The long-awaited and much anticipated arrival of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner could not have happened on a more beautiful day. The sun shone bright and the clouds in the sky were white and puffy ... and at 1421 hrs, the third prototype B787-8 (ZA003 / N787BX) landed on Singapore Changi Airport's runway 02R ... marking the start of its Singapore debut. Thanks to superb arrangements by the wonderful Boeing / ICON International teams and the military, a group of media photographers were ferried to the runway (which normally is out of bound) ahead of the Dreamliner's arrival.
It touched down near the southern end of the 9000 feet runway ... and rolled quietly and smoothly to the end.
For an airplane this size and whose two engines look so sturdy and impressive, the quietness of the landing is incredible. Even with thrust reversers deployed, no ear plugs were needed. She gently taxied to the left of runway 02L and there, ground crews were already on standby to tow it to the Changi Exihibition Centre. After a short while, towing commenced - with all the incoming VIPs and Boeing officials onboard ...
With great care, the Dreamliner - with its VIPs still onboard - was eased into position on the static display ramp.
Meanwhile, the flying display practice went on ... and the Royal Australian Air Force's Roulettes aerobatic team was there to bid the Dreamliner and key Boeing officials and staff a warm welcome. All these could not have happened on a more beautiful day. The sun was absolutely brilliant and puffy cumulus clouds floated lazily across the sky. Lots more are in store for the Dreamliner ... tomorrow, a media conference will be followed by a tour onboard for the media. Watch this space.
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