to Amsterdam with their Boeing 777 and Boeing 747-8F I've only seen the Boeing 777. 

Air Bridge Cargo VQ-BFE Boeing 747-8F delivered in 2015 taken 15th August 2020.

And speaking with 747-8, Air Bridge Cargo seen on final from Moscow in Russia can't remember which part of Moscow. Another Boeing 747 photo I'll mention at the end as why their's so many freighters than passengers. 

TUI Airlines Netherlands PH-TFL Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner delivered in 2014 taken 15th August 2020.

TUI Airlines Netherlands are having same experience with TUI Airways from the UK as half of their planes are still grounded due to the current pandemic. Most of their Dreamliners for TUI Airlines Netherlands are in long haul & some of their short haul flights by sending out Dreamliners & Boeing 767's.

Emirates Sky Cargo AG-EFM Boeing 777F delivered in 2013 taken 17th August 2020.

Emirates Sky Cargo comes daily into Amsterdam if it's from the UAE, United States, Asia or just Europe you see Emirates Sky Cargo like flies with only 11 of these. If you want to see Emirates not by passenger but for cargo, you got an option to see this in Amsterdam for freighters.

Air Malta 9H-NEB Airbus A320neo delivered in 2019 taken 17th August 2020.

An airline I miss home. Air Malta was one of a few first flights to restart after lockdown from Malta until recently Dutch Government put us on quarantine list when arriving back to Malta lucky I traveled from the UK. Anyway, Air Malta operates in morning & sometimes early evening schedules to Amsterdam. 

Singapore Airlines 9V-SFP Boeing 747-400F delivered in 2005 taken 18th August 2020.

Singapore Airlines Cargo now part of Singapore Airlines operate it's freighters mostly to Asia but also in the UK & the US using their Queen of the Skies. 

KLM Cargo PH-CKA Boeing 747-400F delivered in 2003 taken 18th August 2020. 

And finally we all wan't to on KLM's Queen of the Skies. KLM is still operating the last remaining Boeing 747-400 from passenger to cargo. Their are still Boeing 747's left still operating for passengers theirs I think one of them used as cargo for PPE during the current pandemic. The only 747 photo I only got for KLM is this one operated by Martin Air. 

Honorable Mention

Western Global Airlines N513SN McDonnell Douglas MD-11F arrived from Chicago O'Hare, USA in 17th August 2020. It's rare to see MD-11 in Amsterdam since KLM retired their MD-11 in 2014.  I've seen the aircraft arriving but no photo due to different spotting location. 

More of my spotting photos in Amsterdam are on my Facbook page.

Quick look in London Gatwick, UK 14th August 2020.

Before I went to Amsterdam, The Netherlands I like to take a look what is going on in North Terminal. The airport if you seen my Easyjet flight report is not busy on airside when it comes to air traffic. Let's take a look on few airliners at London Gatwick, UK.

British Airways G-YMMD delivered in 2000 taken 14th August 2020.

First up, is the return of British Airways in North Terminal temporary while South Terminal is closed & operating small flights to the Caribbean with only Boeing 777 aircraft.  

TUI Airways G-TUIK Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner delivered in 2017 taken 14th AUgust 2020.

TUI Airways has been sending their Boeing 757's, 757's and 787 Dreamliners mostly to Europe & Turkey from Gatwick. It's too early when TUI Airways will operate long haul again. 

Ryanair unknown registration Boeing 737-800 taken 14th AUgust 2020.

Not the best shot from my phone. Ryanair originally operates from South Terminal now temporary move to North Terminal where this flight arrived from Dublin, Ireland. Ryanair's rival Aer Lingus also from South Terminal has no flights currently operating at Gatwick at the monument. 

Taken 14th August 2020.

Two aircraft in one first we have Turkish Airlines Airbus A321neo and Air Transit Airbus A321neo preparing a flight to Toronto Pearson, Canada. We'll focus on Air Transat, because it was primary sending either Airbus A330 and Airbus A310. With the departure of Airbus A310 less than a year ago we will be seeing this brand new A321neo primary use in Gatwick from Toronto while other Candian destinations is on hold due to the current pandemic. 

Taken 14th August 2020.

As you can see, lots of British Airways aircraft at South Terminal are all grounded as well as TUI Airways normally at South Terminal. I don't think Easyjet planes are grounded. 

Easyjet G-EZOA Airbus A320 delivered in 2014 taken 14th August 2020.

Finally we have Easyjet in Easyjet Holidays special brand arrived from Gibraltar. In the background you'll see three TUI Airways 2 737's and one classic 757 next to a grounded British Airways A320. Since TUI Airways is not grounded, it's still operate it's flight I've mentioned from the Dreamliner photo. 

Around that pier we should have see Emirates Airbus A380 from Dubai, UAE being the only A380 operation. Norweign Airlines with their 737's & 787 Dreamliner from South Terminal is no where to be seen. Virgin Atlantic puled out of Gatwick. Thomas Cook ceased operations a year ago months before the pandemic. It has been very difficult for the aviation industry at Gatwick & fear that British Airways could be moved to Heathrow. This year has been the worst hit for my second favorite UK airport it's still unclear about it's future as it will take years to recover.

My Flight Report Easyjet flight EZY8878 Amsterdam, The Netherlands - London Gatwick, UK 18th August 2020 *COVID-19 EDITION*

Airline: Easyjet
Flight: EZY8878

Type: Airbus A319

Reg: G-EZDI
Flight of origin: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Terminal: All D
Destination: London Gatwick, UK
Terminal: North Terminal

Flight time: 40 minutes 
Type of travel: Non-Schengen flight outside the EU/EEA

Welcome to an outbound Flight Report to the UK from The Netherlands. We are heading back to the UK with Easyjet flight to London Gatwick. 

Entering the terminal is like normal life at Schipol. Before you start to check-in, their is a sign that wearing a face mask is required. We mean't to hand over out Dutch Health Screening Form because now flights (including ferries) from The Netherlands to the UK are required to quarantine no one at the airport staff, immigration and the gate mentioned it.  

Their is a 1 meter plus social distancing in The Netherlands so many Dutch travelers follow the guidance depending on other travelers. To me, social distancing when I was in downtown Amsterdam looks like normal way of life. The ePassport gate was closed so I wen't to EU Citizen passport control desk with a friendly talk about removing my mask. 

My aircraft back to Gatwick is the same aircraft that took my to Amsterdam on the 14th August. I'm happy to say, the chocolate stain on row 8A is gone & the cabin is fully cleaned. The aircraft was 85% full compare my last flight was roughly 40% full. 

Departing Amsterdam was smooth with beautiful weather as we enter the North Sea coast. Cabin crew did an amazing job with announcement on Covid-19 then snack bar service. If you don't know, Easyjet are only accepting contactless credit/debit card payment. It didn't take long when snack bar service was finished & get ready to throw rubbish away.

As we've entered the UK aircspace, I've spotted former Manston Airport shame it was covered up by the clouds. As we started decending, we've gone through pretty cloudy path until our final approach into Gatwick where it was a little bit windy. 

And I arrived at Gatwck apart runway 26L few minutes early. Our gate was 572 right at the back of  North Terminal we did have a 15 minute wait next to the control tower due to an aircraft already at our gate to leave.

UK Quarantine 

Before arriving to the UK, all passengers must fill in passenger location forum online by the British Government by 48 hours before arriving into the country. It must be shown by UK Border Force fail to do so will deny entry to the UK & face fines. You can do it at the airport with a QR Code. 

I didn't use the ePassport gate due to Brexit Transition Period many EU citizens like myself didn't use it so I went to the desk. They still got UK/EU/EEA line (as well as Blue Channel for Customs) but I wasn't so sure so I followed it. When it was my turn, showed the immigration my location form and I've entered the UK without getting stamped into the country as freedom of movement continues until 31st December 2020. 

Finally I'm at my house currently on 14 day quarantine.

My overall rating:

• Cabin: 10/10
• Hygienic: 10/10
• Food: N/A 
• Cabin Crew: 10/10
• Service: 10/10   

Overall: 10/10

Thank you Easyjet.

My Flight Report Easyjet EZY8877 London Gatwick, UK - Amsterdam, The Netherlands 14th August 2020 *COVID-19 EDITION*

Airline: Easyjet 
Flight: EZY8877
Type: Airbus A320

Reg: G-EZDI
Flight of Origin: London Gatwick, UK
Terminal: North Terminal
Destination: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Terminal: Hall D

Flight time: 40 minutes
Type of Travel: Non-Schengen flight outside the EU/EEA

Welcome back to another Flight Report & welcoming to a brand new edition for Covid-19 on today's report. We are celebrating today on travelling back to The Netherlands today with Easyjet after months of chaos during the lockdown.

Before we go into the report, all passengers are required to wear a face mask before you enter the airport terminal building & wash your hands from a sanitizer station. Fail to do so will refuse on travelling. Same goes for temperature checks upto 38 degrees or more. 

Entering Gatwick, you are greeted by sanitizer station. I already carried one so it's better to use their stations. 

Easyjet is home to self-service drop off baggage at Gatwick, at first I don't like to do it while Covid-19 is still active when using the touchscreens so make sure you use the sanitizer again. 

Going through security is normal so the only different is social distancing up-to 2 meters (same for check-in). When arriving at the gate for all airliners, you need to scan your boarding pass yourself, show the gate agent your passport with your face mask off to make sure I'm the passenger to board. This also includes check-in at the desk.

Airside was pretty busy with lack of social distancing. This was taken after I passed security where it's somewhat calm. However, when eating Weatherspoon is super busy & long wait in the que. Other restaurants on the first floor Yo Sushi and Jamie's Italian, Starbucks etc are still closed.

Before we board the aircraft, we have to scan our boarding pass, remove my mask & show my passport the agent can't touch our passports. It does have face shielding. One negative from Easyjet is that speedy boarding passengers has temporary stopped due to the airline's Covid policy. When queuing to the aircraft via jet bridge, their is no social distancing which makes it impossible. 

Our aircraft operating by Easyjet UK. Originally my flight was mean't to be on 15th August on a Saturday instead, I was giving free flight to be pushed back to 14th August so got an extra day in Amsterdam. Easyjet has temporary stopped all Saturday service when I was emailed a couple of weeks ago. Aircraft we're heading to Amsterdam is a 12 year old Airbus A319 in new Easyjet livery delivered in May 2008.

   

And so for the first time in seven months, I'm now back in the sky heading towards Amsterdam with a flight time only 40 minutes. After departing Gatwick, the clouds over the UK started to get stormy with this huge cloud you can see is avoidable through this airspace. Cabin crew did an amazing job when announcing about Covid-19 & serving drinks and duty free. While we're still at the Covid-19 pandemic all aircraft must be cleaned & fumigated however, I've spotted something that's gross on row 8A. 

A huge stain that looks like chocolate. It look absolutely disgusting! it really needs to be super cleaned if Easyjet care's on people's lives in the pandemic. 

We arrived in Amsterdam Schipol Airport early.

Arriving in The Netherlands is somewhat different depending where you've traveled from recently. After going through passport control from the ePassport gate I've finally arrived in Amsterdam. This is a lucky one because, I arrived one day before quarantine between the UK-Netherlands started so I don't have to self isolate. 

My overall rating:

• Cabin: 10/10
• Hygienic: 7/10
• Food: N/A 
• Cabin Crew: 10/10
• Service: 10/10   

Overall: 8.9/10

Look out for the next Flight Report coming in few days time. 

Malta International Airshow 2020 Cancelled

 

In view of the rise in covid-19 cases both in Malta and in Europe, the Malta International Airshow is cancelled. Additionally, the decision to ban mass public gatherings by the Government of Malta has had a direct effect on the event. The Malta Aviation Society committee deems that the airshow falls squarely in this category and has thus stopped all preparations for this year's much-awaited event.

The Malta Aviation Society is presently waiting for a reply from the Malta Tourism Authority - the main sponsor of the event - to ascertain that the agreement for the 2020 airshow rolls on to 2021, so that preparations get underway for an airshow in 2021.

The Malta Aviation Society thanks all stakeholders for the support shown during the preparatory phase of this year's event.

"The Malta International Airshow"

Malta MedAir

9H-AEO Airbus A320 has started it's first every flight from Malta - Warsaw, Poland. The first flight as MM02 departed Malta International Airport at 2:30pm & arrived back at 10:15pm to/from Chopin Airport. 

MaltaAir is government owned  and will be operating numbered of charter flights to European destinations. All captain & crew are all Malta MedAir not from Air Malta crew. 

Aircraft is previously owned by Air Malta delivered in May 2006. It's been with them ever since just been painted in Valletta - European Capital of Culture twice in previous Air Malta livery & current livery. 9H-AEO was brought to Malta MedAir in August 2020 with their logo covered the Air Malta logo on the fuselage & replaced on the engine in full Air Malta brand. 

Air Malta fleet information (2nd August 2020)

Withdrawn

• 9H-AEO Airbus A320 delivered in 2006 already with Malta MedAir in service. Currently in Valletta - European Capital of Culture & Air Malta brand. 

Arrival

• F-WWIV Airbus A320neo currently a test registration will soon to join Air Malta fleet. We will soon find out what the new Maltese registration will be.