What better way to start a new flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) than with a video from SpeedbirdHD?
On March 31st, Saudi Arabian Airlines (aka Saudia) started service between Riyadh and LAX using a Boeing 777-300ER. The aircraft, which was only five months old, is configured with 24 seats in First Class, 36 in Business, and 245 in Guest Class (aka economy).
The flight will operate three times per week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flight will originate in Riyadh (RUH) with a stop over in Jeddah (JED) before continuing to LAX.
’œSaudia’s inaugural flight to Los Angeles is a manifestation of our continued efforts to expand our global reach to better service our valued customers,’ according to Chief Executive Officer and Director General Designate, Mr. Abdulaziz Alhazmi. ’œThe services to LAX, following our launch to Toronto, Canada in October last year and the resumption of our flights to Manchester, UK, are just some of the components of this initiative to claim our rightful place among the world`s leading carriers.’
LAX is already a melting pot of different airline liveries, but it is always great to add another.
I think this might be the largest airline I have done a livery of the week on. Normally I try to find smaller or unknown liveries (with special legacy liveries here and there). But seeing (online) a photo of a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 just motivated me to share, I love it!
The simple tan up top and blue and gold tail. I don’t know why but I just really enjoy the over all look.
The airline was founded in 1945 with one DC-3 and now currently has a fleet of 114 aircraft. The original DC-3 was a gift from American President Franklin D Roosevelt to King Abdul Aziz. The airline flies to over 75 destinations around the world and is based in Saudi Arabia.
Some other aircraft types with the livery:
* Boeing 747SP
* Boeing 747-400 * MD-11
* Don’t think it looks as good on a smaller MD-90
* Check out this amazing E-170 at night with the tail lit
Big photo shows a photo taken by Mark Hsiung showing the fuel dump of the Boeing 777 and the inset shows a passenger photo of the dump.
NYCAviation wrote up a blog talking about a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 777-200ER having to make an emergency landing at JFK, after having gear issues after landing. In their comments, a passenger posted pictures of the fuel dump from the inside, giving a unique perspective.
After take off, the left rear landing gear door was still open (as seen in the photo). The pilot declared an emergency and for safety and weight issues, the aircraft dumped its fuel, reportedly circling twice, before landing.
The aircraft landed safely and no one on board was injured.
