The Papal visit to Birmingham Airport - a look behind the scenes

After months of planning Birmingham Airport's big day had arrived

- the departure ceremony - which brought the Pope's State visit

to the United Kingdom to an end - was held on the 80's stands....
.

.... which had been transformed for the event
.
As members of the media arrive to cover the Pope's departure....
.
.... the Police conducted final security checks
.
The Papal aircraft - Alitalia Airbus A320-216 EI-EIB - arrived
from Heathwow - and was positioned next to the red carpet
.
The Alitalia crew had their photo taken by the media....
.
.... while the Servisair team - Neil, James and Andy - prepared
for an "on time" departure from BHX
.
Everyone ready? - satellite links on line?
.
.... and now we go live to Birmingham Airport - and as
they say the rest is history!!
.

Well done to all at Birmingham Airport for organising such

a historic event - TV audience estimated at 1 billion! - and

ensuring another "on time" departure
.

Sunday 19 September 2010