shell nyc
Aug 24, 05, 1:59 am
Like everyone else here, I was excited about the unveiling of the new livery. I'm in PHX this week for work, and so was a little disappointed to hear that the festivities here would take place at the HP hangar and not a gate or other accessible place. I did a little google research on planespotting at PHX, and thanks to this (http://www.cactuswings.com/spotting/ce-ariz.htm) website, I decided to head to a small, little used parking lot near the HP hangar (spot 8 (http://www.cactuswings.com/spotting/phxmap.gif) on the map, in case anyone is interested...) Let's just say that that was a good choice :D
There were security guards at the entrance to the parking lot. Crap! As I was turning around I decided to ask anyway...sure, no problem, park here. I asked another guard where I could safely stand to watch the new plane come in, he pointed towards the hangar. I explained that I wasn't an employee, that I was just there to take a few pictures, he again pointed towards the hangar and said "give it a shot." Sure enough, I was just waved on in to join the festivities. I couldn't believe I was in!
I joined an excited crowd of (I'm presuming mostly) HP employees and their families. There were balloons, hot dogs, ice cream...very fun and festive! N109UW taxied in a few minutes before 6:30pm and was welcomed by many cheers and a water cannon salute. As soon as it was parked, "I'm Too Sexy" started playing, followed by "We Are Family"...both very appropriate I thought ;) As the crew and passengers deplaned (still dancing and smiling and waving after a very long day!) they moved over to a stage that had been set up alongside the aircraft. Doug Parker, Bruce Lakefield, and a few prominent locals (a congressman, the mayor of Phoenix, some other who I don't remember...) spoke to the crowd. I again lucked out and snagged a second row seat! (just behind Doug's kids actually :D) Doug gave a short "RaRa!" chat and unveiled the 4 retro planes. The America West heritage livery received huge cheers...this PHX crowd is proud of their airline!
After the speeches there were more photo ops, and the crowd was allowed to see the plane up close and personal. We were even allowed inside! As expected, the interior looks like any other US A320. This was, however, a first glimpse for most of the people I met. It was great to talk to them about the US fleet and hear their comments and comparisons as well.
Once my walk-through was over, it was time for me to run home and check out the pictures. On my way out I saw Lakefield standing around not looking too busy. I introduced myself as a US CP and HP Plat...his first words were "Well, it seems like you've made some pretty good choices!" I bit my tongue and kept from commenting on HIS choices ;) Anyway, we had a quick chat about the livery, the great atmosphere at the party, and a promising future. As a good cockroach and FFOCUS member, I reminded him that he's got some of the best employee's in the business, and that's why we keep flying US.
**I've posted pictures (http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21299) on USAviation.com. PM me if you'd like full sized ones or other views (I've got 80 more!)
There were security guards at the entrance to the parking lot. Crap! As I was turning around I decided to ask anyway...sure, no problem, park here. I asked another guard where I could safely stand to watch the new plane come in, he pointed towards the hangar. I explained that I wasn't an employee, that I was just there to take a few pictures, he again pointed towards the hangar and said "give it a shot." Sure enough, I was just waved on in to join the festivities. I couldn't believe I was in!
I joined an excited crowd of (I'm presuming mostly) HP employees and their families. There were balloons, hot dogs, ice cream...very fun and festive! N109UW taxied in a few minutes before 6:30pm and was welcomed by many cheers and a water cannon salute. As soon as it was parked, "I'm Too Sexy" started playing, followed by "We Are Family"...both very appropriate I thought ;) As the crew and passengers deplaned (still dancing and smiling and waving after a very long day!) they moved over to a stage that had been set up alongside the aircraft. Doug Parker, Bruce Lakefield, and a few prominent locals (a congressman, the mayor of Phoenix, some other who I don't remember...) spoke to the crowd. I again lucked out and snagged a second row seat! (just behind Doug's kids actually :D) Doug gave a short "RaRa!" chat and unveiled the 4 retro planes. The America West heritage livery received huge cheers...this PHX crowd is proud of their airline!
After the speeches there were more photo ops, and the crowd was allowed to see the plane up close and personal. We were even allowed inside! As expected, the interior looks like any other US A320. This was, however, a first glimpse for most of the people I met. It was great to talk to them about the US fleet and hear their comments and comparisons as well.
Once my walk-through was over, it was time for me to run home and check out the pictures. On my way out I saw Lakefield standing around not looking too busy. I introduced myself as a US CP and HP Plat...his first words were "Well, it seems like you've made some pretty good choices!" I bit my tongue and kept from commenting on HIS choices ;) Anyway, we had a quick chat about the livery, the great atmosphere at the party, and a promising future. As a good cockroach and FFOCUS member, I reminded him that he's got some of the best employee's in the business, and that's why we keep flying US.
**I've posted pictures (http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21299) on USAviation.com. PM me if you'd like full sized ones or other views (I've got 80 more!)