I’m not a spotter as such, But I want to go and see the A380 first flight into Brummagum on Sept 9th. In the past, I used to quite often go and park in Catherine De Barnes lane and stand in the field watching family/friends fly in. Straight over your head nice and low and great view of the touchdown etc. I was wondering, have any of you hardened spotters had problems parking there in the recent past (parking restrictions/over zealous police/terrorist risk/angry farmer giles etc) as it would be nice to watch from there rather than the soul-less viewing gallery. Been a few years since I did this!! Youngest is determined to come down with as he puts it “Airbusitis” that day and come with me….. whats a dad supposed to do eh?! 😉
By: rdc1000 - 17th July 2009 at 23:54
Could they be considering to cut one of the 777’s services and just have the one daily service to DXB using the A380 perhaps?:confused:
Not in the short term no, but I know it has been discussed in the past.
By: cloud_9 - 17th July 2009 at 20:42
I also suspect this could be more of a route-proving excercise than anticipated.
Could they be considering to cut one of the 777’s services and just have the one daily service to DXB using the A380 perhaps?:confused:
By: rdc1000 - 17th July 2009 at 11:35
Doesn’t it also coinside with the opening of Emirates dedicated departure lounge?
Well, Emirates’ new lounge (typical premium only lounge) is part of the new pier, so it would make sense to open it at this time.
I also suspect this could be more of a route-proving excercise than anticipated.
By: Ivan - 16th July 2009 at 16:06
Forgot about the park!! Think I’ll do both, depending on direction of arrival and departure. I just really like the view from Catherine De Barnes Lane, being in a slightly elevated position. Sounds like a plan.
By: jethro15 - 16th July 2009 at 14:06
But I love the ******s going a few feet over my head!!
In that case then, why not get even closer and use Sheldon Country Park? Park the car in Marston Green station (Adjacent to the 15 threshold) car park and then take the short walk down and round to the end of the runway. Or, take Hazeldene Road off the Radleys and park somewhere up the top and walk into the park. Excellent views to be had from all around the park which runs right around the 15 threshold. Mind you, be prepared for the world and his wife to have the same idea! (As per the days of Concorde)
Pity the A380 ain’t got speys!!
Hot summers day, de-min water injected into speys on take-off. A sound that could wake the dead!. Talk about snap, crackle and pop!!!. Ah memories……………………
From the press……..(Believed to be accurate)
On Wednesday September 9 Emirates will operate its prestigious 489-seat A380 into Birmingham from Dubai.
The idea is to celebrate the airport’s 70th anniversary and it’s the first time the super jumbo has operated a scheduled service at the Midlands airport.
On this day only the three-class (first, business and economy) A380 will replace the regular two-class B777-300 aircraft on flight EK39 (departing Dubai at 0805, arriving Birmingham at 1235) and flight EK40 (departing Birmingham at 1415, arriving Dubai at 0015 on September 10). Flights can now be booked onemirates.com
Passengers will access to Emirates’ latest in-flight accommodation including flat-bed seats in business and suites in first class.
The one-off service on September 9 is expected to be popular not just with Brummies and other Midlands passengers but also those located within the airport’s catchment area which covers Bristol, Manchester and the northern Home Counties.
But there is a sting in the tail. The A380 being used for these flights is normally rostered for popular flights EK1 (departing Dubai at 0745) and EK 2 (departing Heathrow at 1415) between Dubai and London. These services will now be operated (on September 9 only) by a smaller three-class B777-300ER. So Heathrow’s loss is Birmingham’s gain.
Prices to fly on the A380 from Birmingham on September 9 start from £361 in economy, £1,965 in business class and £2,867 in first class.
Doesn’t it also coinside with the opening of Emirates dedicated departure lounge?
By: Ivan - 16th July 2009 at 12:57
Just a one off then. Local press up to their usual standard of wordsmithing then!! Looks like Sam will definitely have to come down “Airbusitis” on his 3rd day back at school!! Pity the viewing area has been swallowed up. Looks like Catherine De Barnes lane for arrival and then car park for departure!
By: Grey Area - 16th July 2009 at 05:56
Its a one off Emirates A380 flight to BHX for the airports 70th anniversary and mark the opening of the new international pier.
Correctamundo! 🙂
By: EGTC - 16th July 2009 at 00:57
Its a one off Emirates A380 flight to BHX for the airports 70th anniversary and mark the opening of the new international pier.
By: Ivan - 15th July 2009 at 22:56
I expect the departure to be via R24, golf course, M6 and stopping at keele services for a refuel!!
By: Ivan - 15th July 2009 at 22:55
Apparently Brum to Dubai to supplement their current 777 service. Press says one of two daily services. Flt EK039
By: Tartan Pics - 15th July 2009 at 22:47
Sorry a bit of an aside here… Why is there an A380 going to BHX? new service, Airbus Industrie visit?, also, anyone know what flavour of A380 is expected?(Airbus demonstrator,Emirates,Qantas,Air France etc..)
By: Ivan - 15th July 2009 at 21:54
Have you thought about the top floor of the NCP car park adjacent to the old Elmdon Building? You get a good view up there and the rozzers rarely bother anyone.
-Daz
But I love the ******s going a few feet over my head!! pity the A380 ain’t got speys!! Would be nice standing underneath getting sprayed in kerosene!! (readers under 30 ask yer dads!!) Its a lovely view from catherine de barnes lane………. especially in a cross wind and wet!! (and heres me saying i’m not really a spotter!!!)
By: Dazza - 15th July 2009 at 21:47
Have you thought about the top floor of the NCP car park adjacent to the old Elmdon Building? You get a good view up there and the rozzers rarely bother anyone.
-Daz
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July 15, 2009 at 7:17 pm