I was on hand yesterday for the arrival of Air China’s inaugural flight from Beijing into Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) invited some local people to participate in the gala welcoming ceremony as part of their “Discover Dulles” program.
The airport authority sure knows how to throw a party.
The 25 Discover Dulles participants, along with about 50 journalists, were transported to the airfield via IAD’s infamous mobile lounges for a close up view of landing.
It was an exciting moment when the plane touched down.
We were rushed back onto the mobile lounge and whisked closer to the terminal so we could view the aircraft run the gauntlet through the ceremonial water arch.
Air China Lands at IAD
Two fire trucks were dispatched to pump a stream of water over the airplane to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural flight. This is aviation’s equivalent of christening a new ship.
After the plane landed, the Ambassador of China and Virginia Governor McAuliffe were feted by Chinese lion dancers.
Several traditional Chinese musicians played at the reception.
Water Cannon Salute
The speeches heralded the 7,000 mile avionic bridge that had been established between Washington and Beijing, and the cultural, diplomatic, and economic exchanges that would ensue.
Oh, and the swag! Each participant received a goodie bag with a propellor paperweight, a model of the airplane, and other “stuff.”
Traditional Chinese Musicians
This was a fun event: I got to meet some Chinese journalists, airport personnel, and aviation geeks.
Inaugural Air China Flight to Dulles June 10, 2014
Dulles International Airport (IAD) in will welcome Air China’s inaugural arrival from Beijing to Washington, DC on Tuesday June 10, 2014 with a special ceremony.
Twenty-five lucky members of the public will be invited to view the aircraft landing and the ceremonial water arch of Air China’s first flight into IAD.
In addition to viewing the landing of Air China’s first flight, guests will attend a VIP Ceremony and ribbon cutting at the Main Terminal.
Would you like to be a part of this exciting event?
Click here to enter for a chance at an invitation.Entries must be received by 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2014.
Participants will be transported via mobile lounge to the airfield. Upon conclusion of the landing and aircraft parking, the mobile lounge will return to the Main Terminal where participants are invited to attend the Air China Inaugural Ceremony.
Air China will offer four nonstop flights per week to Beijing beginning June 10, 2014.
Washington DC’s airports are getting in the spirit of the National Cherry Blossom Festival with pink lighting to greet visitors flying in for the event. This year, peak bloom is forecast for April 8-12, 2014.
Check out some spectacular photographs of Dulles International Airport (IAD) decked out in pink by photographer J. David Buerk.
At both Reagan (DCA) and Dulles airports, food and retail concessioners will feature specials such as pink cocktails. donuts and apparel, through April 13, 2014.
The most interesting offering looks to be the Pink Hana Roll with salmon and avocado at Matsutake Sushi, at Gate A18. You can find a complete list of specials at IAD shops and restaurants here.
I live just six miles from Dulles International Airport (IAD) but often find myself flying out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).
Because BWI is a hub for Southwest Airlines, there is more competition and you can often find cheaper airfares.
The last time we flew out of BWI, we found cheaper long-term parking with a an “offsite” vendor. In reality though, the parking was no further away from the airport than the “onsite” parking.
The deal offers long-term parking for $4 a day, but there is a coupon today (3/19/2014) for 20 percent off, bringing the rate down to an amazing $3.20 a day. Use coupon code LOCAL20 at checkout.
The iconic Worldport Terminal at JFK International Airport has been named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s (NTHP) list of 11 Most Endangered Places.
Worldport Terminal Pictured in Chevy Ad Image courtesy of Paul Stipkovich
The terminal, once home to Pan Am, opened in 1960 and symbolizes America’s entry into the Jet Age. The first commercial flights of the Boeing 707, the first “modern” jetliner, departed from the Worldport Terminal. The terminal was designed to allow for aircraft to be parked under the partial overhang.
The flying saucer-shaped building has been featured in several Hollywood films, as well as the Mad Men inspired Pan Am TV series. A Pan Am Boeing 747 and the Worldport appear in the James Bond film Live and Let Die, and the terminal is featured in The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage, and That Touch of Mink with Doris Day.
