It's actually refreshing to see someone doing a visual to short finals in something other than a C172. Yes, I've noticed KLM do it a few times.
The "331" was originally an 0730 departure, then 0715, then finally 0645. The rescheduling was an attempt to beat "rush hour" at LHR. However, if it got a decent run in, it would surprise the ground staff, and we'd all wait ten minutes for some steps if we were on a coaching stand.
I enjoyed many trips on the jump seat, and once did the 340 in under 40 mins. We got virtually a direct track from just outside the London TMA as there was no military traffic.
Going the other way, I used to use the 331 to commute to Manchester using two free staff tickets. If we ended up on B2, I'd hop across the corridor to the BA Shuttle Lounge, and catch the 0830. Much better than the M62...
I can't believe that Teesside is now virtually a ghost airport.