Endurance test flights, air shows and unusual LHR arrivals….
Qantas – and Airbus successfully operated the first non-stop test flight for the A350-1000ULR, TLS-MEL. The headline from the manufacturer aptly highlighted it as “from summer to winter in a single hop”. To recap, the aircraft registration is VH-OJA, named Vega after the historic Catalinas that flew Double Sunrise flights in the 1940s.
Flight time was 19 hours 12 minutes. Before commencing its descent into MEL, the aircraft had achieved ground speeds of up to 711 mph, at FL410. As expected, FlightRadar24 tracked the entire flight, reporting that a total of 2,972,670 followed AIB35LR. Over 74,500 people watched its arrival. This flight signalled the start of the 2-month test programme, before crew training commences.
Many spectators and enthusiasts also turned out to record this historic event, from the roof of a MEL carpark. There’s also excellent coverage on YouTube by Ticker. The opportunity to host the first Project Sunrise aircraft has been welcomed at MEL. Although the flights will operate from SYD, significant investment has been promised. This includes a third runway and more gates capable of handling widebody aircraft. At this stage, it’s unlikely that Qantas would base these aircraft at WSI.
The first crew announcement surfaced this week. On Twitter/X, @Keg767 posted some pictures of “his future ride” courtesy of @Speedbird20. No interior ones available due to the flight test equipment on board. However, he did comment that the pilots’ crew rest areas looked good, “it would have to be given the 20-hour flight duration”!
Did anyone capture the departure or arrival? If so, would you like to share your photos/videos with us….
In other news –
Farnborough Air Show – or FIA for short. Running for 4 days, trade and media 20-23 July, with public on 24 July. There didn’t seem to be many new aircraft orders announced. Riyadh Air added 6 A350-1000 to their order, now totally 31. MSC Air Cargo ordered 5 B777-8F. VietJet signed an order with Rolls Royce for 80 Trent 7000 engines. Scott Bateman (BA Snr F/O A350) observed that there didn’t appear to be as many static aircraft on display as usual. He added that the flying displays lacked content, before questioning whether the show should move to a different location or at least undergo a revamp. In the absence of the Red Arrows, the UAE Display Team painted the sky a different colour!
As usual, the bi-annual show hosted several static aircraft and a daily schedule of flying displays published on social media. There were certainly several social media contributors present. Pete the Irish Pilot, Jason Philip (Helvetic F/O), Gabe Leigh (FR24) and Captain Chris (Virgin Atlantic). Jason could barely contain his excitement at being up close to the A350, KC-390 and E195-E2. However, the one standout moment was Pete the Irish Pilot meeting Nicky Kelvin beside the DHL B767. The latter describing the carrier’s business class seating as the best in the industry. Pete described him as an “eejit” to his face. Still can’t work out whether this was actual ignorance or a set up….
Again, if you attended or captured any of the flying, please share your photos/videos with us. We’d love to hear if you managed to meet any of the social media guys….
EAA – once again it was time for this legendary airshow at Oshkosh Wisconsin, which attracts many vintage aircraft, up to 80 years old. There are also spectacular flying displays, day and night. The Red Arrows attended this year, as part of the America 250 celebrations. As usual, they drew plenty of interest from spectators anxious to chat with the pilots and ground crew. Being located next to Boeing Plaza may have helped! The Goodyear blimp also showed off some tricks. Amongst the aerobatic display was NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who showed off the versatility of his MiG-29. Another favourite at this show is the DC3 formation flight. For a show of this size and duration, there’s just too much to report on here. For background information and videos, please take a look at @EAA on Twitter/X where there is so much excellent content.
Same question as before. Have you visited now or in the past, do you have any stories, photos or videos to share?
Blue Angels – it’s emerged that the pilot stated that his low-level pass over Pensacola beach was a genuine mistake. He’s taking a step back from flying to debrief as a team member and privately.
LHR – another surprise visitor recently, UAE C17 which stayed overnight (23/24 July). FlightFocus365 captured its arrival and departure.
And finally –
Icelandair – remember the incident of the low level B757 pass over the Captain’s home village? The investigation still ongoing, but it’s reported that both he and the First Officer have had their licences suspended. The Captain won’t be affected, as it was his final flight before retiring anyway.
Emirates – controversy continues regarding their B777X deliveries. The airline’s President, Sir Tim Clark has rebuffed Boeing’s wish for him to take delivery of the first 10 aircraft built. In short, he described them as only being suitable “as baked bean cans”. It seems that United are now taking an interest, watch this space….
Information courtesy of Qantas, Airbus, @Keg767 (via Twitter/X), FIA, EAA, The Aviation Circle, Emirates
Images courtesy of UK Aviation News, Airshow Travel
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