29 December 2014

Korean Air's HL8210

With the New Year coming up, it is again the time of the year of when HNL receives many extra section and charter flights from Japan. This year, among the usual A330-300s, 747-400s, and 767-300s is Korean's 777-3B5/ER. Korean has been flying a charter between HND and HNL using one of their 777-3B5/ERs since December 27 as KAL9053. Today's flight was flown using HL8210. HL8210 (c/n 40377, l/n 882) was delivered to Korean on July 16, 2010.

25 December 2014

Christmas Specials

Some special guest on Christmas day. A pair of China Southern 777-21BERs flew in from CAN [Guangzhou Baiyun International], China as CSN2002 and CSN2003. B-2056 (c/n 27525, l/n 66), in the SkyTeam livery, and B-2058 (c/n 27605, l/n 110), leased from ALAFCO, are headed for storage at GYR.

Royal Jet's 737-7AK (BBJ), A6-RJX (c/n 29865, l/n 241) flew in a few days earlier and departed on the 30th to Minneapolis - St. Paul International [MSP].

Lastly, an Ex-MASwings DHC-6-310 Twin Otter which arrived on the 23rd. C-GKPG (msn 802) flew in from Kota Kinabalu International, Malaysia via Guam and the Marshall Islands. Sister-ship C-GKKN (msn 792, formerly 9M-MDK) arrived on the 29th via the Philippines, Guam, and the Marshall Islands. It departed tonight to McMinnville Municipal Airport, Oregon leaving C-GKPG behind. 802 was 9M-MDL with MASwings. It was delivered to Malaysia Airlines in July 1983. It also wore the 1990s MAS livery. In August 2006, 9M-MDL was transferred to FlyAsian Express (FAX), the predecessor to Air Asia X, as MAS transferred their regional prop fleet and operations to FAX. In October 2007, FAX ended their operations, and transferred the operations and aircraft to MASwings.

Mele Kalikimaka!

The HNL RareBirds Team would like to wish our readers and fans a very Merry Christmas!

23 December 2014

China United's B-1753

China United Airlines is also taking delivery of B-1753 (c/n 61311, l/n 5215) today. The 737-89P, their fourth in seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA894, and will overnight at HNL. Like the previous three, this one was also allocated from China Eastern's order book.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1709

The second half of the Xiamen Air 737-85C two-fer, is B-1709 (c/n 39912, l/n 5212). It is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1709, and will also overnight at HNL.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

Xiamen's B-1971

Xiamen Air is taking delivery two 737-85Cs today. The first, B-1971 (c/n 39904, l/n 5034P), is making its delivery flight from BFI as CXA1971, and will overnight at HNL. This is a replacement airframe to the one damaged in the Montana derailment.

Mahalo to team member AndrewC for the photo.

22 December 2014

Royal Malaysian Air Force's 9M-NAA

The Royal Malaysian Air Force's A319-115CJ, 9M-NAA (msn 2949), has made a stop at HNL from KUL (via KIX). It left for LAX and then on to IND on December 26.

Thanks to team members HNL Ramper and hal763 for the pictures of 9M-NAA.

Air China Orders 60 737s

Air China has committed to purchase 60 737s, as a mix of 737NGs and 737MAXs.

Further information in this Boeing Media Room release.

20 December 2014

China United's B-1752

China United Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-89P within the past four days. B-1752 (c/n 61310, l/n 5211) is making its delivery flight from BFI to NAY (via HNL and GUM) as CUA752, and will overnight at HNL.

Shenzhen's B-1713

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of their second 737-87L within the past three days with B-1713 (c/n 39161, l/n 5213). It's making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ908, and will overnight at HNL.

19 December 2014

Hawai‘i Bowl Team Charters

Both the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Rice Owls are using Omni Air International as their team charters for this year's Hawai‘i Bowl, on December 24th, at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium. The Bulldogs arrive this afternoon on OAE890 (a 767-300ER) from FAT. The Owls arrive this evening aboard OAE882 (a 777-200) from IAH. Both teams will depart following the game, with the flights using the same respective flight numbers.

China United's B-1751

China United Airlines is taking delivery B-1751 (c/n 61309, l/n 5209) today. The 737-89P, allocated from China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA751, and will overnight at HNL. This is their second 737-89P within the past three days.

Malaysia's 9M-MXY

Malaysia Airlines is taking delivery of 9M-MXY (c/n 40162, l/n 5208) this afternoon. The 737-8H6 is making its delivery flight from BFI as MAS5013, and will overnight at HNL.

According to the Boeing Media Room, 9M-MXY is the 100th 737 delivered to Malaysia Airlines, and noted with a decal on the nose section.

18 December 2014

Hawaiian Finalizes A330-800neo Order

Hawaiian Airlines has finalized the purchase agreement for six A330-800neo as replacements for the airlines order for the A350-800XWB. Deliveries are expected in 2019.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

17 December 2014

China Eastern's N7820L

Southwest Airlines is taking delivery of N7820L (c/n 28253, l/n 1247) today. The 737-79P, once with China Eastern Airlines as B-2683, was under lease from AerCap. It is ferrying from HKG to PAE (via GUM and HNL).

N9420D

N9420D (c/n 49824, l/n 1554), an MD-83, is ferrying through JRF today. The flight originated from ROW (via BFL), and is bound for somewhere in Asia, as it owned by AWAS. It will make a brief fuel stop at JRF, before continuing onto MAJ and SPN.

49824 was oringally purchased by ILFC, then leased to BWIA-British West Indies Airways [BW/BWA] in December 1998 as 9Y-THU "Sunjet St. Kitts". In December 1996, it was leased to Trans World Airlines as N9420D (f/n 9420). A year later, it was sold to AWAS, and continued with TWA. When American Airlines acquired TWA, N9420D was transferred over, and assigned the AAL fleet number 4WY. In January 2013, it was returned to AWAS, and stored at ROW.

China Southern's N847TM

China Southern Airlines is returning one of their 737-76Ns to GECAS. N847TM (c/n 32583, l/n 994), is making its ferry flight from CAN (via GUM and HNL) to the mainland, and has been at HNL since the 14th. As you can see above, with all the zinc chromate green primer areas, there has been a lot of work done to this 737-700. There has been nothing noted if this airliner was involved in any kind of accident.

32583 was originally purchased by GECAS, and delivered in November 2001 as N583SF. It was leased to China Xinjiang Airlines as B-2698 in November 2001. When China Southern Airlines acquired China Xinjiang, B-2698 was transferred to the CSN fleet. It was returned to GECAS earlier this month.


01.05.15 Update
N847TM will be taken up by Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based airline is in the process of acquiring unwanted 737-700s.

Shenzhen's B-1712

As the last of today's delivery trio, Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1712 (c/n 39160, l/n 5199) this afternoon. The 737-87L, their second in seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ121, and will overnight at HNL.

Shandong's B-1730

Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of B-1730 (c/n 41100, l/n 5205) today. The 737-89L, allocated from parent company Air China's order list, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CDG1730, and will overnight at HNL. It's the second of today's delivery trio.

China Eastern's B-1723

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1723 (c/n 41511, l/n 5197) this morning. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES299, and will overnight at HNL. B-1723 starts off a trio of 737-800s delivering to China today.

16 December 2014

China United's B-1750

China United Airlines is taking delivery of B-1750 (c/n 61308, l/n 5201) today. The 737-89P, allocated from parent company China Eastern Airlines, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CUA750, and will overnight at HNL. It's seen above, taxiing out for departure to MAJ.

China Southern's B-1718

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1718 (c/n 38934, l/n 5203) today. The 737-81B is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSN718, and will overnight at HNL.

12 December 2014

Hainan's B-1728

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1728 (c/n 39218, l/n 5194) today. The 737-84P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1728, and will overnight at HNL.

Malindo's 9M-LNP

Malindo Air is taking delivery of 9M-LNP (c/n 39830, l/n 5195) early this morning. The 737-8GP is making its overnight delivery flight from BFI as MXD1. It made a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing on.

11 December 2014

Nok Air's HS-DBR

Nok Air is taking delivery of HS-DBR "Nok Yoknapha" (c/n 43420, l/n 5031P) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as HSDBR, and will overnight at KOA.

Pictured below, Nok Air's HS-DBR Boeing 737-800 on the south ramp at KOA on 12/12/14.



Shouldn't every airplane be painted as creatively as this?!  :)

10 December 2014

Shenzhen's B-1972

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1972 (c/n 37620, l/n 5035P). This 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ903, and will overnight at HNL. This is the replacement airframe to one damaged in the Montana derailment. It was scheduled for its delivery flight yesterday, but postponed to today.

09 December 2014

N979PG

N979PG (c/n 26608, l/n 559), a 767-3S1ER is making its way from BKK to MEX, has made a stop at JRF, after a stop at SPN.

26608 was originally delivered to TACA International Airlines [TA/TAI] (El Salvador) in November 1994 as N769TA. It was leased to Avianca Colombia in the late 90s. It was also painted the current TACA livery. In May 2000, it went to Canadian Airlines International [CP/CDN] as C-GGBI (f/n CP650), and was transferred to the Air Canada fleet (f/n 650) after the latter acquired the former. It was also sold to Pegasus Aviation Finance Company (PAFCO), then leased back. In January 2004, it was leased to Alitalia as EI-DDW "Sebastiano Caboto". In March 2013, 22608 was sold to Sky Holding Company while in storage at MEX. In April 2013, it was leased to Business Air [8B/BCC] (Thailand) as HS-BIH, and returned in October 2014.

Shanghai's B-1721

Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of B-1721 (c/n 41501, l/n 5193) today. The 737-86D is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSH721, and will overnight at HNL.

07 December 2014

Thai Lion's HS-LTP

The second of the two Thai Lion Air 737-9GPER deliveries was HS-LTP (c/n 38301, l/n 5176). It made its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and also made a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto its new home at DMK.

Thai Lion's HS-LTK

Thai Lion Air has taken delivery of a pair of 737-9GPERs in the overnight hours. The first to depart BFI for HNL was HS-LTK (c/n 38304, l/n 5162), used the callsign HSLTK, and made a brief fuel stop here, before making its way to DMK. This 737-9GPER was originally destined for Lion Air as PK-LPJ, but then allocated to its Thai subsidiary.

04 December 2014

N130FF

N130FF (msn 382-4901), a Lockheed EC-130Q(AT), owned by Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and leased to Coulson Flying Tankers, is making a stop at HNL. It's from YYJ [Victoria, British Columbia, Canada], on its way to Australia, for their summer fire season.

This EC-130Q was previously with NASA as N427NA.

Air China's B-1977

Air China is taking delivery of B-1977 (c/n 41099, l/n 5181) today. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA78, and will overnight at HNL.

03 December 2014

Hawaiian To Add Seats To 717 Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines will be adding new, thinner seats, that will add up to ten more seats (or two rows) in their inter-island 717-200 fleet. This move will seat up to 128 passengers in all 18 717s, while keeping the same seat pitch.

Further information in this NewsObserver.com article.

China Southern's B-2582

China Southern Airlines is ferrying B-2582 (c/n 25895, l/n 2499), a 737-31B, to MWH for parting out and scrapping. It's making its ferry flight from CAN (via LAO, GUM, MAJ, HNL, and OAK) as CSN2002.

B-2582 was delivered to China Southern Airlines in Aug 1993. In July 1998, it was leased to Guizhou Airlines [CGH] (China) until 2004. After its return to the CSN fleet, it was sold to ALC, then leased back to the airline.

Delta To Resume MSP-HNL Next October

Beginning October 2015, Delta Air Lines will resume the MSP-HNL service that was terminated in 2011, following its merger with Northwest Airlines. Delta will use their 767-300ERs for this daily service.

The MSP-HNL route had been a staple of Northwest Airlines (which was headquartered in Minneapolis), that had been operated with their DC-10s and 747-200s. After its merger with Delta, it was decided to cancel that route.

Further information in this AirlineRoute.net article.

02 December 2014

Aero-Flite's RJ-85

Aero-Flite is sending one of their 3 firefighting capable Avro RJ-85s to Australia in anticipation of their upcoming fire season. N355AC (msn E2293) arrived from Oakland International this afternoon, and will most likely continue Down Under to CNS (via MAJ and HIR) after an overnight stay. It will be based at CNS, during its assignment.

The Aero-Flite RJ-85s' were converted to carry fire retardant solution in an external configuration by British Columbia based company, Conair. Before being converted, N355AC was originally delivered to Lufthansa Cityline in September, 1996 as D-AVRN and their it flew until it was retired in late 2011.

Conair equipment has been caught in HNL in the past. A pair of converted Convair CV-580s' made the trip to the land down under in December 2010 and transited back through on their way home to British Columbia in April, 2011.

Hawaiian To Bring Back Summer Routes

Hawaiian Airlines will bring back service California and the Neighbor Islands for the 2015 summer travel season. Beginning May 20th, KOA will have thrice-weekly service to LAX, and four-times-weekly service to OAK; while LIH will have thrice-weekly service to OAK, and four-times-weekly service to LAX. On June 11th, Hawaiian will add a second OGG-LAX daily flight.

Further information in this Hawaiian Airlines press release.

01 December 2014

American International's N102CK

Our December edition of "HNL RareBirds Classic" takes us back to November 1995, and this American International Airways L-1011-200F, N012CK (msn 193N-1198), seen above on Taxiway C, taxiing out for departure on Runway 8R.  American International Airways was the precursor to the current Kalitta Air [K4/CKS].

This Tri-Star was originally delivered to British Airways [BA/BAW] in November 1980 as G-BHBM "The Piccadilly Rose". It was also painted in the Landor livery, and re-named "Poole Bay" in the late 80s. It was leased to Kuwait Airways for a short period in 1992. It was acquired by American International in November 1994, after going through its freighter conversion. In May 1999, it was transferred to Kalitta's Kitty Hawk International [CB/CKS] subsidiary. After Kitty Hawk's closure, N102CK was sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, and ferried to Jordan. It then was ferried to Greece, where it was supposed to be leased to Freedom Air (Cyprus), with the Greek registry of SX-CVE. Last known photo taken in January 2013, reports are that this Tri-Star remains stored at KVA [Megas Alexandros Airport, Kavala, Geece], still in the Kitty Hawk livery.

29 November 2014

Cebu Pacific Eyes MNL-HNL Service In July

According to a CH-Aviation.com article published on Friday, Cebu Pacific Airlines [5J/CEB] (Philippines) is seeking to launch thrice-weekly service between MNL and HNL in July 2015. The airline presently has five A330-343s (with one on order, and plans to lease two more), and is planning international expansion to the Middle East, Asia, and US. If approved, Cebu Pacific's A330s are configured for 436 coach seats, and would add over 1,300 seats with the proposed thrice-weekly flights. The airline had intimated, as early as this past April, of US expansion to HNL and GUM, once  they received a Category 1 safety status by the US and EU.

More information on CEB's international expansion in this Centre For Aviation article.

N175AG And N176AG

Two former Hunnu Air [MR/MML] (Mongolia) A319-112s have stopped over in HNL on its way to storage in VCV. N175AG [top photo] (msn 1750, ex-JU-8889 "Nirun") and N176AG [above photo] (msn 1706, ex-JU-8888 "Great Mongol") were originally delivered to Mexicana in 2002; and leased to Mongolian Airlines (Hunnu's former name) in 2012. Hunnu Air changed its name in April 2013. Both aircraft arrived from HKG, via GUM, and are scheduled to leave for VCV on November 30th. With the removal of both A319-112s, Hunnu Air's remaining fleet now consists of three Fokker 50s.

1706 was delivered to Mexicana, under lease from Bouillion Air Services, as N706MX "Sacramento" in April 2002, and stayed until August 2010.

1750 was delivered to Mexicana, also under lease from Bouillion Air Services, as N750MX "Vamos pro Todo" in May 2002, and stayed until August 2010.

China Eastern's B-1722

China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of B-1722 (c/n 41513, l/n 5174) this afternoon. The 737-89P is making its delivery flight from BFI as CES599, and will overnight at HNL.

26 November 2014

Air China's B-1738

Air China is taking delivery of B-1738 (c/n 41325, l/n 5186) today. The 737-89L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CCA74, and will overnight at HNL.

Batik's PK-LBT

Batik Air is taking delivery of PK-LBT (c/n 39828, l/n 5179) early this morning. The 737-8GP made its overnight delivery flight from BFI as BTK1, with a pre-dawn few stop at HNL, before continuing onto SZB, then BTH.

25 November 2014

Shenzhen's B-1710

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1710 (c/n 39158, l/n 5182) today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ919, and will overnight at HNL.

Shanghai's B-2876

Shanghai Airlines' B-2876 (c/n 33967, l/n 1050), a 757-26D, is being ferried from PVG to GYR (via SPN and HNL) as CSH2876. It was sold to Boeing Capital and re-registered as N338BC.

The above photo was taken on 27 April 2005 as B-2876 taxied for departure to MAJ as it made its delivery flight from BFI to PVG. This was also the final 757 that Boeing built and delivered.


04.18.15 Update
N338BC has been sold to Delta Air Lines, and will be re-registered as N823DX (f/n 6823).

22 November 2014

Ruili's B-5829

Ruili Airlines [DR/RLH] (China) is taking delivery of their first new-build 737-7ME today. B-5829 (c/n 60460, l/n 5173) is making its delivery flight from BFI as B5829, and will overnight at HNL.

21 November 2014

Rouge Replaces Air Canada

Rouge, the Air Canada subsidiary takes over the YVR-HNL service tonight, continuing with 767-300ER service.

Hainan's B-1729

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of their third 737-84P this month, with B-1729 (c/n 41377, l/n 5175). It's making its delivery flight today as CHH1729, and will overnight at HNL.

19 November 2014

India Navy's IN325

The Indian Navy is taking delivery of IN325 (c/n 40615, l/n 4481) today. The P-8I (737-8FV) is making its delivery flight as BOE206, is also wearing a US registration of N726DS. It will overnight at HNL, before continuing onto GUM.

17 November 2014

JA8982

JA8982 (c/n 27365, l/n 26), a former Japan Airlines 777-246, that has been sold by the airline, and is making its way to San Bernardino International Airport (SBD). It arrived at HNL this morning from HND as JAL8131. It will leave HNL tomorrow morning for SBD, where it will be parted out by its new owner.

It was originally delivered to Japan Airlines in March 1996, in the Landor livery. In late 2007, it was painted in the "Arc Of The Sun" livery. In September 2010, JA8982 became one of the two 777-246 logojets promoting Arashi, the Japanese mega-pop group. The Arashi decals remained when JA8982 was painted in the current Tsuru livery, until the end of 2011. The most recent photo of JA8982 on Airliners.Net was in this past September.

Thanks to team member hal763 for the picture of JA8982 parked at the north hardstands.

Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris

Also stopping over for a refueling stop was Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-150 Polaris VIP Transport, 15001 (c/n 446).

Air Force One Refueling Stop

With the end of the 2014 G20 Summit in Brisbane, Australia, President Obama stopped over at HIK for a short refueling stop before heading back to Washington, D.C. on Air Force One.  The President arrived a little after 6:00 a.m. and took off around 7:20 a.m.  The VC-25A that carried the President today was 92-9000 (c/n 23825, l/n 685) and is shown taking off from 8L.

Air Force One was followed a couple of hours later by a C-32A.

Qantas' VH-XZP

Qantas Airways is taking delivery of their final 737-838, VH-XZP "James Strong" (c/n 44577, 6164), today. It's also wearing the 1970s era livery, and is making its delivery flight from BFI as QFA6024, and will make a brief stop at HNL, before continuing onto NAN.

VH-XZP arrived at HNL and parked at Gate 23 in the Center Concourse. Above is a picture from team member hal763 of VH-XZP at the gate. The top photo shows VH-XZP departing for NAN.

13 November 2014

Hainan's B-1725

Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-1725 (c/n 38147, l/n 5167) today. The 737-84P, their second within the past seven days, is making its delivery flight from BFI as CHH1725, and will overnight at HNL, before continuing onto MAJ.

11 November 2014

Hau‘oli Lā Hānau Hawaiian Airlines!

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates its 85th birthday today! Beginning as Inter-Island Airways in 1929 (pictured above with their Bellanca CH-300, NC251M), it changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines in 1941. Through the years, the airline has grown into a domestic and international airline, with their current fleet pictured below.

Veteran's Day

The HNL RareBirds team extends a big mahalo to all our readers and fans who served, or are currently serving, in the US Armed Forces. We appreciate all you do to serve our country and protect our freedoms.

Shenzhen's B-1711

Shenzhen Airlines is taking delivery of B-1711 (c/n 39159, l/n 5159) today. The 737-87L is making its delivery flight from BFI as CSZ918, and will make an overnight stop at HNL, then continue onto MAJ.

10 November 2014

N41AX

N41AX (msn 41082), a British Aerospace Jetstream 41, is making its way from CBR (Canberra, Australia) to storage at MQY [Smyrna, TN], via (OOL, PPG, HNL, and SJC). It was most recently with Brindabella Airlines [FQ/BRI] (Australia), until its closure in December 2013. It's currently owned by the CSC Trust Company (Wilmington, DE).

41082 was originally purchased by First State Bank of Utah (FSBU), and leased to Trans States Airlines [AX/LOF], in February 1996 as N565HK. Trans States was a regional partner for Trans World Airlines (TWA), and was marketed as Trans World Express (TWE). When American Airlines acquired TWA, Trans States became American Connection. N565HK was painted into the American Connection livery, and was also sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest. In March 2008, it was sold to Commonwealth Bank of Australia, then leased to Brindabella Airlines as VH-TAI.

07 November 2014

Evergreen International's BBJ

A 737-BC BBJ belonging to Evergreen International's shipping agency made an appearance today. N888YF (c/n 33036, l/n 1060) arrived this morning from Taoyuan International (RCTP/TPE), Taiwan.

Garuda Indonesia A330s

Garuda Indonesia is returning a few A330-243s leased from Air Transat after the annual Hajj pilgrimage. C-GTSR (c/n 966) arrived earlier this morning as TSC901 from Adisumarmo International (WARQ/SOC), Indonesia. Sister-ships C-GTIS and C-GGTS will soon follow.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. VP-BLK

One of the few remaining 747SPs' arrived this afternoon. VP-BLK (c/n 21649) of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation is seen parked at the Ewa stands after bringing high rollers into town.

Batik's PK-LBS

Batik Air is taking delivery of PK-LBS (c/n 39827, l/n 5157) this afternoon. The 737-8GP is making its delivery flight as BTK1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL, before continuing onto CEB.

OK Air's B-1732

Okay Airways is taking delivery of B-1732 (c/n 41255, l/n 5161) today. The 737-86N, leased from GECAS, is making its delivery flight from BFI as OKA1732, and will overnight at HNL, before continuing onto GUM. B-1732 is the 100th 737NG delivery flight to China from BFI.

Some Not So HNL RareBirds

I had the splendid chance of attending the 2014 Iruma Airshow in Saitama, Japan this past November 3rd. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The highlight of any airshow would be the performance done by the local military groups and Japan was no exception. The JASDF's Blue Impulse, flying Kawasaki T-4s wowed the enthusiastic crowd of more than 200,000 people that attended that day. Other aerial demonstrations where performed by Iruma's 2nd Tactical Airlift Wing flying Kawasaki C-1s and a U-4, the Air Defense Command HQ Flight Group in their YS-11, U-125 and Kawasaki T-4s, JASDF's Air Rescue Wing with their U-125A and UH-60J, and the Base's Helicopter Airlift Corps flying the CH-47J.  I was impressed at how the audience oohed and awed at the maneuvers the various display groups performed. This was one of the main highlights of my Japan trip! I hope to make it out there for more JDM metal soon!