For several months, it is known that Emirates intends to use on one of her both daily flights from Dubai to Zurich an Airbus A380-861. With the start of the New Year 2014 it has become a reality! As it was to be expected, BuchAir Tours organized three special tours on the tarmac, they were sold out in no time. More than 160 aviation enthusiasts could watch the arrival and departure of the Emirates A380 from "very near" nearby. A successful start on 1st January 2014 in the new Spotter season!

A special report from Zurich by Andy Herzog.

Short after landing on runway 14 (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Airbus A-380-861 A6-EDR taking off form  Zürich 24 December 2013 (Picture courtesy Andreas Schmucki)

So close aviation-spotters couldn’t be in previous times (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog) 

Handling and loading of cargo(Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

All spotters are waiting for the push-back of Emirates A380 (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

(Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Airbus A380 "The Second"

Already the second airline, besides Singapore Airlines, use now on its daily flight to Zurich an Airbus A380. Reason enough for all aircraft enthusiasts to pilgrim to the Zurich airport. With around 20 minutes delay the Emirates, A6-EDL gently touch down on runway 14 and rolled right in front of our cameras to their Booth Position on the Mid-Field, Dock E. We were so close to the apron like never before to catch the plane. A huge task, regarding safety aspects, to organize these tours by the teams of BuchAir Tours and Zurich Airport Authority.

(Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Logistische Herausforderungen

In addition to the specific requirements for the crews (first landing in ZRH) of course it was a daunting task for the ground handling as well, had they handle in a short time of interval with two of the largest aircraft in the world.

It was amazing; from the point of view of us "aviation spotters" that we have NEVER been so close to the action like on this day! No question that impressive photos were guaranteed! As of June 2014 also ETIHAD from Abu Dhabi will start its service to Zurich with the Airbus A330-200/300. Therefore all four major golf Carriers are represented at the Zurich airport:

After 30 minutes delay:  „Push-back and Ready for Taxi“ (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

A giant with over 560 tons of weight climbs into the sky, close to the Swiss Alps! (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

SWISS, BAe Avro RJ-100 (HB-IYS) with special livery „Shopping Paradise“  (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Helvetic, Airbus A319-112 (HB-JVK) ready for technical maintenance at SR Technics (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Cessna 550B, Citation BRAVO (HB-VMX) of the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Cessna 550B, Citation BRAVO (HB-VMX) of the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Gulfstream, G-IV (4X-CPX), of Arkia-Israeli Airlines (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Gulfstream, G-IV (4X-CPX), of Arkia-Israeli Airlines (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

OMAN Air, A330-243 (A4O-DA) on the way to runway 28 (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Line-up of several Helicopters used for VIP-Services (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Nigerian Air Force, Cessna 550 Citation II (NAF960) (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Nigerian Air Force, Cessna 550 Citation II (NAF960) (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Gulfstream G-550, (RA-10203) of the Russian company UTair Aviation (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Canadair CL-600-2C10 Regional Jet (VP-BCL), of Consolidated Construction Company (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Private Gulfstream GV-SP (G550), (VQ-BLA) (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)

Private Pilatus PC-12-45 (HB-FOX) stored during Christmas season (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog) 

last update 5. January 2014

Written 4 January 2014

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