Video: pilot's view from Qantas Airbus A380 flying over Sydney Harbour
By David Flynn, January 28 2014
So you didn't catch the Qantas Airbus A380 making a stunning flyby of Sydney Harbour this weekend to celebrate Australia Day?
You missed a crowd-stopping sight as the superjumbo flew low and slow over the city, looping back and around as shown on this route map for the special QF6601 flight.
But here's a view none of the spectators caught: the scene from inside the A380's cockpit.
Sure, the day turned out to be a little more cloudy than we'd have liked for the national day of our sun-drenched country. But the brief journey of QF6601 still less provided a rare treat for the Qantas'' hand-picked flight team, as captured on this video shot by Qantas and shared with us.
PREVIOUS | Qantas will fly one of its flagship Airbus A380s over Sydney Harbour on Sunday January 26 as part of the city's Australia Day celebrations.
It won't be quite as spectacular as last year's March 31 twin superjumbo flyover of Qantas and Emirates A380s to mark the beginning of their alliance, but it'll still be a moment to watch.
A Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller that the A380 will buzz Sydney Harbour from 12.30pm, entering Sydney Harbour from North Head "and will descend to 1500 feet."
"The aircraft will then conduct a series of turns over the Harbour Bridge and then track out to the Heads."
The Flying Kangaroo will also by flying the Aussie flag in New York, Dubai and London.
In New York the Empire State Building will be lit in green and gold as part of the Spirit of Australia Party with Hugh Jackman.
London will see ex-pats descend on Australia House (home of the Australian High Commission) for the Qantas Presents Sunday in Australia House event featuring Human Nature, Barry Humphries and Dame Edna Everage.
In Dubai, Qantas and the Australian Business Council of Dubai will host a series of events across the coming weekend including a golf championship and a G’Day Big Day Out performance at Dubai Marina's new beach club with Guy Sebastian, Jon Stevens and DJ Danny Fai Fai, while Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook will give beach volleyball tips.
On 25 January, the G’Day Dubai Gala Evening at the Park Hyatt Dubai Creek will feature gourmet cooking stations, Aussie-themed bars and 'unplugged' acoustic sets from Guy Sebastian and Jon Stevens.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
And the charade for our hearts and minds continue...
Oh how very well they milk it. Bring out the choir why don't you!
26 Aug 2012
Total posts 44
Come on Babushka, how is this emotional exploitation? Qantas is an iconic Australian brand with a lot of history. They are making a contribution to Australia Day for the benefit of many people that will enjoy seeing an A380 fly over our beutiful city.
I reckon its time to stop beating QF with a stick and start to support a real Australian company that has given a lot to our nation over almost 100 years.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Don't get me wrong. Qantas has some fantastic product offerings. When you peel away at the PR BS that comes with some their marketing, you really do get a leading and innovative product.
I am happy to pay good money to fly Qantas but that in no way diminishes my cynicism of jingoistic organisations.
Don't get me started on how parochial the concept of 20th century nationalism is...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
Please, do bring out the choir. My heart lies waiting over the foam...
22 Jul 2011
Total posts 95
Actually their recent advertising has been quite specific in focusing on product/services advantages when flying Qantas (ie "It's About" campaign). Before that it was the "You're the reason we fly" - which was a mediocre campaign in my opinion - but also not nationalistic as you suggest. Other airlines push the patriotic angle far more than Qantas these days.
I actually think Qantas should be more bold in it's advertising as people seem to buy into the marketing spin of Middle Eastern airlines (in particular) when the experience is similar (in some cases inferior) to Qantas
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
How nice for Guy Sebastian.
26 Aug 2012
Total posts 44
But it is nice to love the heritage of your country!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Jan 2013
Total posts 65
Sick of this constant Qantas bashing from other posters here - kick 'em when they're down, cut 'em down when they're high - an appalling Australian trait.
Looking forward to seeing Qantas flying this magnificent aircraft around the harbour bringing joy, happiness and celebration to many.
Good on you Qantas.
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 117
Agreed Nixjet. The constant negative rants about Qantas is tiring and predictable. How about some originality by displaying some positive support for our national airline?
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
so true.....to some, whatever QF does, it wont be good enough....heaven fordid if i ever get to witness a Virgin Richard Branson British Sexist Aircraft doing an AUSTRALIA DAY FLYOVER...ARGHHHHHHHH
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Great pilot view YouTube video on the Qantas channel
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 211
Great video
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