A Cargo of Spam
by Chris Smith
In my previous London report I noted I wouldn't be writing any more as they were all too frequent and too similar and therefore I wasn't bringing anything new to the table, and sure enough I've done a couple of London runs since and not published anything. On this occasion however I feel it's sufficiently niche enough to justify typing up, as with the exception of Luton I restricted myself to spam fields followed by a 'night shift' at East Midlands for the cargo traffic, hence the title of this report!
The above mentioned previous London run was more of a city break than spotting, and one of the friends I was with had wanted to visit Elstree Studios but we weren't quite able to fit it in, so as soon as we both had a couple of days off work simulatenously, we decided to go back and I would drop him off at the studios while I visited the airfield at the same location as well as throwing Denham in for good measure, before stopping in the Holiday Inn Express overlooking the various ramps at Luton Airport, before driving back the next day.
Day One ~ Wednesday 6th July
A quick stop at Leeming for the first of many planned C-17A visits for "Exercise Jaded Thunder" was fruitless - we were too early with no time to wait. So East Midlands was next up and again it was only a quick stop.
East Midlands Airport
EMA / EGNX
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| D-ACNM* | Bombardier CL-600-2D24 CRJ-900LR | Lufthansa Regional (Eurowings) | |
| D-AEAJ* | Airbus A300F4-622R | EAT Leipzig | |
| EI-EKC | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-ESZ | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-FRN* | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-SEV | Boeing 737-73S | Ryanair | Crew trainer |
| G-DHJH | Airbus A321-211 | Thomas Cook Airlines | |
| G-FDZJ | Boeing 737-8K5 | Thomson Airways | |
| G-FIND | Reims Cessna F406 Caravan II | RVL Group | |
| G-GDFR | Boeing 737-8Z9 | Jet2.com | |
| G-JECL | Bombardier DHC-8-402Q (Dash 8-Q400) | Flybe | |
| G-JEDP | Bombardier DHC-8-402Q (Dash 8-Q400) | Flybe | |
| G-JEDV | Bombardier DHC-8-402Q (Dash 8-Q400) | Flybe | |
| G-LEAF | Reims Cessna F406 Caravan II | RVL Group | |
| G-MAXA | Piper PA-32R-301FT 6X | L Bennett and Son Ltd | |
| G-MIND* | Cessna 404 Titan | RVL Group | |
| G-RVLZ* | Cessna 310R | RVL Group | |
| G-SASD | Raytheon B200C Super King Air | Gama Aviation | Scottish Ambulance Service |
| G-TASK | Cessna 404 Titan | RVL Group | |
| M-JCBC# | Sikorsky S-76C | JC Bamford Excavators Ltd | |
| SE-MHE# | British Aerospace ATP/F | West Atlantic | |
| SE-MHH# | British Aerospace ATP/F | West Atlantic | |
| OTT | |||
| A6-EDK | Airbus A380-861 | Emirates | OTT - UAE17 Dubai - Manchester |
| G-YMMH | Boeing 777-236ER | British Airways | OTT - BAW285/11M London Heathrow - San Francisco |
Click here for East Midlands photos.
After dropping my mate off at Elstree Studios, I headed for Denham as it was furthest away, working my way back toward Luton. I had loads of luck at Denham, which is split in two, north side and south side. North side is where all the various companies and hangars are, as well as a few residents, south side is essentially just the control tower, any visiting aircraft and a few more residents. The first thing to grab my attention was a Citation parked up south side, I thought Denham was all grass! Even with a clear view across the very flat airfield I couldn't make out any hard runway, but it is there! Sadly, the Citation is a regular, rumoured to be Steve Gibsons new ride.
North side, asking in The Pilot Centre flying school should get you airside access providing you have hi-viz, on my one previous visit they only allowed me to wander around the aircraft located near to their premises, which is essentially all of the fixed wing aircraft on this side, on this occasion they said I could walk the full length including the hangars providing I stayed close to the hangars, I popped into the first one (Heli-Air) and double checked it was okay first and they were happy enough. The hangars are all used by helicopter operators, whether it be flying schools, private charter, filming or maintenance. All were friendly except for the very last one (first as you drive in), a maintenance company who were quick to tell me I was on private property, luckily I think I bagged most of their inmates first! South side is easier, just ask the on duty controller if it's okay to walk around and they usually say yes - sometimes in exchange for an air ambulance donation. The pilots of LX-JFR asked me to photograph their aircraft within three minutes as that's when their clients would be arriving and they might not appreciate their aircraft being photographed...fair enough!
Denham Aerodrome
EGLD
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| EC-IYQ* | Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel | Unknown | |
| G-ATHD/WP971* | De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 | Spartan Flying Group | |
| G-BAGX | Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee | Private | |
| G-BLME* | Robinson R22 | Heli Air | |
| G-BMIZ* | Robinson R22 Beta | Heli Air | |
| G-BMTJ | Cessna 152 | The Pilot Centre | |
| G-BNSN* | Cessna 152 | The Pilot Centre | |
| G-BOCN* | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-BOJS* | Cessna 172P Skyhawk | Paul's Planes Ltd | |
| G-BROX* | Robinson R22 Beta | Phoenix Helicopter Academy | Boom only |
| G-BSDP | Cessna 152 | Paul's Planes Ltd | |
| G-BSFP | Cessna 152 | The Pilot Centre | |
| G-BTBA* | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-BVHD* | Grob G115D2 | Private | |
| G-BXXN | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-BYEM | Cessna R182 Skylane RG | Bickertons Aerodromes Ltd | |
| G-CBTT | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Cedar Aviation Ltd | |
| G-CBVZ | Pegasus Flight Design CT2K | Private | |
| G-CHJK* | Cessna T206H Turbo Stationair | Private | |
| G-CIWO* | Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 Squirrel | Airbus Helicopters | |
| G-CUBA | Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga | Private | |
| G-CXSM | Cessna 172R Skyhawk | Phocean Shipping Agency | |
| G-DGFD | Robinson R44 Clipper II | MacRae Aviation Ltd | |
| G-DIGA* | Robinson R66 Turbine | Helicopter Services | |
| G-DKNY* | Robinson R44 Raven II | Williamair Ltd | |
| G-DZZY | American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon | Paul's Planes Ltd | |
| G-EMLS | Cessna T210L Turbo Centurion | Private | |
| G-ETIN/10 | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-FLYX* | Robinson R44 Raven II | Private | |
| G-GDSG | Agusta A109E Power | Pendley Farm | |
| G-HAGL* | Robinson R44 Raven II | HQ Aviation | |
| G-HUNI | Bellanca 7GCBC Citabria | Private | |
| G-HVER | Robinson R44 Raven II | Equation Associates Ltd | |
| G-IIXI | Extra EA 300/L | Private | |
| G-JAMP | Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior | Lapwing Flying Group Ltd | |
| G-JAYK* | Robinson R44 Raven II | HQ Aviation | |
| G-JESS | Piper PA-28R-201T Turbo Cherokee Arrow III | Private | |
| G-KLAW* | Christen Eagle II | Private | |
| G-LENI | Aérospatiale AS355F1 Twin Squirrel | Grid Defence Systems Ltd | |
| G-LLIZ | Robinson R44 Raven II | HQ Aviation | |
| G-LREE | Grob G109B | G-LREE Group | |
| G-MCAZ* | Robinson R44 Raven II | Private | |
| G-MELS | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer III | Private | |
| G-MICI* | Cessna 182S Skylane | Magic Carpet Flying Company | |
| G-NIOG* | Robinson R44 Clipper II | Helicopter Sharing Ltd | |
| G-NIPL* | Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel | Pacific Helicopters Ltd | |
| G-NJSH* | Robinson R22 Beta | Hawesbates LLP | |
| G-ODAZ* | Robinson R44 Raven II | Private | |
| G-OJWS | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II | Private | |
| G-OOIO | Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrel | Hovering Ltd | |
| G-OONE | Mooney M20J 201 | Go One Aviation Ltd | |
| G-OVNR* | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-OWAR | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II | Bickertons Aerodromes Ltd | |
| G-PALI | CZAW PiperSport | Private | |
| G-PIFZ* | Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW109SP Grand New | Alba Aviation Ltd | |
| G-RALA* | Robinson R44 Clipper II | HQ Aviation | |
| G-ROYM* | Robinson R44 Raven II | HQ Aviation | |
| G-SASY* | Eurocopter EC130B4 | Private | |
| G-SERL* | Socata TB10 Tobago | Just Plane Trading Ltd | |
| G-STRL* | Eurocopter AS355N Twin Squirrel | Harrier Enterprises Ltd | |
| G-TAAB | Cirrus SR22 GTS | Alpha Bravo Aviation Ltd | |
| G-TBLY | Eurocopter EC120B Colibri | AD BLY Aircraft Leasing Ltd | |
| G-TGGR* | Eurocopter EC120B Colibri | Messiah Corporation Ltd | |
| G-TILE* | Robinson R22 Beta | Heli Air | |
| G-TIPR* | Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel | Thames Materials Holdings Ltd | |
| G-TOTN | Cessna 210M Centurion | Quay Financial Strategies Ltd | |
| G-TOTO* | Reims Cessna F177RG Cardinal RG | TOTO Flying Group | |
| G-WARV | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III | Bickertons Aerodromes Ltd | |
| G-WIGS# | Yeoman WT9 Dynamic | Private | |
| G-WIZY* | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-XINE | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II | Private | |
| G-ZAPY* | Robinson R22 Beta | HQ Aviation | |
| G-ZITZ* | Aérospatiale AS355F2 Twin Squirrel | Heliaviation Ltd | |
| LX-JFR* | Pilatus PC12/47E | JetFly Aviation | |
| M-HELI* | Eurocopter EC155 B1 | Flambards Ltd | |
| M-JJTL* | Pilatus PC12/47E | JJTL Partners LLP | |
| N13243* | Cessna 172M Skyhawk | Private | |
| N141KJ* | Cirrus SR22T Turbo | KJW Aircraft Inc | |
| N166MG* | Robinson R66 Turbine | Private | |
| N29566 | Piper PA-28RT-201 Cherokee Arrow IV | Private | |
| N397CM* | Cessna 510 Citation Mustang | Aviation Services Inc | |
| N44829* | Robinson R66 Turbine | Private | |
| N7021Z* | Robinson R66 Turbine | Private | |
| N715BC | Beech A36 Bonanza | N715BC Inc | |
| N747MM | Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II | N747MM Aviation Inc | |
| N808VT | Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee Arrow III | Private | |
| N8105Z | Piper PA-28RT-201T Turbo Cherokee Arrow IV | Private | |
| N936CT | Cirrus SR22T Turbo | Private | |
| OY-DFD* | Mooney M20F Executive 21 | Private | |
| YU-HWF* | Aérospatiale SA341G Gazelle I | Private | |
| OTT | |||
| G-CEDK* | Cessna 750 Citation X | The Duke of Westminster | RAF Northolt - Chester Hawarden |
| LN-RRN | Boeing 737-783 | SAS Scandinavian Airlines | SAS806 London Heathrow - Oslo |
Click here for Denham photos.
Next was back to Elstree area, and having been here a couple of months prior, I found very little had changed, Elstree seems to be the Aerodrome of choice for anyone wanting to base an aircraft, with visitors favouring Denham? I didn't get here until 5.30pm so all of the hangars were closed up, so I just popped into the tower and asked the controller if I could wander around, which he was fine with on the condition I report back when I was finished, so I just had a quick half-hour blast around before picking my mate up and heading for the Holiday Inn Express at Luton.
London Elstree Aerodrome
ETR / EGTR
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| C-FQIP | Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer | Unknown | Stored PWFU |
| D-ENTO | American General AG-5B Tiger | Private | |
| G-ASFA | Cessna 172D Skyhawk | Private | |
| G-ATPT | Cessna 182J Skylane | Papa Tango Group | |
| G-AWTJ | Reims Cessna F150J | Private | Stored PWFU |
| G-AXIE | Beagle B121 Pup II | Private | |
| G-AXTJ | Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee | Private | |
| G-BCIJ | Grumman AA-5 Traveller | Private | |
| G-BCUH | Reims Cessna F150M | G-BCUH Group | |
| G-BDLO | Grumman AA-5A Cheetah | Private | |
| G-BDNU | Reims Cessna F172M Skyhawk | Private | |
| G-BFBB | Piper PA-23-250 Aztec | Private | Stored PWFU |
| G-BFDK | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II | Private | |
| G-BFLU | Reims Cessna F152 | Swiftair Maintenance Ltd | |
| G-BHVR | Cessna 172N Skyhawk | Victor Romeo Group | |
| G-BHZK* | Gulfstream American AA-5B Tiger | ZK Group | |
| G-BJUS | Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk II | Private | |
| G-BJWH | Reims Cessna F152 | Private | |
| G-BLFI | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Fly Elstree Ltd | |
| G-BLPH | Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat | Private | |
| G-BOFW | Cessna A150M Aerobat | Golf Fox Whisky Group | |
| G-BORH | Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II | The Construction Workers Guild Ltd | Stored PWFU |
| G-BOXR | Grumman American GA-7 Cougar | London School of Flying | |
| G-BPME | Cessna 152 | London School of Flying | |
| G-BRHR | Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk | London School of Flying | |
| G-BRRK | Cessna 182Q Skylane | Werewolf Aviation Ltd | |
| G-BSZW | Cessna 152 | Private | |
| G-BWJG | Mooney M20J 201 | Private | |
| G-BXOZ | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Oz Air Ltd | |
| G-BXYM | Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder | Private | |
| G-BYBD | Reims Cessna F172H Skyhawk | Private | |
| G-BZEC | Cessna 152 | Redhill Air Services Ltd | |
| G-CCZV | Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior | London School of Flying | |
| G-CDMY | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II | Redhill Air Services Ltd | |
| G-CEZL | Piper PA-28-161 Cadet | Chalrey Ltd | |
| G-CHTA | Grumman AA-5A Cheetah | Private | |
| G-CILG | Vans RV-7A | Private | |
| G-CIPY | Reims Cessna F152 | Swiftair Maintenance Ltd | |
| G-CIRB | LSA EV-97 Eurostar SL | Private | |
| G-CIXY | Red-Air Ikarus C42 FB80 Bravo | SGHM Services Ltd | |
| G-CJFO* | Diamond DA42 Twin Star | Kerrington (Grove Lodge) Ltd | |
| G-DCKK | Reims Cessna F172N Skyhawk | KK Group | |
| G-DJJA | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Interactive Aviation Ltd | |
| G-EDEN | Socata TB10 Tobago | Group Eden | |
| G-EGEG | Cessna 172R Skyhawk | Private | |
| G-ENTW | Reims Cessna F152 | Aldenham Aviation LLP | |
| G-FLBY | Red-Air Ikarus C42 FB100 Bravo | 42 Fly | |
| G-FLOW | Cessna 172S Skyhawk | Private | |
| G-GCDA | Cirrus SR20 G3 GTS | Private | |
| G-GLSA* | LSA EV-97 Eurostar SL | LSA1 Group | |
| G-IOOI | Robin DR400/160 Chevalier | Nick Mason Music Ltd | |
| G-IRKB | Piper PA-28R-201 Cherokee Arrow III | Private | |
| G-IWFC* | AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New | GB Helicopters | |
| G-JANA | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Private | |
| G-JOHA | Cirrus SR20 G3 GTS | Private | |
| G-KEVB | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer III | Victor Bravo Flying Ltd | |
| G-LEAM | Piper PA-28-236 Dakota | G-LEAM Group | |
| G-LFSR | Piper PA-28RT-201 Cherokee Arrow IV | Private | |
| G-LVRS* | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Private | |
| G-MAXA | Piper PA-32-301FT 6X | L Bennett and Son Ltd | Seen earlier at East Midlands |
| G-MELL | CZAW SportCruiser | Private | |
| G-MIRN | Remos GX | Private | |
| G-OBAL | Mooney M20J 201 | G-OBAL Group | |
| G-OFDR | Piper PA-28-161 Cadet | Electric Scribe 2000 Ltd | |
| G-OMCH | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III | Chalrey Ltd | |
| G-PIKK | Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee | Coventry Aviators Flying Group | |
| G-PING | Gulfstream American AA-5A Cheetah | Private | |
| G-PURR | Grumman AA-5A Cheetah | Private | |
| G-REAF | Jabiru J400 | Private | |
| G-ROWS | Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior | Air Academy | |
| G-SUEB | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer III | AJW Construction Ltd | |
| G-WARS | Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III | London School of Flying | |
| G-WOLF* | Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee | G-WOLF Group | |
| N66MS | Piper PA-28RT-201T Turbo Cherokee Arrow IV | Atlantic Air Inc | |
| N216GC | Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II | Private | |
| N31008 | Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga II HP | Private | |
| N411BC | Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II | Private | |
| N449TA | Piper PA-31-310 Navajo | Private | |
| N7219L | Beech 95-B55 Baron | Private | Stored PWFU |
| N8284X* | Piper PA-28-236 Dakota | Private | |
| N907MM* | Cirrus SR20 | Private | |
| N937BP | Mooney M20J 205 | Virginia Aircraft Trust Corp | |
| N999MH* | Cessna 195B Businessliner | Private |
Click here for Elstree photos.
Once checked in at Luton, not a great deal of spotting was done, just the few bits visible from the window, then we went for some grub at a world buffet in Luton itself.
I haven't listed the aircraft in order of where they're parked, with various construction and takeovers and mergers going on the layout of the biz ramps seems to have changed every time I visit!
London Luton Airport
LTN / EGGW
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| B-8293* | Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) | Beijing Capital Aviation / DeerJet Co Ltd | |
| D-AEAO | Airbus A300F4-622R | EAT Leipzig | |
| EI-ENM* | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| G-BYAW | Boeing 757-204 | Thomson Airways | |
| G-EZAJ | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZAU | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZBU | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZEW | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZIL | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZWA | Airbus A320-214 | easyJet | |
| G-GLEG* | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 650 | London Executive Aviation | |
| G-LEAA | Cessna 510 Citation Mustang | London Executive Aviation | |
| G-LEAZ | Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300 | London Executive Aviation | |
| G-RADY* | Bombardier CL-600-2B19 Challenger 850 (CRJ-200) | TAG Aviation | |
| G-SYNA | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 650 | Etlagh Aviation Ltd c/o London Executive Aviation | |
| G-WIRG | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 650 | Air Charter Scotland | |
| HA-LPT | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LPY | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LWC | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LWP | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LWQ* | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LYA* | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LYG* | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LYL | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| LY-VEV* | Airbus A320-211 | Avion Express | Op for Vueling Airlines |
| M-URAL* | Bombardier Learjet 60 | Uralkali Trading (Gibraltar) | |
| N73RP* | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Warner Communications LLC | |
| N524EA* | Gulfstream G-VI (G650) | Corporate | |
| N767FL* | Gulfstream G-V | Canal Air LLC | |
| N900KS* | Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) | Gulf Group Enterprises LLC |
Day Two ~ Thursday 7th July
Got up and had breakfast, logging departures from the dining area which at that time of morning are mainly Wizz Air, then continued to log a bit more from the room before checking out and having a walk over to the far Harrods apron and back again.
Day two could have gone very differently, with arrivals for both RIAT and the Farnborough Air Show already well underway, I considered going to Farnborough then onto Fairford before night-stopping at East Midlands for the cargo traffic, however with Northolt, Heathrow, Fairoaks, Blackbushe, Odiham, Brize Norton, Oxford, Wellesbourne Mountford, Coventry and Birmingham all along this route, with Lasham and Kemble also possibilities, I just couldn't decide which ones to include, which to drop, how many were practical etc, so I just opted to keep it simple and head for home via East Midlands (or so we thought).
London Luton Airport
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| 9H-DDJ | Bombardier Learjet 75 | Global Flight Solutions Ltd | |
| 9H-VCA* | Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 350 | VistaJet Malta | |
| 9H-VJQ* | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 | VistaJet Malta | |
| C-GLFV* | Gulfstream G-V | Skyservice Business Aviation | |
| C-GMBY* | Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 | GBM Aviation | |
| CS-DKE | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | NetJets Europe | |
| CS-DRH* | Raytheon Hawker 800XPi | NetJets Europe | |
| CS-DSD* | Dassault Falcon 7X | NetJets Europe | |
| D-AEAE | Airbus A300F4-622R | EAT Leipzig | |
| D-AJOY* | Bombardier CL-600-2B19 Challenger 850 | AirX Charter | |
| D-CAHO* | Cessna 560XL Citation XLS+ | Air Hamburg | |
| EI-DPB | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-EMM | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| F-HCIE | Boeing 757-204 | La Compagnie | |
| G-CHUI | Cessna 560XL Citation XLS+ | Air Charter Scotland | |
| G-EZBF | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZBV | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZDT* | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZEV | Airbus A319-111 | easyJet | |
| G-EZWC | Airbus A320-214 | easyJet | |
| G-EZWD | Airbus A320-214 | easyJet | |
| G-ZZOO | IAI Gulfstream G200 Galaxy | Pendley Aviation LLP | |
| G-KLNE | Hawker Beechcraft 900XP | Saxonair Charter | |
| G-LALE | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 | London Executive Aviation | |
| G-LATE | Dassault Falcon 2000EX | Executive Jet Charter | |
| G-LEAX | Cessna 560XL Citation XLS | London Executive Aviation | |
| G-LFBD* | Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 | Centreline Air Charter | |
| G-MEGN | Raytheon B200 Super King Air | Dragonfly Aviation Services | |
| G-RNFR* | Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 | TAG Aviation | |
| G-SUGR* | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 650 | Air Charter Scotland | |
| G-THFC | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 | Raz Air Ltd c/o London Executive Aviation | |
| G-TRMP* | Sikorsky S-76B | DT Connect Europe Ltd | |
| G-TUIH* | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | Thomson Airways | |
| G-ZNSF* | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Execujet UK | |
| HA-LPK | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LPO | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LPS* | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LWE* | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LWP | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LWS | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LXC | Airbus A321-231 | Wizz Air | |
| HA-LYD | Airbus A320-232 | Wizz Air | |
| HS-KPI | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Corporate | |
| LZ-BVD* | Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 605 | Air VB | |
| M-CLAB | Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300 | Shamrock Trading Ltd | |
| M-COOL* | Cessna 510 Citation Mustang | Executive Aviation Ltd | |
| M-OZZA* | Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300 | Casam International | |
| M-UGIC* | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Cityville Capital | |
| M-YGLK | Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) | Overseas Operations Ltd | |
| M-YULI | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 | Primavalue Trading | |
| M-YUMN* | Dassault Falcon 2000 | Springside Ltd | |
| N84AW* | Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600 | Corporate | |
| N107VS* | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Corporate | |
| N236FS | Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) | Air 95 Holdings LLC | |
| N278NA* | Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) | Corporate | |
| N286RW* | IAI Gulfstream G280 | Coca-Cola Co | |
| N300FS* | Dassault Falcon 2000EX | Corporate | |
| N412TF# | Hawker Beechcraft 4000 | Corporate | |
| N519CP* | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express | Corporate | |
| N650PA* | Gulfstream G-VI (G650ER) | Corporate | |
| N700KG* | Bombardier Learjet 40 | Florida Express Corp | |
| N726AF | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express XRS | Vulcan Aircraft Inc | |
| N818TH | Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 | Arrow Aircraft Inc | |
| N926SS* | Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 | JCPE LLC / Bain Capital | |
| N945AC* | Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 300 | Auden Acquisitions LLC | |
| N980GG* | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 | Lucky Fives LLC | |
| OE-FFB* | Cessna 510 Citation Mustang | GlobeAir AG | |
| OE-XQK* | Eurocopter EC135 T2 | Wucher Helicopter GmbH | |
| OY-TSS | Dassault Falcon 7X | Air Alsie | |
| TC-TSY* | Cessna 560XL Citation XLS | Gozen Air Services | |
| UR-AJB* | Airbus A320-233 | AtlasGlobal Airlines Ukraine | |
| VP-BOK* | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 | Rembrandt Tobacco Group | |
| VP-CMJ* | Airbus A319-111 | Aviation Link Company | |
| VP-CUA | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Cuango Ltd / Jet Aviation Business Jets AG | |
| VQ-BZM# | Gulfstream G-IV-X (G450) | Corporate | |
| YR-TIK* | Bombardier BD-700-1A11 Global 5000 | Ion Tiriac Air | |
| OTT | |||
| G-BWTH* | Robinson R22 Beta | Helicopter Services | |
| G-CELO | Boeing 737-33A/QC | Jet2.com | LS642/42GE Alicante - East Midlands |
Click here for Luton photos.
I have a habit of getting tired at the wheel at the best of times, but today I found it was so much more accute - in fact looking back I think it was illness of some kind rather than a lack of sleep, it took two service station stops to reach East Midlands from Luton!! The Travelodge at East Midlands was still advertising the very reasonable base rate so the journey was abandoned and after an afternoon nap I was nicely recovered, seems I was going to be doing a "night shift" hunting the cargoliners at the UK's main air freight hub after all!!
Whilst cargo movements are steady away throughout the night, the peak is between 9.30pm - 2.30am, though it has to be said the range of airlines is not what I remember, it's mostly all of the usual suspects, the Aerologic 777 being the highlight. The East Midlands Airport Spotters group on Facebook had recently posted a cargo timetable, something which is not usually readily available at any airport, but one user had created it based on average arrival and departure times over the previous few weeks, and it was dead on - what a hero! So using this and FlightRadar24, I just picked off departures from the hotel room window.
East Midlands Airport
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| CS-GLE* | Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 | NetJets Europe | |
| CS-TLZ* | Boeing 767-375ER(BDSF) | euroAtlantic Cargo | |
| D-AEAK* | Airbus A300F4-622R | EAT Leipzig | |
| D-AEAP | Airbus A300F4-622R | EAT Leipzig | |
| EI-EFK | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-FRI* | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-FRN | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| EI-ENN | Boeing 737-8AS | Ryanair | |
| G-BHIB | Reims Cessna F182Q Skylane | Private | |
| G-BMRB | Boeing 757-236SF | DHL Air | |
| G-DHLE | Boeing 767-3JH/ERF | DHL Air | |
| G-DHLF* | Boeing 767-3JH/ERF | DHL Air | |
| G-TOTN | Cessna 210M Centurion | Quay Financial Strategies Ltd | |
| G-ZVIP | Beech B200 Super King Air | Capital Air Charter | |
| HA-FAX* | Boeing 737-476SF | ASL Airlines Hungary | |
| N79EL* | Raytheon 400A Beechjet | Edra Lauren Leasing Corp | |
| N497XP | Raytheon Hawker 400XP | Corporate | |
| N719EL | Raytheon Hawker 400XP | Edra Lauren Leasing Corp | |
| OE-IAG* | Boeing 737-4Q8SF | TNT Airways | |
| OE-IAR* | Boeing 737-4M0SF | TNT Airways | |
| OY-CKN* | Dassault Falcon 2000 | Air Alsie | |
| OY-SRG* | Boeing 767-219ER(BDSF) | Star Air | |
| OY-SRI | Boeing 767-25EER(BDSF) | Star Air | |
| TF-FIG | Boeing 757-23APF | Icelandair Cargo | |
| OTT | |||
| B-8157* | Gulfstream G-V-SP (G550) | Corporate | Nimes - Manchester |
Click here for the second set of East Midlands photos.
Day Three ~ Friday 8th July
A good lie-in got rid of any remaining tiredness, and after a quick drive around East Midlands it was off home again. The plan was to call into Leeming again to try and catch some more of the A10 deployment support traffic, but road traffic was quite bad and my mate had to get to work so we didn't bother, that being said, we were at a stand-still on the A1 right adjacent to Leeming when the C-32B came in, despite keeping a good watch we never saw it and I have no idea how! In a way I'm quite pleased to have missed it as I wouldn't have known what to log it as due to the mystery surrounding its true identity!
East Midlands Airport
| REG | A/C TYPE | OPERATOR | NOTES |
| 9H-VCJ* | Bombardier BD-100-1A10 Challenger 350 | VistaJet Malta | |
| CS-DRQ | Raytheon Hawker 800XPi | NetJets Europe | |
| D-AALD* | Boeing 777-FZN/LRF | AeroLogic | |
| EC-MFE* | Boeing 737-476SF | SwiftAir | |
| EC-MIE* | Boeing 737-4Y0SF | SwiftAir | |
| EI-EFL | Boeing 737-8AS | Ukraine International Airlines | |
| G-BIKX* | Boeing 757-236SF | DHL Air | |
| G-BMRF | Boeing 757-236SF | DHL Air | |
| G-CELW | Boeing 737-377SF | Jet2 Cargo | |
| G-CELX | Boeing 737-377QC | Jet2.com | |
| G-FFWD* | Cessna 310R | Private | |
| G-GNTF* | Saab 340AF | Loganair | |
| G-JMCO | Boeing 737-3T0SF | West Atlantic | |
| G-JMCP | Boeing 737-3T0SF | West Atlantic | |
| G-JMCZ* | Boeing 737-4K5SF | West Atlantic | |
| HA-FAY* | Boeing 737-429SF | ASL Airlines Hungary | |
| LX-ECV* | Boeing 747-4HQ/ERF | Cargolux Airlines International | |
| SE-LXH* | Saab 2000 | Golden Air Flyg AB |
Click here for the third set of East Midlands photos.
So, a London run that turned out to be a little bit different, if over expensive for what it was. Rule of the thumb for me is each individual sighting is worth 50p, the trip cost approximately £220 in hotels, fuel and food, divided by a total of 340 airframes works out at 65p per sighting - so made a loss!!
Thanks as always for reading!