747's The old and the new

[M.Empson]

Good Evening All,

Today was the day that VQ-BSK finally came out to play in some sunshine. Seen here leaving BOH on a training flight. Just for good measure VP-BAT also returned home making the short trip from LHR. Truly a "good day at the local". Always a pleasure to see a 747-SP still going strong!

VQ-BSK - Boeing 747-8ZV(BBJ) - Worldwide Aircraft Holding by Mark Empson - Bourneavia Photography, on Flickr

VP-BAT - Boeing 747SP-21 by Mark Empson - Bourneavia Photography, on Flickr

Comments Welcomed,

M. Empson

[DWilson212]

These are two very beautiful aircraft and also two very beautiful photographs. I had VQ-BSK OTT earlier today, a shame the weather had low cloud as it could have made for a decent photo opportunity.

All the best,

DWilson212

[andygolfer]

a very nice pair, well caught

[PorkScratching]

Excellent shots, and as you say, always nice to see an SP these days.

[DanBeeden]

These are super - the scheme on '400 is especially nice. Could you confirm the location - Bournemouth?

[M.Empson]

Thanks all for the comments chaps.

Dan, BOH is the three letter code for Bournemouth so yes these shots were indeed taken at Bournemouth which is the home base for both of these aircraft. Also the "400" is actually a 747-8. Hope that info helps.

Regards,

M. Empson

[DWilson212]

Mr Empson,

Do you have any information as to who owns these aircraft? I was told that they belong to Qatar Amiri Flight. However, a seach of the internet show it generally cannot agree as to who owns them.

All the best,

DWilson212

[M.Empson]

Good Evening,

It's believed that VP-BAT is owned by "Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Muhammed Al Thani" a previous Emir of Qatar. This is the same owner as VQ-BSK. However both seem to be registered under a holding company called World Wide Aviation. VP-BAT used to use the call sign "Whiskey, Whiskey 1" however as of late has been using its registration.

Hope that info helps however thats only what I am led to believe and cannot confirm 100%.

Regards,

M. Empson

[DWilson212]

Mr Empson,

Thank you for your reply. I imagine there is much more truth to that than not. I notice that the tail logo shares a lot in common with the coat of arms of Qatar.

I think it is very safe to say they are both heavily linked to the State of Qatar!

All the best,

DWilson212