Action on the Western Apron

I only spent a few hours at the airport this afternoon and regrettably, I didn't take my good camera.

This was a pity as there was a fair amount happening and phone cameras just don't do so well, especially when you become dependent on a digital zoom rather than optical.

First up is an Airbus A320-232, VH-VFJ. This aircraft is operated by Jetstar Airways. the only reason it is on this side of the airport is that it apparently sucked another aviator [of the furry flying kind] through an engine a few days ago. Scuttlebutt is that this necessitated an engine change which was accomplished while parked inside the Execujet hanger.

This was the first time it had been outside for a few days. Note the chocks are in place. I don't recall it getting noisy, so I'm not sure what checks were being done.

Airbus A320-232, VH-VFJ, operated by Jetstar Airways

Next up is a business jet, namely a Bombardier CL600-2B16, N913TK, operated by a company called Christ Holdings in Texas, USA. It was though that this was bringing the German President to town, but now I am not sure. You'll see why shortly.

Bombardier CL600-2B16, N913TK, operated by Christ Holdings

The third and final western apron visitor was another airliner, in this case a Boeing 737-8FE, VH-YIL, which is operated by Virgin Australia Airlines. A common enough visitor, but this was flew in from Sydney to park on the RNZAF military apron, just to the south of the aero club. Shortly after this, a large entourage left, escorted by Police.

Boeing 737-8FE, VH-YIL, operated by Virgin Australia Airlines