20210520-MMPI0078
On Thursday 20th May 2021 I went to Brisbane Airport (YBBN) to capture the Antonov Design Bureau Antonov An-124-100M UR-82027 "Ruslan" whcih was due to take off from Brisbane (YBBN) en route to Honolulu (PHNL). The aircraft was carrying a pair of ex-RAAF F/A-18A Hornets bound for RCAF service, delivering them to Montreal (CYMX), part of the total of 25 aircraft the RCAF have purchased as a stop-gap until they select their next fighter. Happily it took off pretty close to scheduled time, in great morning light and from RWY19 which I was able to get close to as the big bird climnbed and banked over Moreton Bay, leaving a distinctive trail of smoke behind. Also that morning I managed to add a couple of QANTAS and Virgin Australia Boeing 737's that I did not yet have in my photo collection. I was happy to get QANTAS 737-838 VH-XZP "James Strong" in the lovely "retro ochre" livery and named after the long-time company chairman. Another highlight was the two Virgin Australia 737-8FE aircraft that have been fitted with the split scimitar wingtips (VH-YIR and VH-YIV) took off one after the other. A great morning out, adding some aircraft to my collection and of course another opportunity to witness the awesome power of the An-124 take off from close range.
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