Vietnam Airlines - Hanoi-Sydney Inaugural

[Grahame Hutchison]

Blue skies at Sydney Airport to welcome Vietnam Airlines inaugural Hanoi-Sydney Boeing B789 Dreamliner service, which will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Arrival Video

[James Smith]

Complete with an initial flyover of 34L, the Vietnam Airlines 787-9 turned right down the harbour at 2,000 feet, out the heads and a right turn down the coast for a landing nearly 15 minutes later. It caused quiet a delay for departing aircraft on both 34L&R, particularly 34R who weren't able to depart until the 787-9 was well clear of the easterly departure path off runway 34R. Also, two helicopters were holding to the west of taxiway Alpha, presumably with photographers on board to capture the arrival.

The excitement continued after Vietnam flight VN787 landed with some dead birds seen at the threshold of 34R causing further delays while the airport car went to 34L only to have to drive all the way around to the other runway after a gentle reminder from the tower. After that, there was a Tiger go around and a QLink medical pan arrival.

Grahame, did you have a quick dash from where you took your touchdown video to the entrance to International 2 for the water cannon salute while the aircraft took a detour around Yankee and Golf?

[Grahame Hutchison]

Correct James, As soon as the aircraft rolls through, it's back on the bus immediately for the run back to INTL 2 (escorted by a Safety Car), and the Tower usually diverts the aircraft down Yankee and back up Golf to allow the Media time to get setup again for the Water Cannon.

[James Smith]

Thanks Grahame. Then on the bus to the terminal for the press briefing, I guess. No photos with one, or all, of the hosties that you can show us?