It was almost midnight and morning of Sunday, 29 APR 2012 and I was still on duty! Nope, we were not to service a VIP or Presidential flight, but rather expecting larger than a VVIP to arrive at the country’s premiere gateway – the NAIA. Here’s the actual flight tracking screenshot for QF6025:
At around 0045H, Qantas flight QF6025 (VH-OQD “Fergus McMaster”) landed via RWY06 of RPLL – the Airbus A380 is back in Philippine soil for the second time! The very first time the SuperJumbo landed in Manila was in October 2007 for a route proving mission. Now, it is back to undergo retrofitting at the Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) inside the MacroAsia Economic Zone in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
LTP security personnel quickly cordoned the area around the A380 off to other personnel there.
Taking this shot is my mission that morning …
Here’s me at the FWD Galley inside the A380 …
A shot taken from the AFT of the aircraft at the main deck (Economy) …
Just to illustrate how huge the Airbus A380 Hangar of Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) is … click on the picture and you will see that there is actually someone standing at the center of the photo.
It was an awesome experience, being face-to-face with the SuperJumbo for the second time in less than 5 years. Too bad, the landing (and perhaps even the takeoff) of the plane happened during the cover of darkness.
Side Notes:
The Exciting Centennial of Philippine Aviation website used some of my photos from my Facebook page WITHOUT PRIOR (written or emailed) CONSENT. It is alright with me, as my name was properly cited and acknowledged; plus the fact that I actually read that blog.
So that explains it why I saw the Qantas A380 the other day and earlier prior to my departure to and arrival from PPS. It is so huge and really excited seeing it the first time in person. How I wish I can get closer to the A380.
vh-oqd was just released yesterday. first a380 cabin reconfig!
Glad to hear the A380 can now be fully serviced in the Philippines – that truly proves kaya ng Pinoy!
Been on 3 flights with A380 already (Emirates, Air France & Lufthansa) and I’m impressed.