Flight

September 01, 2020

An Ongoing Passion for Flight & Flying Designs

For over a decade, we have actively pursued our perpetual fascination and awe with the ever expanding universe of flight. The following folio reflects this curiosity with the spectacular diversity of airlines, liveries, history, and aircraft.

Reflecting our passion for local photography, this blog has been exclusively captured at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ), one of the busiest international airports in the Americas by passenger count. By way of reference, this equates to 49.5 million annual passengers, nearly ten million short of New York’s JFK International. Originally named Malton Airport, YYZ received its first passenger service on August 29th, 1939, marking its 80th anniversary last year. Moreover, the modern name change occurred in 1984 to honour Lester B. Pearson, Canada’s 14th Prime Minister and recipient of the 1957 Nobel Peace prize. With two terminals and five active runways, Pearson served close to a whopping half million aircraft movements in 2018; and as a quintessentially Canadian feat, Pearson sports the world’s largest de-icing facility (Canada, eh?).

In keeping with our euthuasiam, our adventure expands beyond the images. We have included a story behind each aircraft that highlights the unique history and set of circumstances which guide the planes to YYZ, completing this voyage of discovery. (Note: these “write ups” and the information they contain is only as up-to-date as the image’s publication date.)

Enjoy,
David and Robson

*Note, you can visit our resources page on our site at: Aviation References

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (A6-BLS) "ADNOC - Choose Japan" livery arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on an ornate Sunday afternoon 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (A6-BLS) "ADNOC - Choose Japan" livery arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on an ornate Sunday afternoon 2020. Delivered in December 2017, this aircraft now marks just one of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft in Etihad Airways fleet with an additional 12 on order. Subsequently, in November 2019, A6-BLS was repainted into the dazzling array of colouring seen above. Importantly, due to the COVID-19 health crisis, four of the airline's 787-9s are stored (temporarily); however, all of their larger and newer 787-10 aircraft (of which they operate eight with some 22 yet to be delivered) are in the air. Furthermore, this gorgeous livery is doubly special in that it was completed in Abu Dhabi, Etihad's princible hub, by Etihad Engineering, an industry leading aircraft maintence and engineering provider with an impressive resumé. The entire "Choose" family of 787 aircraft have been overhauled by this firm, from early fall of 2019 to present. Most intriguing, a now famous aircraft in the series (presumebly the first - not A6-BLS) underwent the world's first full 787-9 painting outside of a Boeing facility". All subsequent "logojets" have undergone this process as well. Evidently, of the numerous countries recognized by Etihad, pictured is "Choose Japan", acknowledging the strong economic ties shared between the two countries since the 1960s. In fact, the UAE is the world's second largest exporter of crude oil to Japan. Of the numerous nations donned by Etihad's 787-9s, Choose Singapore, Thailand, Italy, USA, and, importantly, Japan (9A6-BLK), can each be found on two different aircraft. This also applies to their "Choose China", which uses both the 787-9 and its bigger brother the 10. Another 787-10 flies as the "Greenliner", displaying the company's ambitious plans to cut emmisions. All of these jets are currently in the air save for one "Choose Saudi Arabia" 787-9 (A6-BLI). The lotus (Suirem, in Japanese), the national flower of Japan, is prominently displayed on the fuselage of this Dreamliner. Indeed, Torontonians have been blessed by the arrival of countless "Choose" liveries from Etihad (this is our fifth). Enjoy the image!

KLM Boeing 787-10 (PH-BKG) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a delightfully sunny Tuesday 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

KLM Boeing 787-10 (PH-BKG) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS) on a delightfully sunny Tuesday 2020. In responce to the unusually clean underbelly, one may conclude that this is a very young aircraft, and indeed, they would be correct. PH-BKG was delivered to the Dutch carrier in February of 2020; however, KLM's first 787-10 was received in early summer 2019 - exactly 100 days before the company's 100th aniverasry in October of that year. PH-BKG, named "Bluebell" or "Hyacint" in Dutch, represents the fifth -10 Dreamliner recieved by the airline (and newest); and with the acquisiton of these state-of-the-art jetliners, KLM aims to modernize their quickly ageing fleet (composed of both Airbus and Boeing aircraft). The balance of this fleet lies with Boeing, including KLM's cargo fleet. On the Boeing side, KLM's primary long-haul operative is the 777 family, with a total of 29 in service (fifteen 777-200ERs and fourteen 777-300ERs). Complementing these are eighteen Dreamliners (thirteen 787-9s and - as mentioned - five 787-10s). It should also be noted that, as of April 2020, KLM's famous fleet of passenger 747 aircraft has undergone a premature retirement resulting from COVID-19 impacts. The "Queen of the Skies" originally posessed a retirement date many years in the future, and prior to April, five 747-400s and twenty 747-400Ms were flown. ("M" likely stands for "mixed" as these aircraft transport both passengers and freight - three of these "combi" varients are currently reinstated for cargo operations related to COVID-19.) To support their expansive short-haul network, an additional complement of fifty-two 737s are serviced: sixteen 737-700s (to be retired by 2022), thirty-one 737-800s, and five 737-900s (a much rarer, extended aircraft). With Airbus, the A330 wide-body family encompasses thirteen aircraft - eight A330-200s and five A330-300s - competing with Boeing's 777 series. The A330, however, will be phased out by 2025 (or sooner), and no short-haul aircraft from the European manufacturing giant are flown. To the future, two Boeing 777-300(ER)s are to be delivered, and an option for an additional ten 787-10s may be fullfilled. With a glorious and cutting-edge aircraft at Pearson, enjoy the image!

Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a sunny picturesque Tuesday afternoon 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) on a picturesque Tuesday afternoon 2020. Of note, this aircraft was delivered to the German carrier in May 1996 - over twenty four years ago - and thus, D-AIGL will soon approach its expected retirement. In addition, as with most Lufthansa aircraft, the A340 has been named after a significant German city - Herne of western Germany, in this case. What is more, D-AIGL resides in Lufthansa's diverse fleet of approximentely 200 aircraft (from both Boeing and Airbus); in this case, the majority serve short to medium haul routes, although Lufthansa does have an expansive intercontinental network. From Boeing, twenty-eight 747 aircraft are devided into eight 747-400s and nineteen 747-800Is (denoting the airline as the largest 747-8I operator; they happen to be the type's launch customer as well; and most of all, Lufthansa received the Boeing's 1500th 747 ever produced - a monumental milestone - in 2014 as a 747-8I). Unfortunatly, all 747s, currently Lufthansa's only Boeing product, are to be retired by 2025, replaced by the Boeing 777X; however the COVID-19 crisis will certainely expedite this process. Airbus supplies the majority of their narrow body fleet: twenty-five A319-100s, sixty-two A320-200s, twenty-three A320neos (New Engine Option - the newest offering from Airbus), twenty A321-100s, forty-three A321-200s, and five A321neos. Fifteen wide body A330-300s, fourteen A340-300s, ten A340-600s, and sixteen A350-900s comprise the remainder ot Lufthansa's long haul operations. At last, eight large Airbus A380-800s are flown. To the future, seventy-eight A320neos and forty-three A321neos will be complemented by twenty-seven A350-900s, twenty Boeing 777-8s, and 20 777-9s; therefore, the airlines plans to add another half of its current fleet in the near future. However, as Lufthansa finds istself part of the mammouth Lufthansa Group, some may be reserved by other members. Indeed, the Lufthansa of the future may well be unrecognizable - enjoy the image!

Vietnam Airlines (repatriation flight) Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (VN-A879) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on an eye-catching Sunday morning 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Vietnam Airlines (repatriation flight) Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (VN-A879) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Hanoi Noi Bài International Airport (HAN) on an eye-catching Sunday morning 2020. Although this is a repatriation flight serving Toronto, VN-A879 has delivered similar services elsewhere in North America, including San Francisco, as well as more exotic locations like Angola. This fulfills the airline's promiss to provide extensive repatriation services during these unprecedented times. Moreover, Vietnam's 787-10s (including this exact aircraft) have also ferried large quantities of medical supplies to areas in need. Thusfar, the carrier has flown four repatriation flights into Toronto's Pearson; three using the 787-10, one with the Airbus A350-900. The Dreamliner pictured has operated two of these. Transitioning to fleet composition, in August of 2019, Vietnam Airlines welcomed their first Boeing 787-10 (this plane), marking an effort towards modernizing their fleet. Soon thereafter, in October, another 787-10 was delivered, VN-A873, becoming the 100th jetliner to fly with the airline; it dons an appropriate sticker on the rear fuselage. Vietnam's fleet is comprised of Airbus, Boeing, and ATR aircraft, including roughly the following planes. Long-haul routes are served by eleven Boeing 787-9s and four 787-10s complemented by forteen Airbus A350-900s. The rather expansive narrowbody fleet utilizes fifty A321-200s, twenty A321neos (the successor), and three turboprop ATR 72-500s. An additional five A320neo and four 787-10 jets are on order. From our second Vietnam spotting, we eagerly await the next. Enjoy the image!

KLM Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (PH-BKA) "100 Years" livery arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a picturesque Sunday morning 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

KLM Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (PH-BKA) "100 Years" livery arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) on a picturesque Sunday morning 2020. On June 30th, 2019, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines welcomed the newest addition to its fleet. The Boeing 787-10 would become the second Dreamliner variant for the airline (the other being the 787-9), able to serve long-haul destinations with increased capacity. Delivered on a Sunday, PH-BKA was greeted with a water salute at AMS, a common occurance for occasions like this, denoting KLM as the first European operator of the type. In fact, KLM became one of the first airlines to ever fly the largest 787 model, for only one year prior in 2018 did the first 787-10 enter into service. An additional seven 787-10s were planned to be delivered at this time, all of which shall be named after flowers - this is "OranjeBloesem". Interestingly, the 787-10 is not just a stretch from the 787-9 (as is often the case with aircraft families). Compared to its predecessor, it shares the same efficient GEnx-1b engines, but due to the use of lighter materials, the aircraft is able to produce less emissions and noise, making it a solid upgrade for airlines already praising the extra capacity. This is a common theme amound Boeing's Dreamliner lineage; each subsequent variant sports increased performance in addition to length; the 787-9 has a greater range than the 787-8 despite being significantly longer (and therefore heavier). Of course, one cannot ingore the striking decal on the forward fuselage. Not only was PH-BKA delivered during KLM's 100th anniversay year (since 1919), it was received exactly 100 days before the anniversary date. As such, the airline has included an appropriate banner in large font with Dutch colours intertwined. (Many KLM aircraft share this decal, only at a significantly reduced scale.) With a striking livery and hidden meaning, enjoy the image!

China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-300(ER) (B-2002) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on an wonderous Friday afternoon 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-300(ER) (B-2002) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on an wonderous Friday afternoon 2020. One look at this eye-catching aircraft demonstrates its significance. Unveiled at Hongqiao Airport on July 2nd, 2020 - weeks before this catpure - B-2002 is seen on its first flight into Toronto since the overhaul. The livery on display recognizes the 2020 China International Inport Expo, being held for the third time this November. In partnership with China Eastern, as one of its "core supporting enterprise, air carier, buyer, and service provider," this B777, according to the airline, now serves to promote CIIE through daily international voyages. Jointly launched by CIIE and China Eastern, the aircraft features the mascot of CIIE, Jinbao, the giant panda, on the rear fuselage and the expo slogan, "New Era, Shared Future", seen on the forward fuselage. These eleents are complemented by a plethora of brightly saturated colours and curves. In addition, this specific Boeing 777 remains special on its own as B-2002 was the second ever aircraft of the Boeing 777ER family delivered to the Airlines (in October of 2014), one month following their first 777-300(ER) acquisition in September (B-2001, of course). Of note, that aircraft inaugurated the new - and cutrent - livery for China Eastern, replacing the then 25 year old design. What a unique treat to see B-2002 in YYZ. Enjoy the image!

Swiss International Airlines (HB-JNH) repatriation flight arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a sublime Friday morning 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Swiss International Airlines (HB-JNH) repatriation flight arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Zurich International Airport (ZRH) on a sublime Friday morning 2020. Strikingly unique, this flight is in no way a regularly operated service between ZRH and YYZ; SWISS is seen finishing its third Toronto repatriation flight since the COVID-19 crisis began. What is more, due to the inherently unpredictable nature of these repatriation schedulings, the Swiss carrier may very well never serve Toronto again. Furthermore, although the Swiss national carrier formally flew into service a mere two decades ago, the company has roots dating back nearly a century. Swiss Air was formed from the merger of two former Swiss airlines, Balair (founded in 1925) and Ad Astra Aero (founded in 1919) in 1931 to serve the country of Switzerland. For the better part of 71 years, the airline gained a reputation as the "flying bank" due to its near unmatched financial stability; and as such, it was regarded as the Swiss "national symbol and icon", a rare occurance in the world of national airlines. By the time of its demise (due, in part, to the adoption of a flawed system of over-expansion), Swiss Air operated nearly 75 aircraft serving 157 destinations, making it one of the most significant airlines of Europe. However, it's time had come, and in 2002, a new icon was erected from the ashes of the company. Crossair, founded in 1979 as a regional subsidary of Swiss Air, quickly renamed itself "Swiss International Airlines" following this collapse, adopting most of their assets and staff in the process. Upon this acquisition and with the help of many eager investors and the federal government, Crossair was forced to expand into the international, long-haul market, as served today. In essence, a new airline was built around the remanents of Swissair. Moreover, this was particularly advantageous as the transfer of these assets included international traffic rights, ensuring the airline did not have to reapply for travel permission to each and every international destination (providing a seamless continutation of service under the new name and company), surely expediting the rather cumbersome process of initating a new airline. In the years following, to ensure stable growth, SWISS decided to enter into a global airline group and did so under Star Alliance, accomplished by merging with the Lufthanse Group in 2007, who is a Star Alliance member. And thus, the modern SWISS was born. Their Eurowhite livery, inaugurated in 2011, sticks close to its predecessor, now including the name "SWISS", the stylized title for the air carrier, on the forward fuselage complemented by the classic Swiss flag on the tail. With a last-minute arrival from "Truly SWISS", enjoy the image!

Air India Boeing 777-300(ER) (VT-ALS) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a gloriously crisp Sunday morning 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Air India Boeing 777-300(ER) (VT-ALS) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) on a gloriously crisp Sunday morning 2020. The DEl-YYZ service recently recommenced on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2019, four months prior to this capture. That flight operates thrice weekly, a monumental 14 hours each way, with room for an impressive 348 passengers (give or take) in Air India's configuration on the 777-300ER. As India’s flag carrier, the airline was founded in 1932; it then took to the skies in 1946 and currently operates a fleet of around 127 aircraft. Originally launched by a Tata family member, a prominent Indian business family, in 1932, the airline was given the title Tata Air Services (later simplified to Tata Airlines in the late 1930s). Its inaugural flight flew between Karachi and Mumbai (Bombay at the time) in 1938, a mail only service. Following the Second World War, Tata Airlines became publicly traded and was rebranded as the modern Air India. Subsequent to Indian independence in 1947, however, a significant minority share was acquired by the Indian government (India gained a majority share in 1953). Subsequently, the company cemented its place as a global airline of significance when it became the first Asian carrier to operate jet aircraft, the Boeing 707 in 1960; two years later, it became the world’s first “all jet” fleet. Most recently launched in 2007, the company’s standard livery stylistically outlines each window in a "Palace-style" design, reflecting their slogan, “Your Palace in the Sky”. On the starboard side, the airline's large title is in English and Hindi on the vertical stabilizer. This is reversed on the port fuselage. In addition, the flower petal on the vertical fin represents a swan with the wheel shaped "Konark chakra", a symbol of India. What is more, this aircraft is named "Mizoram", after the landlocked eastern Indian state. From a colourful arrival, enjoy the image!

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (A6-BLR) "ADNOC - Choose Singapore" livery arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a blissful Sunday afternoon 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (A6-BLR) "ADNOC - Choose Singapore" livery arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on a blissful Sunday afternoon 2020. Delivered to the Emirati carrier in October 2017, A6-BLR came dressed in Etihad's standard - yet still dazzling - livery. Subsequently, a drastic overhaul was undertaken in November 2019, bringing another addition to the airline's "ADNOC - choose" special liveries (notable others including Italy, USA, and Japan). These works of art - and it truly is artwork - recognize the vital relationship existing between Emirati oil mammoth ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) and various trade partners. For a country investing tremendous funds in the oil sector, it is no wonder the national airline, having built its buisness serving the affluent in opulence - finds its beneficial to promote this. Clearly, such relations are of vital importance to the airline, for each repainted airliner must be temporarly grounded for msny days to receive its new face. (Generally-speaking, when an aircraft is not in the air, it is hemorrhaging money.) Furthermore, included on both sides of the fuselage are four new elements superimposed on Etihad's livery. Only two are visible - a large flower, presumably a take on Singapore's national flower, the Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim (an orchid chosen from a selection of 40 flowers in 1981 and originally created by Miss Joaquim in the 1890's), and a lion rendition. Singapore has been known as the Lion City since 1986; in fact, the name "Singapore" comes from the combination of the Malay words "Singa" (Lion) and "Pura" (City) (even though studies have shown that lions don't really reside in the area). Although YYZ may never have the chance to welcome Singapore Airlines, Etihad's "Choose Singapore" is a spectacular substitute. Enjoy the image!

Azores Airlines Airbus A321neo arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Ponta Delgada International Airport (PDL) on a georgous Saturday evening 2020. This stunning aircraft, CS-TSF, was deliered to the island carrier in December of 2017, denoting it as the first A321neo addition to Azore's fleet, painted in the "Breathe" livery. This fleet consists of five total aircraft - two ageing A320s complemented by three modern A321neos. Each of the five has been dubbed a unique title and given a special livery. In chronological order of acquisition, Azores received their first still operational aircraft in February 2016. Branded in the "Natural" livery, CS-TKQ is now a 15+ year old A320, serving under numerous airlines before entering the Azores fleet. Next came CS-TSF in, as mentioned, December 2017; and subsequentely, in March 2018 and July 2019, Azores received CS-TSG, in "Wonder" livery, and CS-TSH, in "Magical" livery, respectively (both A321neos). In between these two acquisitions, Azores fleet was augmented by another A320-200, CS-TKO, in May 2020 (Dream livery). Of note, although all A321 jetliners in operation are "neo" variants (New Engine Model) of the famous A321 lineage, CS-TSH, their most recent "neo" acquisition, is an A321LR (long Range) model. It is still a member of the "neo" family, however, capable of outmatching the already impressive range of the cutting-edge A321neos; more A321LRs will be added in the coming years. Most intriguingly, located on the forward fuselage of this aircraft is the name "Marciano Veiga", who piloted the first Azores commercial flgiht on June 15th, 1947, when the airline was known as "SATA". The special liveries on all Azores A321neos include a QR code directing you to www.azoresairlines.pt - a smart 21st century twist. Enjoy the image!

Air Canada Airbus A220-300 (C-GJXW) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a perfect Sunday morning 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Air Canada Airbus A220-300 (C-GJXW) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) on a perfect Sunday morning 2020. This is the second entry into our Air Canada A220 series in which we aim to capture the company's entire A220 fleet (eight at present - August 31st). With an initial order for 45 Airbus A220-300 state-of-the-art aircraft, Air Canada's fleet will undoubtably receive major gains in economics, so much so that the airline has accelerated the retirement of its ageing A320 aircraft. Moreover, C-GJWX was delivered on May 23rd, 2020, marking the airline's fifth A220 acquisition after a two month delivery halt during COVID-19's peak in Canada. This acquisition also marked the eleventh overall A220 delivery of the year, certainly slowed by the aforementioned health crisis. However, clearly indicative of the airframe's near unmatched economics, Air Canada's entire A220 fleet is currently flying. In fact, few airlines operating A220s have done the contrary; the vast majority of A220 aircraft are in use, despite the tremendous strain on aviation COVID-19 has caused. In comparison, many other jet variants have been partially - and sometimes completly - grounded for the foreseable future due to a variety of reasons. Essentially, the aircraft has faired remarkably well in the pandemic, almost as if it were built with such pressures in mind. In actuality, it is the balanced blend of efficiency, range, and (relatively) low seating capacity which allows the Airbus A220 to excel in these times. With the forerunner of modern, efficient flight, enjoy the image!

Air Canada Airbus A220-300 (C-GROV) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on a glorious Sunday morning 2020 - Photo by Robson Smith

Air Canada Airbus A220-300 (prev. Bombardier CS300) (C-GROV) arriving at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) from Calgary International Airport (YYC) on a glorious Sunday morning 2020. This is the first entry into our Air Canada A220 series in which we aim to capture the company's entire A220 fleet (eight at present - August 23rd). Moreover, astute viewers will note the inconsistency between this aircraft's registration and that of the other Air Canada A220s. "C-GROV" is a completely unique combination; in fact, it was employee-chosen to commemorate Air Canada's President, CEO, and champion of the A220 programme Calin Rovinescu. In December 2019, Air Canada acquired its very first A220-300 (this aircraft) from an initial order of 45 (with an option for an additional 30); all of these will be built at Mirabel, Quebec. This transaction cemented Air Canada's place as the firt North American airline to operate the type, another accomplishment in a long line of firsts for the carrier. These include: first North American airline to operate a turbine powered aircraft, the Vickers Viscount, in December 1954; first Canadian carrier to receive a jetliner, the DC-8, in February 1960; and the first Canadian airline to acquire a Jumbo Jet (Boeing 747) in February 1971. Nowadays, the A220-300, paired with the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, marks a significant fleet modernization effort as sought out by Air Canada. Upon signing of the letter of intent in 2016, the Canadian carrier was expected to use some of its A220s to replace the ageing Embraer E190 (of which they owned 45). The COVID-19 crisis has forced the acceleration of this retirement, with the last scheduled E190 passenger service taking place in late May, 2020. The situation has also forced Air Canada to pull their 777-200ERs and Boeing 767-300s from service. Furthermore, following the acquisition of Boeing's new 737 MAX 8 aircraft in 2019, the Airbus A320 narrow-body jet was also planned for retirement. Of course, the grounding of the cutting-edge aircraft (737 MAX) in March 2019 pushed the company to postpone these plans, even though the average age of their remaining 39 A320s was 26 years. With a modern manifestation of flight, enjoy the image!