Not too long ago, Edelweiss celebrated their inaugural flight from Zurich to Seattle utilizing an Airbus A340 (4 engines 4 lengthy haul). I used to be double excited not solely to see a brand new worldwide service begin service at my dwelling airport, however they’re additionally utilizing an AvGeek favourite: the A340. Francis Zera (our Editor-At-Giant and Director of Images) and I tag teamed the occasion and I might say we had a reasonably good time.
Overlaying an inaugural arrival has develop into fairly routine: Decorations on the gate (verify), you get to go on the tarmac and watch the airplane arrive (verify), you get to get pleasure from a water cannon salute (verify), there are VIPs who communicate on the gate (verify), there’s a ribbon slicing (verify), and there are some candy snacks to get pleasure from (verify). To not say inaugurals aren’t thrilling, however with this one, I received to expertise one thing new that I used to be not anticipating.
Not lengthy earlier than the Edelweiss inaugural to Seattle, I edited and printed Francis’ SAS inaugural story. In his piece he described how he received a bit moist from the water cannon salute because of the wind shifting. I used to be entertained and even laughed, however brushed it off. After we have been advised the place to face for the Edelweiss’ Airbus A340’s arrival, I went so far as I may in the direction of the runways… which was additionally very near one of many hearth vans. I had a fleeting thought of Francis’ water expertise, however I figured worst case it could be a bit of misty. Nope.
The Edelweiss red-and-white A340 was stunning as she landed at SEA and began her taxi to the gate. As she rounded the ultimate nook, I used to be so distracted by the plane that I didn’t discover that the wind was blowing fairly closely in my path from the hearth truck. I used to be taking some pictures with my telephone after which, BAM!
It was like I used to be being sprayed by a, … effectively, … large hearth hose of water and I used to be soaked immediately. By the point the water was turned off, it was like I had simply jumped right into a pool. I used to be drenched, however I cherished it. My internal little one was giddy, not solely from seeing an Airbus A340 from the tarmac, but in addition getting sprayed by a fireplace truck. To not point out that it additionally felt good because it was fairly sizzling out. Finest inaugural ever.
I used to be a bit of anxious about my telephone, because it received drenched too and I couldn’t take a selfie, however fortunately not solely was it okay, however Francis was there to seize my shock. We have been in a position to stroll across the airplane taking pictures of these stunning 4 engines. Then we headed again to the terminal for the speeches and ribbon slicing.
Flights between Zurich and Seattle can at the moment be booked for journey in September, 2025, and between Could and August 2026.
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