Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#1
British Airways are to use Manston for test flights for their new fleet of Airbus A380's (the double decker!). They will be using the airport's 2,748m (9,015ft) runway for circuit training (so-called "touch-and-go"). Look to the skies over East Kent in July! Rumour has it that they may also grace the airport with the new Boeing 787 which they are also due to introduce to their fleet this year.
Guest 1694- Registered: 24 Feb 2016
- Posts: 1,087
#2
we'll be watching the skies for that.
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
#3
Wow! thanks for that Kevin, I love watching planes. If you get any idea of dates can you post it for us please.
Anyone know if there are any further developments on the proposed Lydd airport? My current route uses that road and I would imagine a lot more traffic if it goes ahead.
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#4
Will do, Jacqui. Aircraft is due to go to Heathrow first for ground testing before relocating to Manston for circuit training (basically going round in circles as the pilots practice take off and landing!) Expected sometime in July.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#5
BA took delivery of its first Airbus A380 at London Heathrow today. It is due to start training flights from Manston Airport on 15 July. Certainly a coup for Manston and East Kent to get such a prestigious visitor.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#6
Seems as if they will be using Manston ongoing for pilot conversion training as well as evaluation flights. Good revenue for the airport but it doesn't imply much more than that.
Incidentally, when we flew to Abu Dhabi in April from Manston (via Schiphol) the KLM crew told us they were put up overnight at the aBode hotel in Canterbury. Seems a missed opportunity for Thanet and I expect BA will follow suit.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#7
great news for all except those who use the country lanes around manston airport, rubber neckers will be parked illegally in droves to watch when word gets around.
don't see the logic of crew going all the way to canterbury when ramsgate is so close.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#8
Thats what I said but apparently they are supposed to stay in 4* hotels and there ain't none in Thanet.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#9
For those of you who are interested, it looks like the new BA Airbus A380 is due at Manston this Monday (15 July) along with the Red Arrows! Look skyward for some interesting photo opportunities as it looks like they may be flying together in a dress rehearsal for a forthcoming airshow.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#10
by coincidence battle of britain day is on sunday the 14th, celebrated in capel, maybe we will be treated to something then?
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#11
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's spitfire and hurricane are due to perform at flypast at the Memorial Day at Capel on Sunday. The BA A380 is not due until Monday at Manston. Not sure when the Red Arrows are due to arrive but it looks like they are practising for an appearance in formation at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford later in the month. BA will no doubt use the images for PR purposes too. I would guess that the flight plan would take them along the Channel so hopefully we'll catch a glimpse here in Dover.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#12
Quite a weekend for military music as well, Howard. This Sunday sees the RAF Central Band at Capel and the Royal Marines Band at Deal.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#13
Due at Manston around midday. Keep a look out between 11-12 as Red Arrows are due in from Bournemouth.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#14
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#15
Great picture - did anyone else get photos? Just saw the big bird fly over the castle right on cue as I had just seen the report on BBC Sout East Today.
Karlos- Location: Dover
- Registered: 1 Oct 2012
- Posts: 2,599
#16
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#17
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#18
A new visitor to the skies in East Kent expected tomorrow with the arrival at Manston of another of BA's new fleet, the Boeing 787. A smaller, twin jet compared to the Airbus A380 but still revolutionary.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#19
BA's new Boeing 787 has arrived at Manston. Not sure if they are planning a similar White Cliffs fly past as they did with the A380, but still worth a look skywards over the next couple of weeks.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#20
thanks kevin rest assured our members will have their cameras primed.
