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| Emirates Airbus A380-861 A6-EDE operated their midday service from Dubai.... |
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| .... for the official opening of the new International Pier |
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| .... and to mark the Airport's 70th anniversary |
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| Flight "EK 039" from Dubai arrived just after 1210.... |
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| .... landing on Runway 33 right in front of the new International Pier |
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| .... with just a touch of smoke on touchdown! |
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| The aircraft then taxied back up Taxiway Alpha to be greeted by the waiting media.... |
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| .... up Taxiway Delta |
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| .... onto Taxiway Victor |
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| .... and onto Stand 54C on the new International Pier |
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| "That fits nicely Sir!" - the nose-wheel on the "380" line |
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| Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport (left), welcomes Tim Clarke, President of Emirates Airline and the A380 crew to Birmingham - Emirates have served BHX since 18 December 2000 |
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| Time to Depart - the final passengers board "EK 040" to Dubai |
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| "Emirates 40 you are clear to push and start" |
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| After pushing back off Stand 54C.... |
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| .... and starting up on Taxiway Victor |
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| .... A6-EDE taxied back done Taxiway Alpha past the Fire Station |
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| .... to line up and wait on Runway 15 - surrounded by 1000's of spectators in Sheldon Country Park |
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| "Emirates 40 you are clear to take off" - A6-EDE rolls down 15.... |
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| .... and rotates as it passes Taxiway Golf |
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| .... and climbs past the new International Pier |
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| .... next stop Dubai! A big thank you to Emirates for choosing Birmingham to be the first UK airport after Heathrow to receive a scheduled Airbus A380 service |
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| While on the ground at BHX invited guests toured the "double deck" Airbus A380 - the lower deck is all Economy seating.... |
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| .... with the Business Class cabin at the rear of the Upper Deck |
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| The First Class "suites" are at the front of the Upper Deck.... |
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| .... which also has a Bar and Lounge for First and Business Class Passengers |
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| Time to depart! - thanks again Emirates!! |
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| Thanks also to Will Heynes, BHX's Operations Director (right), for delivering the new International Pier "on time" and to Mark Hattersley, BHX's Finance Director, for signing all those big cheques.... |
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| .... as you will see Will had to do some of the work himself to keep things in budget! |
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| Finally thanks to the Ops team for getting us in the perfect position! |
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| Wednesday 9 September 2009 |