Global Airlines A380 Prestwick

[MichaelOLearyGenius]

Ex China Southern A380, 9H-GLOBL, currently en route to PIK today. First A380 to land at PIK.

[SpringHeeledJack]

Yes, I noticed that and wondered what that was as it seemed to be flying quite low, at least for a normal Atlantic cruising level. Currently sitting on the ground at PIK. I'm surprised that that's the first visit for the type, I would have imagined that training sorties would've used PIK and SNN (for example)for BA and other euro airlines that flew them some years back.

[treadigraph]

Originally Posted by SpringHeeledJack

, I would have imagined that training sorties would've used PIK and SNN (for example)for BA and other euro airlines that flew them some years back.

I think BA used Manston for sone of their early A380 crew training.

[MichaelOLearyGenius]

Originally Posted by SpringHeeledJack

Yes, I noticed that and wondered what that was as it seemed to be flying quite low, at least for a normal Atlantic cruising level. Currently sitting on the ground at PIK. I'm surprised that that's the first visit for the type, I would have imagined that training sorties would've used PIK and SNN (for example)for BA and other euro airlines that flew them some years back.

There was a fly by of one of the prototypes in Airbus livery about 10 or 11 years ago but it never landed. This is the first to land.

[treadigraph]

Originally Posted by MichaelOLearyGenius

There was a fly by of one of the prototypes in Airbus livery about 10 or 11 years ago but it never landed. This is the first to land.

Think that one did a fly by tour of all BAe's facilities didn't - vague recollection of it coasting in over south London on its way to Filton - or am I thinking of the one that came into Heathrow to trial the Code F upgrades?

[wub]

It was F-WWOW, the A380 demonstrator that did the UK tour. Here she is at Edinburgh.

[SpringHeeledJack]

Lovely shot Mr wub. So, what's the plan now with said A380 ? Mx at PIK, or off to somewhere else ? Also, I was very surprised that CS didn't insist that their livery/titles were obscured.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by SpringHeeledJack

Lovely shot Mr wub. So, what's the plan now with said A380 ? Mx at PIK, or off to somewhere else ? Also, I was very surprised that CS didn't insist that their livery/titles were obscured.

There's a prolonged debate about it in PPRuNe's Airlines, Airports & Routes forum.

My prediction, FWIW, is that the aircraft is going to end its days at Prestwick.

[Twiglet1]

Don't think your alone there Dave. Still exceeding expectations let's see!

[SpringHeeledJack]

There's a prolonged debate about it in PPRuNe's Airlines, Airports & Routes forum.

My prediction, FWIW, is that the aircraft is going to end its days at Prestwick.

​​​​​​​Thank you, interesting. Either this endeavour has a side to it that no one is seeing, or 'they' are incredibly naive to the huge operational coast already mounting at a rapid rate.