Parallel Landing At LAX

Spotting other planes in flight is one of the great joys of the window seat.  Channel 9 on United (live ATC) helps in flight when controllers mention traffic.  Landing at SFO or LAX is also a good bet because they use parallel runways.  SFO flights get very close while LAX has it's runways further apart, you can still have fun watching your plane race another.

American 757 Landing at LAX

I'd Rather Not Fly On That One

As a contrast to the last post, here's one I'd rather not fly, the Uzbekistan Airways 767-300.

Uzbekistan 767 at FRA

I'd Rather Fly On That One

Ever spot a plane you'd rather fly when at the airport?  It happens to me all the time.  Here's an example, the State of Kuwait ACJ320. 

Kuwait Government VIP Transport

Austrian Airlines Business Class Smart Upgrade Auction

Austrian Airlines is setting up an auction that will close 72 hours before flight to sell business class upgrades. The winners are based on price bid, but not told other bids.  The outcome also doesn't factor in fare paid or miles co-pays, so there is a chance of buying a very discounted fare and flying business class for not much more. Interesting way to maximize revenue, but it's not very sporting since you don't know other bidders' offers.  

Austrian Airlines Airbus

25% Off Pacmin Models at the Boeing Store

The Boeing Store is offering 25% off orders greater than $100, so their Pacific Miniatures models are all 25% though March 16.  I have a 737 Pacmin model (Alaska Airlines Spirit of Seattle) in my living room and it's a beautiful piece.   

Full Size 737 Model

737 Updates - PSU

Changing the little things about travel can make a big difference.  The passenger service units (PSU) are one great example.  Below are old and new versions on the 737, the new lights are LED and better for reading while using less power and maintenance.  The air vents are better too by spreading the air more evenly.  Airbus has improved PSU's on the A320 family too.

Old Style PSU

New Style Lights and Air

Private Jet Inflight Entertainment

Private jets have the best seats, entertainment, bathrooms, and everything else really.  The equipment is usually made by suppliers that also sell to airlines, so there is a chance it will make it's way into commercial airliners.  Gold plated lavatory fixtures and showers seem unlikely on Southwest, but Emirates has onboard showers for A380 first class passengers.  

747-800 Cabin Model

Lufthansa Technik Cabin Model

Airshow (in flight map system) has an iPad app that gives a "panoramic view that allows passengers to see a moving map of the outside world from any direction the iPad is pointed – as if the aircraft were transparent."  Currently it is only available for business jets, but it should be easy to make it work on airliners that already have Airshow and wifi.  Wifi is another great example, originally only on business jets, it's now on most airlines and rather inexpensive.  I'm excited to see the next technologies that will be tested in private aviation and rolled out to commercial aviation. 

A320 Shower

Boeing BBJ Dining Arrangement

Bombardier Global 6000 Aft Stateroom and Shower