by Lufthansa Flyer | Jan 15, 2012 | Uncategorized |
Over the years, the 747 has been host to some fantastic livery paint schemes. In most cases it would be a tribute to an event, a location or something of cultural significance. I wanted to use this entry to look at some of the more popular artwork that has graced the 747’s fuselage. As I looked back, I noticed almost all of these pieces of art belonged to Asian, Australian carriers or Air New Zealand. I don’t know why…..is it economics? pride? competition with others? If anyone has an insight, please share it.
courtesy of Lufthansa
With the imminent arrival of the next generation Boeing 747-8i, it is safe to say that the canvas has only gotten bigger and I hope that the tradition of unique paint schemes continues for a long time! I hope you enjoy the look back at some of the more popular designs.
If you have your own favorite livery examples (it does not have to be a 747), I hope you’ll share it (just email it in). In the coming days I’ll start a new permanent gallery dedicated to “special” one-of-a-kind paint schemes and would love your additions.
Ansett Australia's Olympic Tribute
Qantas' Australian Grand Prix Tribute
Japan Airlines' Tokyo Walt Disney Tribute
What are the odds! Both of ANA's Pokemon designs show up together.
This Singapore Airlines 747 met with disaster on October 31, 2000 when it attempted take off from a closed runway that was full of construction equipment at Taiwan's Chiang Kai-Shek Airport . 83 of 179 passengers were killed.
South African Airways showing off national pride
A beautiful Malayasia aircraft
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jan 14, 2012 | Uncategorized |
In yet another bold move for the upstart blog, LufthansaFlyer has decided to double its fleet and has acquired Air New Zealand’s “All Blacks” 777.
“In a bid to acquire one Airliner from from each of the Star Alliance partners for our office, we thought it was fitting that our Lufthansa 747-8i acquisition be complimented by the Air New Zealand deal.” stated a spokesperson for the company.
“It’s one helluva cool looking plane and at the same time we wanted to demonstrate that Emirates is not the only company that can order a new plane every 2 weeks” the spokesperson added during a briefing at the company’s Grand Rapids(GRR) hangar. When asked what would be next for the company fleet, the spokesperson suggested the next acquisition “would be a Dreamliner come true”.
Here are some images of the “All Blacks 777” that will join LufthansaFlyer in 4-6 weeks:
courtesy of Air New Zealand
courtesy Air New Zealand
courtesy Air New Zealand
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jan 13, 2012 | Uncategorized |
For you airline and airplane spotting enthusiasts, I came upon an interesting article from Bernama, the Malaysian National News Agency. The article talks about Singapore’s Changi becoming the world’s busiest airport as far as Airbus A380 operations are concerned. According to the article, by the end of January the airport will have 200 A380 flights operating to 10 destinations.
When you think about it, it is not surprising an Asian hub would lead the field in A380 flights but what was surprising was the frequency. 200 A380 flights a week? 29 a day? That was the surprising figure. Living in “aviationally” challenged GRR, I don’t think we have 29 total daily flights among all carriers that serve the airport (that might be a mild exaggeration, but not by much).
Changi should enjoy the moment while it lasts. I’m sure that Emirates will have something to say about the matter at Dubai before too long. Didn’t they just order another handful of 380s a few minutes ago?? 🙂
Here is the article as released by Bernama.com
SINGAPORE, Jan 11 (Bernama) — With the commencement of Singapore Airlines’ A380 operations to Frankfurt and New York later this month, Changi is today the world’s busiest multi-carrier A380 hub with more than 200 A380 weekly flights to 10 major cities across the globe.
In stating this, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lui Tuck Yew, said the growth of its air network has seen Changi crossing a key milestone of more than 6,000 flights handled each week since November last year.
“I am also happy to note that despite being more than three decades old, Changi Airport still retains its charm and continues to be well-regarded by air travellers and aviation industry players,” he said at Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) Annual Airport Celebration 2012 here Wednesday night.
Lui said last year Changi received a further 23 best airport awards, and remains the world’s most awarded airport with over 390 accolades under its belt.
These awards recognise the airport’s efforts to maintain its “best in class” status — a remarkable achievement despite increasing competition from other air hubs in the region, he said.
The minister said the Review 2011 was a mixed one for the aviation industry, with passenger traffic continuing to grow from 2010 but a combination of high oil prices and global market volatility impacting the bottom lines of airlines worldwide.
Against an uncertain outlook, Lui commended CAG for continuously strengthening Changi’s position as an international air hub and a major gateway to the region.
Lui said CAG’s leadership and dedication to foster collaboration at all levels within the airport community, so as to provide passengers with a memorable Changi Experience, will remain a key driving force for Changi’s future success.
Working closely with its airline partners, Changi added 10 new city links, and welcomed five new airlines last year.
The latest city link to Vientiane in November last year completes Changi’s connection to all nine other Asean countries.
