I’ve been in Paine for a couple of days and have been dealt a hand of bad weather weather for plane spotting. Rain, fog, and mist have all gotten into the way so far but I did catch a break tonight. With most of the rain and mist ending, it became easier to frame a few decent shots.
Several 787s are parked around the field as they wait completion and delivery. Below, you’ll find a few from Virgin, Scoot, United, American, and JAL among others.
The Plane Spotting gods no doubt are looking over me this weekend.
Yesterday, I was able to be among the first set of eyes to see Lufthansa’s newest 747-8i, D-ABYR, emerge from Boeing’s Paint Hangar at Paine Field. Then later in the evening, I was tipped off that Lufthansa Cargo’s last 777 Freighter was set to be moved to it’s final assembly position. I say tipped because I received the great intel from a Paine Field expert.
Known on Twitter as Paine Airport (@MattCawby), Matt has the pulse on what is happening with Boeing as far as aircraft movements are concerned. His regular updates helps followers keep tabs on test flights, assembly movements and delivery flight information. You can see more of his work and photography on his website as well.
So after I get the call letting me know that ‘D-ALFE’, the last 777F that LH Cargo has on order, was set to move from one hangar to another I set off to a ‘secret’ spot that lets you see inside the assembly hangars. A Cathay Pacific 777 had just been completed and moved to the fuel dock making room for D-ALFE to move into place.
Here is a video and a few images showing the transfer from last night (January 10, 2015):
D-ALFE as she is prepared to move along Boeing’s assembly line.
D-ALFE pushed back into her final assembly position
D-ALFE will now have her engines attached and stay here until she is ready for the Paint Hangar
As luck would have it I’m in the right place at the right time….
I am spending a few days in Everett, Washington to take in Plane Spotting at Paine Field. This morning, I parked my car a bit before sunrise and within an hour I would be surprised with what came out from behind the ‘curtain’.
So without further rambling, I introduce you (and the world) to the newly completed D-ABYR fresh from the paint booth, including a 2 minute video showing the Push Back. Most of the photos are shot at 600mm with Sigma’s new 150-600. I can’t say I’m disappointed with the sharpness. My love affair with the lens continues!
BTW, pardon the soundtrack on the video. I needed to cover up ‘someone’s’ constant breathing into the microphone! 🙂
Hello World! The very first images of D-ABYR as she is pushed out of the Boeing Paint Booth. Taken at 600mm, cropped 75%, but acceptable…
A bit more of D-ABYR as the push back continues.
Preparing for tow to parking.
Pardon the United 787-9
Now she awaits her inaugural flight in the coming days…..
