London Heathrow Airport | 29th June
I have returned from my months long slumber yet again to bring the people of IF some spotting goodness.
I’ve been spotting since my last topic at other airports, however I think this trip was warranted a post since I got quite a few good catches.
I’ve decided to use a different date and time format in the title as to avoid unnecessary confusion as it did last time.
- The trip started like many others to LHR, at Myrtle Avenue. It’s a great open space for spotting and other things to, like a picnic.
Started by practicing my panning shots to get that perfect prop blur. I reckon this is one of my better pans, but still trying to get the perfect pan which includes all the small print being sharp.
G-LMTE┃72-600┃Loganair
Soon after, something special came in which I haven’t seen in a very long time. G-EUPJ is one of BA’S Airbus A319s, she’s been out of service for a long while, but she has a very special BEA Retro livery - unique to her. She’s back in service and soaring! Last I saw this aircraft was at the 2022 Infinite Flight LHR Meetup.
G-EUPJ┃A319-131┃British Airways
Caught another special livery in the form of Icelandair’s Icelandic Independence livery, which celebrates Iceland’s centenary of independence from Denmark. However, I did some research and apparently they only gained independence in 1944, which was only 80 years ago. Can someone explain the 100 years on the livery?
TF-ISX┃757-3E7┃Icelandair
Now, I came to LHR again to spot the B747-8i which had recently been put on the Seoul-London route by Korean Air, I thought this would be the reason most were at the airport that day, however I was wrong. Turns out, Emirates has a brand new livery in partnership with Wimbledon and that it was taking it’s maiden revenue flight to London.
A6-EOE┃A380-861┃Emirates
With 3pm come and gone, arriving traffic had switched to RWY27R. So that’s where me and many others headed next.
I decided to try a spot I haven’t been too before, it’s next to the BA maintenance hanger on the eastern perimeter road. The angle provides a great side-shot of incoming aircraft, such as this beauty.
B-18912┃A350-941┃China Airlines
This was also my first opportunity to see the new Saudia livery, which I think looks great.
HZ-AR32┃787-10 Dreamliner┃Saudia
Here is a typical British Airways A20N, right? Well, this was actually a delivery flight straight from Airbus final assembly in Toulouse - making me one of the first to spot this aircraft!
G-TTNV┃A320-251N┃British Airways
Eventually, what I’d come to see had arrived. The glorious Korean Air 747-8i, the current only passenger 747 to be operating into the United Kingdom.
HL7642┃747-8B5┃Korean Air
Thanks for having a read of my topic, I’d love if you could give some feedback in the replies. I’ll keep the pictures coming!