After a while of speculating the future of the viewing decks at Zurich Airport, which are invaluable spotting locations at this airport, I can now confirm that the original Deck B will close from October.
Deck E will remain open, with a shuttle bus ferrying passengers across to it every 30 minutes.
Keep an eye on the airport’s official website for more details closer to the time.
Thanks to Thomas Jaeger at CH-Aviation for this information.
Just a note to let you know that the BAe ATP aircraft stored at Woodford airfield, near Manchester, UK, are now in the process of being broken up.
These aircraft were formerly flying with Mandala and other airlines and have been stored here for a number of years. If you still need them, go get them quick.
A golf course to the south east of the airfield offers the best views. Head for the car park.
The following message has been sent from Dutch Police to spotters at Amsterdam Schiphol airport:
Since 1-7-2008 there is 24/7 a new unit operational responsible for the security in the perimeters of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
This unit is equipped with Mercedes Jeeps and Volkswagen Touaregs in the well known Dutch Police colours.
Today on the Sramble forum the chief of this Unit, Mr. Warmerdam introduced himself and his unit to the Amsterdam spotters community an to explain what they are doing and why so.
This new unit is working closely together with local Military Police and the Airport Authorities, and the unit plays an important role in the security of the airport.
All members of this police –unit are appointed by Ministry of Justice and Inland Affairs.
The new unit stressed not to be there to make our spotters life miserable but they are there to guard and protect. They acknowledge the fact that spotters can be their extra pair of eyes around the perimeter. This is one of the reasons why these police officers are actively seeking contact with spotters in action and talk to each other.
However is must be clear that they will act immediately in certain circumstances:
Furthermore the police notices that lots of spotters are more or less known to each other. So we could have the early and very first signs if “strange birds” are among us. In case of high priority he recommends 112 for alarming whilst in the meantime a special telephone number will be created for this purpose by the Airport Authorities.
I think this is a very positive move. You now know the rules, and know to co-operate with the police as they do not wish to move you on unless necessary.
Following the petition held recently by aircraft enthusiasts in the Newcastle area to have a viewing area built, it seems the airport has finally given in and announced plans to build an area for viewing.
The airport recently bought the original 1930s terminal building and its owner Samsons Aviation on the south side of the airport. As well as developing GA and business flights, it will also add a visitors centre with a viewing area in the historic building.
This is great news for the area’s spotters, who have been deprived since the official viewing terrace at the terminal closed i 2003.
This press release has recently been sent out by Moscow’s Domodedovo airport, indicating how helpful they are to the “star” spotters out there.
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Between June 18 and 19, Moscow International Airport Domodedovo, the pioneer in aviation spotting, welcomed the group of aviation photography enthusiasts and provided access to most convenient spots at the landing area.
Around 30 world’s spotting stars got together in Domodedovo and spent there two days. Stuck to their cameras, they couldn’t take their eyes off the airfield in pursuit of capturing the moments from ordinary yet exciting airport life.
For two days the apron, runways, taxi ways turned into spotters’ workshop, where aircraft’s landing and take-offs were in the main focus.
Last year the spotters requested to hold such events more frequently, and this year the airport made the request materialized. The 17th of June signified the official start of regular spotting events to be organized in the leading Moscow airport.
«I appreciate and thank the administration of Moscow International Airport Domodedovo for the unparalleled cooperation and providing unique opportunities to amateurs and professionals of aviation photography alike. Every airport is interesting in its own right, but to date Domodedovo is one of few places where you can see a great number of various airlines’ aircraft. That’s why to me the willingness to cooperate with aviation photographers which the airport has been demonstrating is extremely important. Thank you!”, - said Valentin Morozov, Russian AviaPhoto Team leader (RAFT).
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Organizing such events, Moscow International Airport Domodedovo provides continuity to the long-going tradition of the amateur aircraft photography.
Aviation spotting is a hobby uniting a great number of devotees around the world. The idea of spotting is to take pictures of a plane from the most advantageous angle and from a maximum proximity.
Sincerely yours,
Evgeniya Bekmambetova
I saw this link today and found it quite interesting. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7446469.stm
A Boeing 727 has been sat at Hanoi airport since last year, with nobody claiming ownership or making any attempts to fly it anywhere. It was flown in for maintenance from Cambodia, and simply abandoned.
Sadly it appears it may be scrapped.
Has anyone been to Hanoi and seen this aircraft? Does anyone have a registration or c/n of the aircraft?
This video report was made yesterday for the UEFA Cup Final at Manchester and the influx of spotters to the airport.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7401713.stm
I’m not particularly impressed with the seeming lack of respect from the reporter and her joking attitude. What are your thoughts on it?
Aircraft spotters at Newcastle Airport in the UK have set up a petition to bring back viewing facilities at the airport. It once had a dedicated roof gallery, and indoor areas to watch aircraft. Now, since the expansion of the terminal buildings there are no official locations to watch aircraft.
If you feel inclined to sign the petition, click the following link http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/newcastleviewinggallery/?e
Helsinki’s historic Malmi Airport is under threat. The local authorities want to close the airport to build a new residential area.
The airport is wonderfully preserved and has its original pre-war terminal in place. It is currently Finland’s second-busiest airport, although movements are general aviation.
People are being urged to sign an online petition to save the airport. You can read more about it and sign the petition on this page http://www.pelastamalmi.org/en/index.html
Fans of UK regional airport Bristol International may be interested to note that there’s a spotters group for you. They hold regular meetings, events and even charter special flights with the likes of Air Southwest.
The group has a website where you can find out more information at www.biagrouponline.co.uk
