29 November 2007

Hawai‘i Air National Guard Eagles Grounded


As part of a nationwide stand-down of the USAF F-15A/D fleet, the 199th FS has its F-15s grounded for maintenance reasons. F-16s from the Minnesota Air National Guard's 179th FS "Bulldogs" / 148th FW are filling in for the 199th FS. Here's The Honolulu Advertiser article link.

In the photo above, a 199th FS F-15B, 74-0140, rolls out after landing from a sortie on Runway 4R.

Here's a photo link to the 179th FS "Bulldogs" / 148th FW F-16s filling in.

Okay Airways B-5366

Okay Airways' newest 737-8GQ(W), B-5366 (c/n 35793), made its stop at HNL on its delivery flight, OKA366. B-5366 is Okay's first new-build 737-800. In March 2006, Okay leased B-2865 from AWAS, among other used 737-800s.

Sorry, no HNL photo, but here's Rick Schlamp's BFI photo.

This also happens to be our 100th 737-800 related post ...

Hawaiian To Acquire Airbus Jets

Hawaiian Airlines announced yesterday that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase six Airbus A330-200s and six A350XWB-800s, with options to purchase six more of both types. Here's the The Honolulu Advertiser article link.

22 November 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!


The HNL RareBirds team wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are truly thankful for all of the RareBirds events that happened in 2007.

20 November 2007

Air China's B-5342

Air China's newest 737-89L(W), B-5342 (c/n 36484) is scheduled to arrive later this morning from BFI on its delivery flight to China, as CCA058.

Sorry, no HNL photo available ...

By the way, this is the 400th post on the HNL RareBirds blog

14 November 2007

Ex-TW 757 in new DL colors



To round out a busy day, DL has started to use their ex-TW 757s to fly their early LAX flight, DL1579/1566. The schedule is showing that the 757s started on Nov 7 until Nov 15 on Wednesday and Thursday. It will then return on Dec 5, again on Wednesdays and Thursdays only.

Pictured above is N706TW (c/n 28165), a 757-2Q8, that was originally delivered to TWA, and then onto American Airlines, after TW was merged into AA. Once acquired by Delta, it received the Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets® and DL's new colors.

French Air Force C-160


Another French Air Force C-160 was in HNL today. This time it was 61-MC and was parked right next to the Hainan 737.

Hainan 737-800


Hainan's next 737-84P parked on the North Ramp today instead of the South Ramp. Here's B-5337 (c/n 35747) after its arrival in HNL.

More "Makali‘i" Photos


Aloha Airlines had their leased 737-8K2(W), PH-HZO (c/n 34169), blessed today, is named "Makali‘i". As Ha763 reported, traces of the Transavia livery can be between the leading edge of the tail, and the decal of the bird of paradise tail logo.


This photo shows the greens and blues ot the Transavia interior seem to match the tropical feel of Hawai‘i, and being this bird is only seven months old, it had the new aircraft smell.


The flight deck of PH-HZO after the blessing ... the maile lei was from the blessing earlier, where it was untied at the bottom of the stairs. The fragrant leaves will sit atop the instrument panel, or somewhere in the flight deck for its first flight.

Island Air's N806WP


Island Air's N806WP (msn 357), a Dash8-102A, has received its 2006 "Island Style" color scheme after a heavy maintenance check.

Shandong Airlines' B-5347


Shandong Airlines newest 737-85N(W), B-5347 (c/n 36190), is on its way to China via HNL (seen here) from BFI as CDG5347, and leaves tomorrow for MAJ.

12 November 2007

Photo of PH-HZO


Here's a photo of the 737-8K2 AQ is leasing from Transavia. No blue belly or engines and no bird of paradise on the winglets. Apparently, the tail logo is a decal . If you look closely at the leading edge of the vertical stablizer, they didn't put the AQ livery all the way to the edge and you can see the same blue and green hues as the ones in the front of the aircraft. Check the link below to see what this aircraft looked in full Transavia colors.

11 November 2007

Veteran's Day


Saluting the men and women who served (and continue to serve) our country, especially those in harm's way, as well as those (and their families) who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

If you know a veteran ... please tell them "thank you for serving our country". When you see someone in uniform, tell them the same as well, especially those who are about to be deployed, or returning from combat. Past or present veterans need to be recognized for their service to our country.

I took this photo at the "Blues On The Bay '07" airshow. The US Marines and US Navy SEALS were demonstrating extracting troops under fire with these Marines rappelling out of this CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter from the HMH-463 "Pegasus". To end the demonstration, several gasoline bombs were set-off to simulate an air strike.

Aloha's 737-800

Aloha seems to be leasing a 738 from Transavia. Registration number PH-HZO was delivered to Transavia only 7 months ago. According to wikipedia, Aloha will be using this aircraft on the Kahului to Sacramento routes for six months. The livery includes the Transavia stripes in front, Aloha titles and the Bird of Paradise tail. Sorry no pic, anyone else got one?

08 November 2007

2nd AC A340-500

The second Air Canada A340-500 arrived today from SIN as AC7060. It then headed to GRU as AC7061.



No picture, but I did get to see it take off. It had a plain white fuselage with a blue tail.

01 November 2007

Varig Logistics DC-10-30F


Varig Logistics has aquired a new DC-10-30 Freighter. Currently registered N811SL, it will eventually change to PR-LGO. This aircraft, msn 46921, originally was delivered to British Caledonian in 1977 as G-BEBM. After British Caledonian merged with British Airways, it then flew in BA colors. The aircraft was then converted into a freighter after being sold to Gemini Air Cargo (N608GC) and then last saw service with DAS Air (5X-BON) before being stored in December 2006. This aircraft flew CGK to GUM, then to HNL where it is today.

30 October 2007

Hainan Airlines' B-5358


Hainan Airlines is taking delivery of B-5358, it's newest 737-800(W). It's seen here shortly after arriving from BFI.

More info to follow ...

28 October 2007

Xiamen Airlines' B-5306

Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of B-5306, a 737-800W, that is flying as CXA5306.

Sorry, no HNL photo available ...

27 October 2007

Miami Air BSK660


Miami Air international has leased a 757-236, N526NA (c/n 24794), from Ryan International Airlines, though there are no Miami Air titles. It arrived from ELP (El Paso, TX) as BSK660.

This 757 was chartered by New Mexico State University to bring their Aggies football team, to square off today against the University of Hawai‘i Warriors at Aloha Stadium; the Aggies marching band; and the Lady Aggies volleyball team, who faced off against the 11th-ranked UH Rainbow Wahine Friday evening. The Rainbow Wahine swept the Lady Aggies, 30-26, 30-28, and 30-22 at the Stan Sherriff Center.

It was delivered to Iberia as EC-HDG, Air Europa as EC-FEF and G-BRJH, National Airlines (2nd) as N526NA. It went to Ryan International after National ceased operations.

Update (10-28-07): The charter left HNL Sunday morning at 0132HST, returning to ELP as BSK662. Last night, the Warriors smashed the Aggies 50-13, on the Warriors' homecoming night.

Photo to be posted later ...

25 October 2007

Ex-Air Canada A340-500

One of two Air ex-Canada A340-541s made a stop late last night around 2230. It was supposed to go to the hard stands, but ended up at Gate 28 instead. AC operated this flight as ACA7060 with aircraft C-GKOL (msn 445). The flight originated from Singapore where heavy mx was done. I have no clue as to where its headed, except that I heard that this aircraft might be heading for a new life with Air Comet in Spain. This A345 was suppose to stop by a couple of days ago with a TAM crew. From what I heard, TAM decided not to go through with their purchase of AC's former bird. When I got to do a walk around, I could not help but to be amazed at how clean it was. Sorry no pic, didn't have my camera handy at that time, and if I did, it probably wouldn't have been up to the task of taking pictures at night anyway.

More information about the AC A340-500. It left HNL around 04:20, destined for Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU).

22 October 2007

Japan Airlines' JA306J

Japan Airlines' sixth 737-846(W), JA306J (c/n 35334), is being delivered through HNL as JAL7901. It will continue onto MAJ tomorrow.

Edit by ha763:
Sorry for the delay, but here is a picture of JA306J. Just forgot to upload the picture.

China Eastern's B-5243

China Eastern's next 737-79P(W), B-5243 (c/n 36270), has made its HNL stop from BFI on its delivery flight, and will leave tomorrow for MAJ as CES299.

Sorry, no HNL photo available ...

21 October 2007

Air China's B-5341


Air China is receiveing their first 737-89L already fitted with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets®. B-5341 (c/n 36483) is the first -800 (of 20+ on order) to receive the performance enhancing winglets. It arrived here as CCA056 instead of the normal CCA058 delivery flight number.

B-5341 is seen here as Air China crews do the pre-flight walk around, and taking photos in front of it. Their next leg is MAJ.

15 October 2007

VP-BAP

VP-BAP (c/n 19260), a Boeing 727-21, made a tech stop at HNL after arriving from YVR via PAE (Paine Field, Snohomish County, WA) and VNY (Van Nuys, CA). It has since left HNL for NAN.

This aircraft has also been registered as N727GP, N727LA, and originally delivered to Pan Am as N385PA, "Jet Clipper David Crockett".

VP-BAP was a previous registration for an Aeroflot 737-4M0 (c/n 29208).

13 October 2007

US Navy's Blue Angels


The US Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, performed yesterday at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i at Kane‘ohe Bay (NGF), as part of the two-day "Blues On The Bay" airshow. The six Boeing F/A-18C "Hornets" wowwed the thousands that attended the Saturday show, reaching speeds nearing 600mph!

The airshow also featured aerobatic performances by pilots in single-engined aircraft, an aerobatic helicopter, sky divers, a Hawai‘i Air National Guard C-17A demonstration, a US Marines "rescue mission", and a US Coast Guard "rescue".

Static displays included: Kamaka Air's Super DC-3 and Beech 18, an Aloha 737-200C, general aviation aircraft, a C-130, a C-5B, a C-17A, a KC-135R, and a P-3C.

In today's photo, the Blue Angel 1 leads the six-ship delta formation to roll-out before landing. The Blue Angels will perform later this afternoon on day two of "Blues On The Bay".

RAF KC1


Parked on the North Ramp this Saturday morning was this U.K. RAF KC1, ZD948. Where it came from or going is currently unknown. This converted L-1011-385-3 Tristar originally was used by British Airways as G-BFCA and sold to the RAF in 1983.
The RAF has 9 Tristars (6 ex-BA, 3 ex-PA) in service. The ex-BA ones were converted to be tankers/transport aircraft with the designation of K1 or KC1. The difference being that the KC1s have been modified with the main deck cargo door. The RAF uses the hose-and-drouge method for air-to-air refuelling and you can see the housing for the system under the tail.

12 October 2007

Alaska Airlines 1st Flight To HNL


Alaska Airlines inaugurated service to HNL from SEA today as ASA851. N559AS, a 737-890 with winglets, landed around 11:30 and blocked into Gate 23 at 11:36. And yes, this aircraft does have Chester wearing his half-lei on the tail. The photos below were taken by ha763.




Here's N559AS turning into Gate 23. (Sorry for the poor photo. I was waiting between Gate 19 and 20 for a much better shot, but my battery decided to die just as they taxied by.)


Here's a close up of Chester and his half-lei on the tail of N559AS.

Air Nippon's JA15AN


Air Nippon's latest 737-781(W), JA15AN (c/n 33888) takes a break at HNL after arriving from BFI as ANK9984.

China Southern's B-5340


China Southern's B-5340 (c/n 35381), a 737-81B, arrived at HNL as CSN340 on its delivery flight from BFI.

Hong Kong Express' B-KXH

Hong Kong Express Airways' B-KXH (c/n 34971), a 737-808(W), was in town on its delivery flight.

Sorry, no HNL photo available ... camera malfunction.

08 October 2007

ANZ 747-400


On Sunday, October 7, Air New Zeland flew a charter to KOA for the Amway convention being held in Kona. The aircraft then flew to HNL to RON. Here's ZK-NBV parked on the North Ramp today, October 8.
Correction on the status of ZK-NBV. It was still parked on the North Ramp on October 9. Looks like it may be here until the convention is over to fly the charter back to New Zealand.

30 September 2007

Delta's 767-300s

I was under the impression that the Delta Air Lines 767-300 fleet were all painted in the 2000 colors. I was mistaken. Just as I got toward the Gen Av parking lot, I saw a 1997 colors DL 763 depart from 8R. This is the HNL-LAX flight, that was mentioned a few months back.

27 September 2007

N315NE

A Boeing 727-223F registered as N315NE (c/n 20190) is scheduled to stop at HNL from OAK. It's destined for somewhere in Asia. The flight originated in OPF (Opa Locka, FL) with a stop at TUL (Tulsa, OK), before going to OAK (where it's been for the past few days). It's scheduled for a brief fuel stop here, before continuing on to MAJ later in the day. The flight is then scheduled to go onto BIK/WABB (Frans Kaisiepo Airport, Baik, Indonesia) from MAJ.

20190 began its life with American Airlines as N6837 from 1969 to 1993, then went to Express One International & Emery Worldwide, where it was converted to a freighter and re-registered as N315NE from 1993 to 2003.

Sorry ... no HNL photo available.

23 September 2007

US Navy's 165835


The US Navy is replacing their aging C-9 fleet with newer Boeing C-40As (or 737-7AFC). BuNo 165835 (c/n 33826) is seen here departing HNL's Reef Runway, devoid of any markings.

22 September 2007

Shanghai Airlines' B-5353


Shanghai Airlines is taking delivery of its next ILFC-leased 737-8Q8(W), B-5353 (c/n 30728), which is flying as CSH353. It will leave tomorrow for MAJ.

I finally got a shot of Shanghai's new colors!

18 September 2007

N982JM

A 727-277F registered as N982JM (c/n 21695) stopped at HNL from APW (Faleolo International Airport, Apia, Western Samoa) on its way to MHV (Mojave, CA). It was previously with Australian Air Express - JetEx (VH-VLF) and Ansett (VH-RMN). It's now owned by JM 21695 LLC in Kansas City, KS.

N982JM arrived yesterday afternoon, and departed early this morning to be stored in the California desert. Sory, no HNL photo available.

14 September 2007
























Here is The Thunderbirds doing a pass over the Arizona

13 September 2007

US Air Force Thunderbirds


The US Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performed twice over Waikiki today, as part of Air Force Week, and the 60th Anniversary of the US Air Force. These Lockheed-Martin F-16C Fighting Falcons roared over metro Honolulu and Waikiki at speeds reaching 500mph at altitudes about 500 feet!

Air traffic in and out of HNL was halted while the Thunderbirds performed their survey flight this morning, and its performance this afternoon.

In today's photo, the Thunderbirds make a pass in their six-ship delta formation over Waikiki as they began survey flights in this morning. The two solo pilots, Thunderbirds 5 and 6, break away from the delta. They performed later in the afternoon, and included a pass over the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

The Thunderbirds are also performing on Saturday with show center fronting Fort DeRussy in Waikiki.

12 September 2007

China Southern's B-5339


China Southern Airlines' newest 737-81B, B-5339 (c/n 35380) is seen here taxiing to Runway 8R for departure to MAJ on its next leg of its delivery flight.

09 September 2007

Hawaiian interisland 767 flight

Saw a Hawaiian 763 depart from OGG this afternoon at 1554 HST enroute to HNL. According to FlightAware, it had an unusual 4 digit flight number .... HA1245. FlightAware also listed several other dates this flight has operated. Different day of the week each time.  The HA online schedule does not show this flight.

Hainan 73NG at OGG

Saw a Hainan twinjet preparing to depart OGG this morning. It looked just like the 738 photographed by Blue Wave 707 in his 04 August posting. Sorry, no reg # or picture.

08 September 2007

Northwest Airlines To Retire 747-200s

Northwest Airlines will be retiring the remainder of their passenger 747-200Bs with a final flight on Wednesday, September 12, 2007. The flight, according to an Airliners.net forum thread will route from NRT (Narita International, Tokyo, Japan) to SEA as NWA008, and SEA to MSP as NWA170. Northwest will retain two -200Bs to be used for civilian and military charters.

The -200B series was relegated to back up status over the past few years, as NW mainly used the 747-400 and DC-10-30 for their HNL-Japan service. The DC-10-30s were retired at the beginning of this year, and replaced with the Airbus A330-300.

The 747-251B NW will be using, is N624US (c/n 21706), built and delivered to NW in 1979. "6624" (NW's fleet number) is seen above reversing thrust on HNL's Runway 4R as it arrives from KIX as NWA016, back in 2005.

Arrival and departure of Air Force One

After the APEC meeting in Australia, President Bush has stopped over in Hawaii for a very short stay. Air Force One arrived around 11:00 and headed to HIK. The President only stayed for less than 4 hours before taking off a little before 15:00.

As someone who works at the airport, it is always interesting to see everything rush around to get as much done before security stops all airport activity. Then see everything stop and everyone just waiting and watching for Air Force One. Then finally seeing everyone get back to work.

Air China's B-5327

Air China is taking delivery of another 737-86N, B-5327 (c/n 35219) which is leased from GECAS. It's scheduled to depart for MAJ this morning.

Sorry, no HNL photo available.

07 September 2007

Another AS ETOPS test flight

Alaska has done another ETOPS test flight today again as AS9531. According to information from airliners.net, it as scheduled to leave around 16:00 as AS9532. This time it was parked on the North Ramp. Sorry, no picture this time

Picture of N250TR back in service for AQ

And here's a picture of the ex-Hooters 737-200 back in revenue service for AQ. This picture was taken on Sept. 5th, the first day N250TR went back into service. Unlike last year, there is no 'Aloha' titles on the fuselage.


Just as a refresher, here's what N250TR looked like last year with the 'Aloha' titles. This picture was posted here last June by Bluewave707.

06 September 2007

AA 767-300ER operating morning flight to LAX


AA has put the 767-300ER back on the morning flight to LAX, AA270. A look at their latest timetable shows that this wasn't supposed to happen until Nov 4. However, checking through the booking engine shows that AA270 is going to be a 767-300 for the rest of the year.

Alaska ETOPS Test Flight

Yesterday, Sept. 5, AS flew a 737-800 (N577AS) on an ETOPS proving flight to HNL as AS9351. The intended flight was SEA-HNL, but as part of the test, they diverted to OGG. The flight then flew OGG-HNL. This morning, N577AS, was parked at Gate 22 preparing to return to SEA as AS9352.

And here it is parked at Gate 22 getting ready to depart.

01 September 2007

Xiamen Airlines' B-5305


Xiamen Airlines is taking delivery of another 737-85C(W), B-5305 (c/n 35051). Flying as CXA5305, it's seen here awaiting clearance to push back onto Taxiway C, for its departure to MAJ via Runway 8R.

31 August 2007

Return of ex-Hooters 732s in AQ's Fleet

One of the ex-Hooters 737-200s returned to service for Aloha. N250TR has been sitting on Elliott Street for the past 2 weeks, but only now has started flying interisland again, today August 31st. It is still in the basic Hooters livery, but without any titles.

Sorry, no photos yet.

25 August 2007

Toll Priority's N519AU


Leading off today's HNL RareBird hat trick, is Toll Priority's (Airwork New Zealand) third 737-3B7F, N519AU (c/n 23705). It was originally delivered to US Airways in 1988. It was recently converted into a pure freighter for Toll Priority, and will be re-registered as ZK-TLC when it arrives in New Zealand in a few days. N519AU flew from MIA to HNL via LGB, and seen above in the late afternoon sun. It will continue onto PPG tomorrow, as its next stop on its delivery flight.

Shandong Airlines' B-5336


Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of its next 737-8FH(W), B-5336 (c/n 35098), and has stopped off at HNL. It will leave tomorrow morning for MAJ as CDG5336.

Royal Air Force's ZD948

I got word from a spotter in New Zealand that a Royal Air Force (United Kingdom) Lockheed KC1 (or L-1011-500 TriStar) tanker / transport was headed here. It's here on HNL's north ramp. The RAF registration is ZD948 (msn 193V-1157), and she previously flew with British Airways as G-BFCA "Princess Margaret Rose". ZD948 is based at Brize Norton Air Base in the UK.

Sorry, no HNL photo available.

24 August 2007

China Eastern's B-5242


China Eastern Airlines is taking delivery of their latest 737-79P(W), B-5242 (c/n 36269). It arrived at HNL earlier today, and will depart for MAJ tomorrow as CES299.

B-5242 is seen above as it taxies to Runway 8R for departure to MAJ.

23 August 2007

10 soldiers from Schofield on Blackhawk that crashed

Please take a moment out of your busy day to say a prayer, take a moment of silence, or use whatever form of contemplation you practice to have a private thought for the 10 brave warriors that perished in the crash of a Blackhawk in Iraq.

The soldiers had just been picked up after a mission when the chopper apparently suffered a mechanical and went down claiming the lives of all aboard. This is especially painful because many of the victims were to rotate home in a month or so, and they were all from Schofield Barracks. The base, the local community, and the entire state is reeling from the loss. Many families are on hold for good or bad news, and my thoughts are with them either way.

Remember please that whether or not one agrees with the politics, that the fallen were doing what they chose to do...defending our freedoms and our way of life.

There will be 20 boots, 10 M-4s, and 10 helmets empty at the next roll call.

21 August 2007

Worker Killed At HNL Accident

A construction worker who was working on the taxiway repaving project was killed yesterday after being run over by a steam roller. Link to The Honolulu Advertiser article. According news video, the accident looks like occurred on Taxiway F.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the worker's family and co-workers.

20 August 2007

Kingdom Holding Company 747-400



Yesterday (8/19), A private 747-400 owned by the Kingdom Holding Company (HZ-WBT7 cn25880) stopped over. I'm not sure about the origin or when its departing. It was last seen at the hard stands.

15 August 2007

Globemaster III's at OGG


Aloha from the Maui bureau. It's not unusual to see C-17's at HNL, but they don't stop at OGG very often. This is HH 55150 taxiing from the HAZMAT area to RWY 20. The aircraft was here for a few hours, and didn't appear to transfer any cargo. Another C-17 shot an approach and left while 55150 was on the ground. Departure profiles, and radio chatter suggested both were heading to HH. 

13 August 2007

China Southern Airlines' B-5250

China Southern Airlines is taking delivery of B-5250 (c/n 32934, l/n 1465) today. This 737-71B is making its delivery flight from BFI to CAN, with stops at HNL, MAJ, and GUM.

Sorry, no photo ...

11 August 2007

Shandong Airlines' B-5335


Shandong Airlines is taking delivery of its newest 737-8FH(W), B-5335 (c/n 35097). It seen here after it arrived at HNL. The gold tour coach was there to pick up the occupants of B-5335, which were over ten people.

08 August 2007

ex-US Airways N586US


Formerly with US Airways (US), N586US (c/n 23931), a 737-301, is headed for somewhere in Asia. 586 left ROW on the 6th, and stopped off in TUS and OAK, before tech-stopping here, and heading off to MAJ and SPN.

This 733 was originally ordered by Piedmont Airlines (PI), before being taken over by US, which is why N586US has the -01 Boeing Customer Code, and not the -B7 code for US .

07 August 2007

N597HA "Akohekohe"


Hawaiian Air has their third "new" 767-332, N597HA (c/n 23277), "Akohekohe", that was purchased from Delta Air Lines. 597 was registered as N118DL during its stint with DL.

Delta's 767-300 Service To LAX


This past June, Delta Air Lines (DL) downgraded their LAX-HNL (DAL1579) & HNL-LAX (DAL1566) flights to 767-300s, as reported by team member Ha763.

Delta's N140LL (c/n 25988), a 767-332, is seen here rotating from Runway 8R as DAL1566 to LAX.

04 August 2007

Hainan Airlines' B-5338


Hainan Airlines' newest 737-84P(W), B-5338 (c/n 35749), wears HU's new livery, and is on its delivery flight to China from BFI. B-5338 is the first Hainan 73H to wear its new colors. It's seen here shortly after it's arrival at HNL from BFI. It will continue onto MAJ tomorrow morning.

Hong Kong Air has a variation of this livery, though the Hainan one will be the main one.

National Science Foundation's N130AR


The National Science Foundation's Lockheed EC-130Q, N130AR (c/n 382-4984), has made a stop at HNL, on one of their many missions that study all facets of the environment. According to FlightAware.com, N130AR arrived here from SJC (Norman Mineta Int'l Airport, San Jose, CA), and is seen here being prepped for a flight to XCH (Christmas Island, Territory of Australia). The EC-130Q is laden with internal and external sensors to measure all sorts of environmental activities.

N130AR was originally built as a KC-130T for the US Marine Corps, as BuNo 162312, and later converted to an EC-130Q. After being relegated to AMARC, it was acquired by the National Science Foundation for its current role.

02 August 2007

Private 727-100

There was a privately-owned Boeing 727-100 parked on the Bradley Pacific ramp yesterday. I could not see the registration on the aft section if the tri-jet, nor get a decent angle to get a photo of it.

01 August 2007

Shandong 737-800, B-5333


Here's Shandong's latest 737-8FH, B-5333 (c/n 35096). This time it was parked on the North Ramp instead of the South.