Ba744 @ Edi

[Carnethy]

Just seen pics of a BA744 at Edinburgh yesterday (04/09/05). Anyone know why it was there? Something to do with the PM, but he was in Glasgow?
Presume it wasn't fully loaded?

[Hotel Mode]

It was going to Beijing, maybe EDI was more suitable for handling.

[rhythm method]

Maybe Edinburgh were able to cater it!!!

[Oshkosh George]

Combining the posts above--I read elsewhere that it was indeed taking the PM to China.

Story here--

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_3444005.htm

[Jordan D]

Carnety - no, he was at Balmoral over the weekend (as reported across the press, so I'm not disclosing state secrets!) ....

Jordan

[GW76]

It was going to Beijing, maybe EDI was more suitable for handling

When they struggled to get stairs to reach, I dont think so...!

[Oshkosh George]

Oh here we go with the EDI-GLA war! Didn't think it would take long.

[Richard Taylor]

Can't they get a 744 into ABZ then?

[GW76]

Oh here we go with the EDI-GLA war! Didn't think it would take long.

Its comments like that , that create antagonism. This was a genuine remark based on true events. The standard BA handlers didnt have any suitable stair equipment and had to " borrow" one from another handler. You would think that sort of thing would be sorted out in advance especially for the PM.

[BWBriscoe]

So the 744 I saw on the news was actually chartered? I assumed Blair had just got on a commercial flight as he usually only charters the 777 longhaul.

Why the change?

[Jordan D]

Maybe (postulating here) they were short 777s?

Jordan

[Wolverhampton]

A 744 was used because there were delegations from the business, tourism and other communities on board as well as the usual press pack.

[CHIVILCOY]

Oshkosh George

I take great exception to your posting, why bring GLA into it when GW7 did not even mention GLA?

[dawn raider]

relax,

there was no need for steps for the 747 in GLA as we 'soap-dodgers' would have the wheels off in seconds thus allowing normal height steps to be used.