AndyHunt From Singapore, joined Jan 2001, 1280 posts, RR: 56 Posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 24467 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD SCREENER
Hi All,
Whilst photographing around Changi the other day, a very interesting specimen was seen poking out of the SIA hangars.....a A340 adorned with the Oakland Raiders logo. Wonder who is going to get this one.
Keep a lookout at your local airport.....it should be on its way soon.
BMI727 From United States of America, joined Feb 2009, 10894 posts, RR: 27 Reply 2, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 24441 times:
Quoting FX1816 (Reply 1): I wonder what airline would get one and paint a Raiders logo on it.
Well, HA had a DC-10 with a Raiders sticker on it. But I don't think that a) there is any way that this is theirs and we don't know it and b) they would paint it in a full Raiders scheme.
I have no idea what it really is, but nothing Al Davis does shocks me anymore.
Why do Aerospace Engineering students have to turn things in on time?
FuturePilot16 From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 1977 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 24240 times:
Quoting BMI727 (Reply 2): I have no idea what it really is, but nothing Al Davis does shocks me anymore.
Probably a publicity stunt where he pretends to go crazy and try to crash the plane into their stadium, god knows they don't really use it.
"The brave don't live forever, but the cautious don't live at all."
HAL From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 2301 posts, RR: 53 Reply 14, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 24171 times:
It's definitely not for us (HA). Unless, that is, someone mis-identified the aircraft and it's actually an A330, which we'll be getting in the next year. But a team plane? Doubtful. Including pre-season, regular season, and possible post-season games (Raiders? Don't make me laugh) it's only about a dozen away games at most. And several of those are short jaunts up or down the west coast. That doesn't make for very good financial sense for a big, expensive 4-engined beast like an A340 when they have been very happy chartering our DC-10's and 767's for the past decade or so.
My guess is that it's an advertising ploy, along the lines of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model on the side of the Southwest 737 earlier this year.
HAL
One smooth landing is skill. Two in a row is luck. Three in a row and someone is lying.
BMI727 From United States of America, joined Feb 2009, 10894 posts, RR: 27 Reply 15, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 24150 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 14): My guess is that it's an advertising ploy, along the lines of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model on the side of the Southwest 737 earlier this year
What A340 operator would have a relationship with the Raiders?
Quoting HAL (Reply 14): That doesn't make for very good financial sense for a big, expensive 4-engined beast like an A340 when they have been very happy chartering our DC-10's and 767's for the past decade or so.
It doesn't make sense. Which leads me to believe that Al Davis had something to do with this.
Why do Aerospace Engineering students have to turn things in on time?
N14AZ From Germany, joined Feb 2007, 1963 posts, RR: 26 Reply 17, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 23832 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Thread starter): Whilst photographing around Changi the other day, a very interesting specimen was seen poking out of the SIA hangars
Thanks very much for sharing this picture with us. In these times, where almost all movements can be foreseen by internet, it's not so often to see an unexpected bird.
This would definitly put some pressure on Wayne Huizenga to look for a bigger jet.
Imagine if these two birds would sit next to each other on the apron. It could be an indication about the result of the game Dolphine vs. Raiders, or mabye not...
Eaa3 From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 830 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 23738 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 18): Uh...because I have been looking at planes for more than 30 years, and believe me, it's an A340. I'll bet my life on it.
Ok but I'm assuming you also saw the wings of the aircraft. If not then what are the differences between a A330 and a A340 from that angle i.e. not seeing the wings for example. The A330-300 and the A340-300 are the same length. Could it be a A340-500 or A340-600. Because you could tell the difference there, given the length.
N14AZ From Germany, joined Feb 2007, 1963 posts, RR: 26 Reply 20, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 23736 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 18): Quoting N14AZ (Reply 17):
Why did people draw the conclusion that this is an A340. You can't see it's engines.
Uh...because I have been looking at planes for more than 30 years, and believe me, it's an A340. I'll bet my life on it.
Hey! I didn't say that. Something went wrong with your quote. You are destroying my reputation beacuse people will think that guy is not able to see the difference between an A330 and an A340
And I agree with you, it looks like an A340 because the fuselage is even (A340) and not slantwise (A330).
Avalon2862 From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 121 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 23618 times:
Just my casual guess...
A new US Airways theme plane....
Regardless of my speculation, one thing is certain - It is defninitely NOT an A332 or A345. It's either an A343 or an A333.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2345 posts, RR: 10 Reply 22, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 23580 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 18): Now latest that I understand is that it is something to do with Air Asia......but that does not compute with me........at ALL!
Yeah Andrew, that makes no sense at all. I'm as stumped as you are???
Mir From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 17388 posts, RR: 59 Reply 23, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 23561 times:
Quoting Columba (Reply 12): Maybe US Airways ? They have many sport teams liveries and they were rumored to get A340s.
Yeah, but they normally stick to sports teams of their hub cities. Cardinals (PHX), Steelers (PIT), Eagles (PHL), etc. Oakland isn't one of their hub cities.
-Mir
7 billion, one nation, imagination...it's a beautiful day
Airbazar From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 5959 posts, RR: 9 Reply 25, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 23470 times:
I'm going to guess it's a charter deal/publicity stunt for some pre-season game. Are the Raiders supposed to play any exhibition games in Asia or Europe this year?
Eaa3 From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 830 posts, RR: 0 Reply 28, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 25234 times:
Quoting N14AZ (Reply 20):
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 18):
Quoting N14AZ (Reply 17):
Why did people draw the conclusion that this is an A340. You can't see it's engines.
Uh...because I have been looking at planes for more than 30 years, and believe me, it's an A340. I'll bet my life on it.
Hey! I didn't say that. Something went wrong with your quote. You are destroying my reputation beacuse people will think that guy is not able to see the difference between an A330 and an A340 Smile
And I agree with you, it looks like an A340 because the fuselage is even (A340) and not slantwise (A330).
AndyHunt originally quoted me. I don't know why it came out wrong.
Mirrodie From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 7306 posts, RR: 70 Reply 29, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 25029 times:
I love rumor threads like this.
Looks like its already a sought after plane that we spotters want to see.
We'll look forward to the new scheme, whoever it belongs to!
But does ayone out at SIA have a hint??!?
Forum moderator 2001-2010; He's a pedantic, pontificating, pretentious bastard, a belligerent old fart, a worthless st
Pohakuloa From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 344 posts, RR: 0 Reply 30, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 23918 times:
Quoting San747 (Reply 11): Quoting FX1816 (Reply 1):
I wonder what airline would get one and paint a Raiders logo on it.
Maybe US Airways ? They have many sport teams liveries and they were rumored to get A340s.
Quoting Columba (Reply 12): Quoting FX1816 (Reply 1):
I wonder what airline would get one and paint a Raiders logo on it.
Maybe US Airways ? They have many sport teams liveries and they were rumored to get A340s.
This would be a huge surprise. Usually the online community gets the scoop on things before they are discovered otherwise. For US to keep this kind of secret, would be amazing to say the least.
Quoting Airbazar (Reply 25): I'm going to guess it's a charter deal/publicity stunt for some pre-season game. Are the Raiders supposed to play any exhibition games in Asia or Europe this year?
If I had to guess, I'd guess this one was the likely explanation.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 31, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 23417 times:
Ok, I may sound stupid here but I'll take a stab at it.
Is it possibly an A310 or A300?
There would normally be a door under the vertical stabilizer just behind the row of windows. This aircraft doesn't appear to have it.
So, my best guess is a FedEx A300 or A310 (probably A300 as the 310's are being phased out)
FedEx has a hub in Oakland, they do heavy maintenance in Singapore, and are the Official Worldwide Service sponsor of the NFL.
Just a guess, I'm probably completely wrong on this one.
FX1816 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 1302 posts, RR: 5 Reply 32, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 23130 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 31): Ok, I may sound stupid here but I'll take a stab at it.
Is it possibly an A310 or A300?
There would normally be a door under the vertical stabilizer just behind the row of windows. This aircraft doesn't appear to have it.
So, my best guess is a FedEx A300 or A310 (probably A300 as the 310's are being phased out)
FedEx has a hub in Oakland, they do heavy maintenance in Singapore, and are the Official Worldwide Service sponsor of the NFL.
Just a guess, I'm probably completely wrong on this one.
FX1816 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 1302 posts, RR: 5 Reply 33, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 23092 times:
Quoting FX1816 (Reply 32): Quoting Max550 (Reply 31):
Ok, I may sound stupid here but I'll take a stab at it.
Is it possibly an A310 or A300?
There would normally be a door under the vertical stabilizer just behind the row of windows. This aircraft doesn't appear to have it.
So, my best guess is a FedEx A300 or A310 (probably A300 as the 310's are being phased out)
FedEx has a hub in Oakland, they do heavy maintenance in Singapore, and are the Official Worldwide Service sponsor of the NFL.
Just a guess, I'm probably completely wrong on this one.
Hmmm...that would be very interesting.
FX1816
Looking at the picture again though, the plane hangs out pretty far from the hangar to not see the wing at all and an A300 is not that long.
GARUDAROD From United States of America, joined Apr 2000, 1459 posts, RR: 1 Reply 34, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22986 times:
Well if it is Air Asia X, arent they rumored to start service to the U.S. and isnt OAK
their targeted first city? That would make sense to paint it in a special scheme
to promote the new route
MSPNWA From United States of America, joined Apr 2009, 1230 posts, RR: 2 Reply 35, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22968 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 31): Ok, I may sound stupid here but I'll take a stab at it.
Is it possibly an A310 or A300?
There would normally be a door under the vertical stabilizer just behind the row of windows. This aircraft doesn't appear to have it.
So, my best guess is a FedEx A300 or A310 (probably A300 as the 310's are being phased out)
FedEx has a hub in Oakland, they do heavy maintenance in Singapore, and are the Official Worldwide Service sponsor of the NFL.
Just a guess, I'm probably completely wrong on this one.
I think you might be on the right track here. For one I've been wondering where the windows are. They should be visible if it's passenger plane. I do see what looks to be an aft door in the picture though, but that can be seen on other A300 freighters. I don't get why a logo jet is important on a freighter, but again, this is Al Davis' team we're talking about here. I bet this is a FX A300. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. That's my guess.
Legoguy From Ireland, joined Jun 2006, 3283 posts, RR: 50 Reply 36, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22722 times:
I believe I see the under wing bluge (called the plastron, named after the undershell of a tortoise?) and it seems to be painted white. The A310/A300 series doesn't have a plastron underneath the wings so it must be either an A330 or an A340.
Can you say 'Beer Can' without sounding like a Jamaican saying 'Bacon'?
413x3 From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 1983 posts, RR: 0 Reply 37, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22693 times:
Quoting GARUDAROD (Reply 34): Well if it is Air Asia X, arent they rumored to start service to the U.S. and isnt OAK
their targeted first city? That would make sense to paint it in a special scheme
to promote the new route
this sounds like the biggest possibility here
a cargo airline in this economy going the extra mile to paint an a300 with the raiders logo? I don't think so.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 39, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22403 times:
Quoting FX1816 (Reply 33): Looking at the picture again though, the plane hangs out pretty far from the hangar to not see the wing at all and an A300 is not that long.
I was kind of thinking the same thing, I just have no idea who would paint a 330 or 340 like that.
This whole thing seems very odd though, no mention of the special scheme anywhere.
The Air Asia X thing makes the most sense (assuming it's an A340) but only because it's the only thing that would make any sense at all.
HAL From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 2301 posts, RR: 53 Reply 40, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22434 times:
OK, I'm no expert, but doesn't that Raiders logo look a little suspicious? On a deep zoom in, the logo looks exactly even and straight, whereas if it were on the plane turned somewhat away from us, wouldn't the right edge be slightly smaller than the left? Perhaps Andrew is having a little Photoshop fun with us? Or am I completely out of line?
HAL
One smooth landing is skill. Two in a row is luck. Three in a row and someone is lying.
Star_world From Ireland, joined Jun 2001, 1230 posts, RR: 0 Reply 41, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22289 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 40): OK, I'm no expert, but doesn't that Raiders logo look a little suspicious? On a deep zoom in, the logo looks exactly even and straight, whereas if it were on the plane turned somewhat away from us, wouldn't the right edge be slightly smaller than the left? Perhaps Andrew is having a little Photoshop fun with us? Or am I completely out of line?
That's exactly what I thought when I looked at this image.
NorthStarDC4M From Canada, joined Apr 2000, 2441 posts, RR: 48 Reply 42, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22168 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Quoting Legoguy (Reply 36): I believe I see the under wing bluge (called the plastron, named after the undershell of a tortoise?) and it seems to be painted white. The A310/A300 series doesn't have a plastron underneath the wings so it must be either an A330 or an A340.
I don't think thats the wing root bulge, i think its something in front of the plane on the ground, its almost exactly the same color as the hangar, so i think it's just ground equipment, its also not the right shape...
I think we just need to wait and see?
Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 43, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 22105 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 40): OK, I'm no expert, but doesn't that Raiders logo look a little suspicious? On a deep zoom in, the logo looks exactly even and straight, whereas if it were on the plane turned somewhat away from us, wouldn't the right edge be slightly smaller than the left? Perhaps Andrew is having a little Photoshop fun with us? Or am I completely out of line?
HAL
I've been leaning towards that too, I guess we'll find out eventually.
PlymSpotter From Spain, joined Jun 2004, 10138 posts, RR: 66 Reply 44, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 21933 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 31): Ok, I may sound stupid here but I'll take a stab at it.
Is it possibly an A310 or A300?
It's difficult to tell, but I'd say that the tail cone does look more like the 340, it doesn't have one or two curves which the A300's has.
Quoting MSPNWA (Reply 35): I think you might be on the right track here. For one I've been wondering where the windows are.
You'll need to change the contrast around in P.shop, but you can just make them out - this was my first thought as well, because I couldn't see the door window either, but they are there. I expect the blinds are down or it's still masked after painting.
Quoting HAL (Reply 40): OK, I'm no expert, but doesn't that Raiders logo look a little suspicious? On a deep zoom in, the logo looks exactly even and straight, whereas if it were on the plane turned somewhat away from us, wouldn't the right edge be slightly smaller than the left? Perhaps Andrew is having a little Photoshop fun with us? Or am I completely out of line?
It looks pretty much dead level with the top of the tail to me. If anything, I'd be more inclinded to point out what appears to be a 'kink' half way up in the white leading edge of the tail, but I'm sure it's just another white object behind which is distorting the appearance.
I'd be betting on Air Asia as well, they have a Manchester United logojet out there, and are the UK football team's 'official airline', despite having no service to MAN and AirAsia X only just having started to serve the UK. It gives both companies lots of PR, so I wouldn't be suprised to see the Raiders getting in on the act.
AndyHunt From Singapore, joined Jan 2001, 1280 posts, RR: 56 Reply 45, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 22003 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD SCREENER
Quoting HAL (Reply 40): OK, I'm no expert, but doesn't that Raiders logo look a little suspicious? On a deep zoom in, the logo looks exactly even and straight, whereas if it were on the plane turned somewhat away from us, wouldn't the right edge be slightly smaller than the left? Perhaps Andrew is having a little Photoshop fun with us? Or am I completely out of line?
You can think whatever you want but do not question my integrity.
Why does the discussion end up in what type of aircraft it might be. It's an A343.
Quoting GARUDAROD (Reply 34): Well if it is Air Asia X, arent they rumored to start service to the U.S. and isnt OAK
their targeted first city? That would make sense to paint it in a special scheme
to promote the new route
This is perhaps the closest to the mark that I have seen, yet nobody has picked it up
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 48, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 21419 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 47): And the option is that I faked the image........ mad
That was one of the things I thought could be possible since I couldn't find anything to confirm that the picture was real. It's easy enough to fake a photo like that so I had to consider it. Since you took the photo and are saying it's not faked there's no reason to think it is anymore.
Willd From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2008, 166 posts, RR: 0 Reply 50, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 21128 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 48): That was one of the things I thought could be possible since I couldn't find anything to confirm that the picture was real. It's easy enough to fake a photo like that so I had to consider it. Since you took the photo and are saying it's not faked there's no reason to think it is anymore.
Why would someone who clearly is held in high regard on a.net (he is part of the a.net crew scanning photographs) risk his integrity on this site by posting a picture of a fake! Come on get real. This is not a site known for the posting of fake pictures either. The man was giving us a heads up about a possible interesting livery. If I was Andy I would be very hurt by your remarks.
The Air Asia X comments make most sense to me. Especially when you bare in mind that Air Asia Group do like to paint aircraft in the liveries of sports teams that they sponsor (Man Utd 320 and the Williams f1 320 spring to mind). Either it is a link to do with the start of KUL-OAK or possibly Air Asia have signed or about to sign a sponsorship deal with the Raiders or perhaps both will happen.
MD80Nut From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 863 posts, RR: 12 Reply 51, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 20744 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 18): This would definitly put some pressure on Wayne Huizenga to look for a bigger jet.
Imagine if these two birds would sit next to each other on the apron. It could be an indication about the result of the game Dolphine vs. Raiders, or mabye not...
Huizenga no longer owns the Dolphins. The new owner is Stephen Ross.
I've seen that Dolphins themed BBJ at FLL. A really sweet looking jet.
MD80Nut From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 863 posts, RR: 12 Reply 52, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 20588 times:
Quoting FX1816 (Reply 32): So, my best guess is a FedEx A300 or A310 (probably A300 as the 310's are being phased out)
FedEx has a hub in Oakland, they do heavy maintenance in Singapore, and are the Official Worldwide Service sponsor of the NFL.
It certainly looks plausible. I don't see windows near the rear door. Or maybe they've been masked off for painting? I wouldn't discount your guess just yet, though.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 53, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 20414 times:
Quoting Willd (Reply 50): Why would someone who clearly is held in high regard on a.net (he is part of the a.net crew scanning photographs) risk his integrity on this site by posting a picture of a fake! Come on get real. This is not a site known for the posting of fake pictures either. The man was giving us a heads up about a possible interesting livery. If I was Andy I would be very hurt by your remarks.
I don't know why someone would do that, but people do strange things sometimes. If my best friend showed me that picture and I couldn't find any other info on it I would ask if it was real or not. I meant no disrespect, simply trying to find out whose plane that is.
Anyway, back to the topic. When does Air Asia plan to fly to the US? I found articles saying they want to but they were all a couple years old. Also no mention on their website.
Also, from everything I could find they only have 1 A340 right now, is that correct? If so have they been subbing a 330 on the London route while this one is in the shop or is this a newly acquired 340 that's not on any routes yet?
MillwallSean From Brunei, joined Apr 2008, 926 posts, RR: 6 Reply 55, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 19780 times:
If its Air Asia X they have to be planning a route to the states.
Gridiron has virtually zero following in Asia, Australia or Europe so there wouldnt be any point in painting the aircraft in a scheme like that otherwise. Its a very geographically limited sport.
I thought there has been speculation that Air Asia X planned to open two more Chinese cities rather than the US. Xian and another one if i remember correctly.
But a lowcost attempt to the US might make sense in this economy.
California would be the natural place to fly, however I would have thought they would use an airport close to the LA basin. Many Asians and Indians there...
Air Asia does sponsor a fair bit of sports so it wouldnt surprise me if they did some in the US as well to raise awareness of the brand in that market.
Williams in Formula one, the Refs in EPL and of course their extensive sponsorship with Manchester United. A williams and a Man utd jet.
I usually want to throw up when I see that they have put me on their Man Utd plane, but since its lowcost I cant refuse boarding and just have to get on with it hehe.
Malaysia is really a footballmad country, football everywhere.
AndyHunt From Singapore, joined Jan 2001, 1280 posts, RR: 56 Reply 56, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 19668 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW HEAD SCREENER
Somebody just sent me this over the email (Tobias Morick)
it's most likely an ex Air Canada A340-313X, probably cn 278 (formally C-GDVZ). Seen on delivery flight to Air Asia X in March and not seen in new colors since.
IADCA From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2007, 932 posts, RR: 7 Reply 57, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 19306 times:
Quoting Willd (Reply 50): Why would someone who clearly is held in high regard on a.net (he is part of the a.net crew scanning photographs) risk his integrity on this site by posting a picture of a fake! Come on get real. This is not a site known for the posting of fake pictures either. The man was giving us a heads up about a possible interesting livery. If I was Andy I would be very hurt by your remarks.
Then you both need some thicker skin. It's an interesting photo and difficult to explain. I don't see why you would post a photo about which you know more than anyone else, invite a guessing game, and then be offended at the guesses.
Yeah, the logo looks a tad off, but it could be designed to be seen at that angle, it could be just a little off in reality, or it could just be a quirk of photo editing, if the photo had to be leveled off. It's not a big deal, and it's a genuine question about editing the photo.
As for the plane, it seems it's likely one of three explanations: a US carrier trying to emphasize some connection to OAK, an Asian (or somewhere else) carrier drumming up publicity about a new route to OAK (although that might be strange, given the lack of worldwide recognition of NFL logos - what would people think when they saw this plane flying ICN-MNL or something, for example), or it could be something connected to the Raiders themselves. Davis is very wealthy, quite eccentric, and owns an entity that requires a decently large plane a few times a year. If it were an old frame with a lot of cycles and low acquisition costs, even a 343 could make sense for that role. The Asian airline explanation is plausible too, though, especially if they're about to open OAK.
Galapagapop From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 910 posts, RR: 4 Reply 58, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 19436 times:
Seems fairly obvious that it's AirAsiaX, just look at the similarity in the swoosh of color just forward of the tail
SANFan From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 3774 posts, RR: 15 Reply 59, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 19138 times:
I'm thinking if it was an Asian carrier about to start serving OAK, wouldn't the A's (baseball) logo be of more interest to people in that part of the world? And more appealing? (Without the "evil", black and white, pirate symbolism of the Raiders logo.) And, I almost fogot, a more successful franchise these days -- at least finishing higher in its respective standings.
So in this case, I would venture a guess that Davis (bless his little black and white heart) is probably somehow involved in this.
In any case, very interesting thread; thanks, Andrew Hunt, for starting it.
PHX Flyer From United States of America, joined Apr 2001, 399 posts, RR: 0 Reply 61, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 19040 times:
Quoting IADCA (Reply 57): As for the plane, it seems it's likely one of three explanations: a US carrier trying to emphasize some connection to OAK, an Asian (or somewhere else) carrier drumming up publicity about a new route to OAK (although that might be strange, given the lack of worldwide recognition of NFL logos - what would people think when they saw this plane flying ICN-MNL or something, for example), or it could be something connected to the Raiders themselves. Davis is very wealthy, quite eccentric, and owns an entity that requires a decently large plane a few times a year. If it were an old frame with a lot of cycles and low acquisition costs, even a 343 could make sense for that role. The Asian airline explanation is plausible too, though, especially if they're about to open OAK.
None of these explanations are 100% plausible without additional information.
A US carrier would have announced the new acquisition already.
Now, let's assume what was said earlier is true, namely that this frame is for Air Asia X. The questions that come to mid then are a) has the Raiders' contract with Hawaiian expired (HA is their "official" airline)? and b) if Air Asia X has plans to operate to the U.S., why haven't they bothered to apply for a U.S. foreign air carrier certificate or at least an exemption. That's a prerequisite for flying here, and the processing time takes significantly longer than an airframe paintjob ...
Silver1SWA From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3894 posts, RR: 31 Reply 62, posted (2 years 9 months 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 18852 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 40): OK, I'm no expert, but doesn't that Raiders logo look a little suspicious?
Quoting Max550 (Reply 43): I've been leaning towards that too, I guess we'll find out eventually.
I don't see anything weird or wrong with how the logo appears on the tail. Looks pretty straight with the tail to me.
Quoting Willd (Reply 50): Why would someone who clearly is held in high regard on a.net (he is part of the a.net crew scanning photographs) risk his integrity on this site by posting a picture of a fake! Come on get real. This is not a site known for the posting of fake pictures either. The man was giving us a heads up about a possible interesting livery. If I was Andy I would be very hurt by your remarks.
In this day and age no matter what is posted, who posted it, and how much evidence supports the validity of an image, there will always be folks suspecting them to be fake.
ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.
777DAD From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 176 posts, RR: 0 Reply 63, posted (2 years 9 months 23 hours ago) and read 16588 times:
If it is Air Asia X, according to there web sight they only have A330's for long routes,
Or did they get a A340 along the way? Don't flame me, I'm just asking.
HAL From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 2301 posts, RR: 53 Reply 65, posted (2 years 9 months 22 hours ago) and read 16368 times:
Quoting AndyHunt (Reply 45): You can think whatever you want but do not question my integrity.
Well, there goes any chance of my next photo getting accepted. (Just kidding Andrew! Again!)
Seriously though, I'm very sorry I offended you Andrew. I know you do a great job here, but there are many people in high position that like to play a prank now and then. After looking at the photo on high zoom, it just seemed a little 'off' to me and the possibility of it being doctored popped into my head. I would never try to intentionally disrespect you - I just though it might have been more like a late 'April-Fool's joke' than anything else.
Sorry this took so long to reply to - I had to fly right after I put up my original posts and just got back to a computer now.
HAL
One smooth landing is skill. Two in a row is luck. Three in a row and someone is lying.
Thorben From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 67, posted (2 years 9 months 22 hours ago) and read 16467 times:
Quoting N43W79 (Reply 49): It's an A343 formerly belonging to Air Canada, that will be flying for Air Asia X.
My opinion, too. But KUL-OAK at 13,600km is a bit too long for the A343, especially with the number of seats that D7 puts in their widebodies.
Quoting 777DAD (Reply 63): If it is Air Asia X, according to there web sight they only have A330's for long routes,
Or did they get a A340 along the way? Don't flame me, I'm just asking. Cool
Quoting Thorben (Reply 67): My opinion, too. But KUL-OAK at 13,600km is a bit too long for the A343
I agree. The A343 is notorious for using a lot of runway to get going. The lowest departure I've ever seen out of SEA was a China Air A343 going SEA-TPE. It used the long runway (11,900ft) and still barely made it off the ground by the end. SEA-TPE is 5278nm. OAK-KUL is 7371nm, almost 40% farther. The runway at OAK is only 10,000ft long, 19% shorter than SEA. I seriously doubt an A343 could fly OAK-KUL nonstop. With a fuel stop along the way, sure. But not nonstop.
HAL
One smooth landing is skill. Two in a row is luck. Three in a row and someone is lying.
MillwallSean From Brunei, joined Apr 2008, 926 posts, RR: 6 Reply 71, posted (2 years 9 months 17 hours ago) and read 15881 times:
Quoting SANFan (Reply 59): I'm thinking if it was an Asian carrier about to start serving OAK, wouldn't the A's (baseball) logo be of more interest to people in that part of the world?
Nah Baseball and gridiron are both non factors in SE Asia. Some parts of North Asia, Japan for instance watch Baseball, but the sport hasn't made it to SE Asia.
Basketball and the NBA is the North American sport that is watched in SE Asia. Not sure if Oakland has a NBA team though. The Chinese bloke in NBA is really popular.
In Malaysia football is the sport and the EPL is the league, football is everywhere, its bigger in most SE Asian countries than in Europe.
Other sports that receive plenty of attention is badminton and futsal.
Thats why I assume that if its Air Asia; Raiders sponsorship must be a way to raise brand awareness in the US.
The swoosh is the same so Air Asia makes sense but as plenty of people have pointed out does flying to the US make sense?
Do they plan to stop somewhere on the way?
Does Malaysia have a bilateral agreement that allows this?
Taiwan, China, Korea The Philippines or Japan seems to be the only geographical choices if they were to do a stop.
Regarding the windows, would be good if Andrew could zoom in on his picture and try to find out if the windows are covered for painting or if it is a freighter.
My guess would be that the windows are covered for painting but who knows...
Thorben From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 73, posted (2 years 9 months 12 hours ago) and read 15423 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 69): I agree. The A343 is notorious for using a lot of runway to get going. The lowest departure I've ever seen out of SEA was a China Air A343 going SEA-TPE. It used the long runway (11,900ft) and still barely made it off the ground by the end. SEA-TPE is 5278nm. OAK-KUL is 7371nm, almost 40% farther. The runway at OAK is only 10,000ft long, 19% shorter than SEA. I seriously doubt an A343 could fly OAK-KUL nonstop. With a fuel stop along the way, sure. But not nonstop.
Regardless of the runway length, the distance is simply 1,000 km more than the A343 can fly with a normal number with pax. Air Asia X would need A345s for that route. However, I doubt that low-cost ULH works.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 74, posted (2 years 9 months 11 hours ago) and read 15336 times:
Quoting Thorben (Reply 67): My opinion, too. But KUL-OAK at 13,600km is a bit too long for the A343, especially with the number of seats that D7 puts in their widebodies.
I think they would stop somewhere, probably STN, since they already fly the A340 there.
Still doesn't make any sense to me though.
HAL From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 2301 posts, RR: 53 Reply 76, posted (2 years 9 months 3 hours ago) and read 14901 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 74): I think they would stop somewhere, probably STN, since they already fly the A340 there.
Still doesn't make any sense to me though.
Going KUL-STN-OAK is 40% farther than direct. I don't think that's an option. The direct route is across the north Pacific, not across central Asia and Europe - that just seems like a really long way to get there.
HAL
One smooth landing is skill. Two in a row is luck. Three in a row and someone is lying.
777DAD From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 176 posts, RR: 0 Reply 77, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 14630 times:
Brons2 From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 2909 posts, RR: 5 Reply 78, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 14643 times:
Comments this topic from a sports web forum:
"Word has it, it was the fastest plane at the trials."
"But once it enters service, it will fail to perform as expected."
"Nicknamed the Titanic, iirc."
:D
Firings, if well done, are good for employee morale.
Thorben From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 79, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 14374 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 76): Going KUL-STN-OAK is 40% farther than direct. I don't think that's an option. The direct route is across the north Pacific, not across central Asia and Europe - that just seems like a really long way to get there.
But they could fly to the US east coast via STN, like SQ flies SIN-FRA-JFK
KUL-STN-JFK is only 6.3% farther than KUL-JFK
They wouldn't fly to JFK, I'd guess, it is just an example.
AirplaneFan From Netherlands Antilles, joined Nov 2006, 220 posts, RR: 0 Reply 80, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 14220 times:
According to Skyliner that is an ex-AC A340-313X-C-GDVZ and it is for AirAsiaX. This was also AC last A340.
Brenintw From Taiwan, joined Jul 2006, 1253 posts, RR: 1 Reply 81, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 13749 times:
Quoting HAL (Reply 69): I agree. The A343 is notorious for using a lot of runway to get going. The lowest departure I've ever seen out of SEA was a China Air A343 going SEA-TPE. It used the long runway (11,900ft) and still barely made it off the ground by the end. SEA-TPE is 5278nm. OAK-KUL is 7371nm, almost 40% farther. The runway at OAK is only 10,000ft long, 19% shorter than SEA. I seriously doubt an A343 could fly OAK-KUL nonstop. With a fuel stop along the way, sure. But not nonstop.
How about OAK - TPE - KUL? There was a thread here recently about D7 opening up TPE in July (although that thread mentioned an A330 aircraft being the one used).
I'm tired of the A vs. B sniping. Neither make planes that shed wings randomly!
Legacytravel From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 1067 posts, RR: 4 Reply 83, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 13420 times:
Quoting CX flyboy (Reply 82): Air Asia doesn't fly to Manchester yet they had the Man U scheme.
This could be an excellent way to enhance revenue. By selling advertising space on the aircraft and senile AL Davis would probably just do that.
GothamSpotter From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 525 posts, RR: 0 Reply 84, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 13345 times:
Mr. Hunt: Do you have a larger version of that photo? I know you said you'd wager your life that this is an A343, but I am nearly certain there are no windows on that plane. There is no A340F conversion program yet, which leads me to believe this is, as Max550 first suggested, an A300 freighter.
Crjfixer From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 172 posts, RR: 0 Reply 85, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 13336 times:
I would be willing to bet this A340 will be used for some sort of commercial/advertisement/Movie before being sent to AirAsiaX.
I can almost guarantee this is some sort of decal/wrap and not actual paint.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 86, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 13040 times:
Quoting CX flyboy (Reply 82): Why does it have to have anything to do with OAK at all? Air Asia doesn't fly to Manchester yet they had the Man U scheme.
It doesn't necessarily have to have anything to do with Oakland, it would just make a lot more sense if it did. From everything I've read, Manchester U and Air Asia have some sort of partnership, but I haven't found anything like that about the Raiders and Air Asia. I doubt that an airline can just go and paint a football teams logo on their aircraft for no reason, so I would expect some sort of partnership or something.
Quoting Legacytravel (Reply 83): This could be an excellent way to enhance revenue. By selling advertising space on the aircraft and senile AL Davis would probably just do that.
Perhaps, I just don't see the point in advertising a football team to a part of the world that isn't really into football.
Andrewtang From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2001, 439 posts, RR: 10 Reply 87, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 12905 times:
Quoting GothamSpotter (Reply 84): There is no A340F conversion program yet, which leads me to believe this is, as Max550 first suggested, an A300 freighter.
This is certainly NOT an A300B4-200F nor is it likely to be an A300B4-600F freighter. First of all, the horizontal stab confirms it cant be the former and the presence of a door at the rear confirms that it cannot be a factory built A300F. As for a converted A300B4-600F, the door at the rear will be completely sealed and the borders will be concealed by paint. As you can see, this door is evidently there. Thus I am confident to say this plane cannot be an A300 Freighter.
Quoting CX flyboy (Reply 82): Why does it have to have anything to do with OAK at all? Air Asia doesn't fly to Manchester yet they had the Man U scheme.
Back to the main topic, I do believe the likelihood of it flying for AirAsiaX is pretty high. They are famous for painting logo jets such as Man U scheme, AT&T Williams F1 & Bank Rakyat scheme. Also it's not the first time that AirAsiaX sent their planes into Singapore for maintainence as 9M-XAA just left SIAEC last month.
Airbazar From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 5959 posts, RR: 9 Reply 88, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 12620 times:
Quoting GothamSpotter (Reply 84): Mr. Hunt: Do you have a larger version of that photo? I know you said you'd wager your life that this is an A343, but I am nearly certain there are no windows on that plane. There is no A340F conversion program yet, which leads me to believe this is, as Max550 first suggested, an A300 freighter.
Don't the windows get covered when there is heavy maintenace and/or painting being done?
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 89, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 12671 times:
Quoting GothamSpotter (Reply 84): There is no A340F conversion program yet, which leads me to believe this is, as Max550 first suggested, an A300 freighter.
I'm almost 100% sure it's an Air Asia X A340 now. The windows must just be covered or hidden. No other explanation makes any sense.
I'm looking forward to seeing another picture of it though, just to confirm that it is what we think it is.
After that I want to know why it's painted like that, I can't find anything about a sponsorship or anything and I don't think they can just decide to paint a plane in the Raiders scheme.
Mayor From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 7195 posts, RR: 10 Reply 90, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 12612 times:
Quoting Max550 (Reply 86): Perhaps, I just don't see the point in advertising a football team to a part of the world that isn't really into football.
Are you talking about Oakland???
"A committee is a group of the unprepared, appointed by the unwilling, to do the unnecessary"----Fred Allen
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 91, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 12546 times:
Quoting Mayor (Reply 90): Are you talking about Oakland???
Haha, I'm trying not to offend any Raiders fans out there. I was talking about Asia, because as far as I can tell Asia, Australia and London will be the only places to see this plane.
413x3 From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 1983 posts, RR: 0 Reply 92, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 12415 times:
The NFL has been on a push for more global marketing for years, do you think England cares about the NFL? But they still send over 1 or 2 games a year to broaden their fan bases
RFields5421 From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 4715 posts, RR: 21 Reply 93, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 12320 times:
Quoting SANFan (Reply 59): I'm thinking if it was an Asian carrier about to start serving OAK, wouldn't the A's (baseball) logo be of more interest to people in that part of the world? And more appealing? (Without the "evil", black and white, pirate symbolism of the Raiders logo.) And, I almost fogot, a more successful franchise these days -- at least finishing higher in its respective standings.
Davis is very good at marketing and would value being ahead of the A's on such an opportunity. As noted above, while US NFL football is not huge outside the US, it is definitely more popular than US baseball.
Quoting IADCA (Reply 57): Davis is very wealthy, quite eccentric, and owns an entity that requires a decently large plane a few times a year. If it were an old frame with a lot of cycles and low acquisition costs, even a 343 could make sense for that role.
An NFL team moves between 75 and 90 people for a game. For 8-10 flights per year?
One reason Davis is so wealthy is that he does not waste his money on things like a private aircraft with too many seats.
The Raiders 2009 away game schedule is:
8/22 - @ San Francisco - too short a flight for an A340
9/20 - @ Kansas City
10/4 - @ Houston
10/11 - @ New York Giants
11/1 - @ San Diego
11/26 - @ Dallas (Thanksgiving)
12/6 - @ Pittsburgh
12/20 - @ Denver
12/27 - @ Cleveland
AirframeAS From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 12323 posts, RR: 31 Reply 94, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 12274 times:
Quoting FX1816 (Reply 1): I wonder what airline would get one and paint a Raiders logo on it.
It has got to be US. Look at the cheatline just before the tail and compare them with the other A319's US has with the sports team livery. Very similar.
The Raiders plane....could be a 330 perhaps? It looks more like a 330.....
A Safe Flight Begins With Quality Maintenance On The Ground.
Paparadzi From Malaysia, joined Jan 2005, 196 posts, RR: 5 Reply 96, posted (2 years 8 months 4 weeks ago) and read 11917 times:
That aircraft was spotted flying at SIN. Confirmed A340-300, Raiders tail and red engines just like 9M-XAB most likely will be re-registered as 9M-XAC.
Photo in our spotters forum at www.malaysianwings.net at the Singapore spotting section.
Rules are made for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.
HAL From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 2301 posts, RR: 53 Reply 97, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 11624 times:
8/22 - @ San Francisco - too short a flight for an A340
9/20 - @ Kansas City
10/4 - @ Houston
10/11 - @ New York Giants
11/1 - @ San Diego
11/26 - @ Dallas (Thanksgiving)
12/6 - @ Pittsburgh
12/20 - @ Denver
12/27 - @ Cleveland
Happily, all to be flown on a Hawaiian 767-300ER. (Hopefully with me at the controls at least once again this year)
HAL
One smooth landing is skill. Two in a row is luck. Three in a row and someone is lying.
Airbazar From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 5959 posts, RR: 9 Reply 98, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 11364 times:
Quoting 413x3 (Reply 92): The NFL has been on a push for more global marketing for years, do you think England cares about the NFL? But they still send over 1 or 2 games a year to broaden their fan bases
Not very relevant to this thread but "American" football is the fastest growing sport in Europe. They even have their own European league which draws pretty significant crowds.
Enginebird From United States of America, joined May 2007, 309 posts, RR: 0 Reply 99, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 11329 times:
Quoting Airbazar (Reply 99): Not very relevant to this thread but "American" football is the fastest growing sport in Europe. They even have their own European league which draws pretty significant crowds.
Well, Europe had a league called NFL Europe but it is no more. It closed in 2007. NFL Europe closes
American Football is a "fringe sport" in Europe and I very much doubt that it is growing much at all. It gets close to zero media attention in most of Europe, with the exception of the annual Super Bowl.
Back on topic: Looks like the mystery surrounding this beautiful A340 has been solved. Thanks to AndyHunt for sharing the picture.
PiedmontINT From United States of America, joined Jul 2005, 371 posts, RR: 0 Reply 100, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 11243 times:
Any chance that anyone who is a member of that site could post the pics on here as well?
Mayor From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 7195 posts, RR: 10 Reply 101, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 11280 times:
Airbazar From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 5959 posts, RR: 9 Reply 102, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 11223 times:
Quoting Enginebird (Reply 100): American Football is a "fringe sport" in Europe and I very much doubt that it is growing much at all. It gets close to zero media attention in most of Europe, with the exception of the annual Super Bowl.
Just because it's a fringe sport it doesn't mean it's not a growing sport. However, that's not saying much. If your number of participants was nearly zero it doesn't take much to get 100% growth year-over-year. NFL Europe closed but visrtually every country has its own domestic amateur or semi-pro league. http://americanfootballeurope.com/ http://www.european-league.com/
NFL Europe was an attempt to expand the numbers of followers outside of N.America and it succeeeded. The only thing the NFL forgot about is that Europeans don't like commercials interrupting their sport viewing which goes against everything the NFL is based on. Most countries have strict rules regarding the commercial breaks. Have you ever noticed that in some European countries you only get commercials on the half-hour? So they pulled the plug. But the sport itself continues to have a growing following.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 103, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 11039 times:
Nice looking plane, and a great catch AndyHunt, thanks!
Does this mean they will open up Oakland now? Do they have approval for it?
FlyBeQ400 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2005, 221 posts, RR: 0 Reply 104, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 11228 times:
413X3 From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 1983 posts, RR: 0 Reply 105, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 11034 times:
Quoting Mayor (Reply 102): Too bad he doesn't stick to that and let those people that know how, run the football team.
You must be confused. He surely knows how to run a football team. He makes profits. Whether or not you as a fan enjoy watching his team play is not important to him. The same can be said of Donald Sterling and the LA Clippers
BA744PHX From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 290 posts, RR: 0 Reply 106, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 11032 times:
FlyBeQ400 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2005, 221 posts, RR: 0 Reply 107, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 11041 times:
Slightly odd looking that they left the belly in Air Canada baby blue !
I guess this 2nd A340 will be needed to make the STN service daily from July 1st.
In that case we still need a 3rd A340 before we could see OAK or SFO service? I think the most likely routing is via either TPE or Japan (Osaka was touted for AirAsia X service if I remember correctly.)
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 108, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 11000 times:
Quoting FlyBeQ400 (Reply 108): Slightly odd looking that they left the belly in Air Canada baby blue !
I knew I recognized that color from somewhere, I didn't even think about the fact that it's ex-AC.
Wonder why they didn't paint it.
Ikramerica From United States of America, joined May 2005, 20318 posts, RR: 62 Reply 109, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 10984 times:
Quoting FlyBeQ400 (Reply 105): Courtesy of Xu Yong over at malaysianwings.net... link to thread there for reference also:
That is one of the ugliest schemes ever painted. From the red engines to the AC toothpaste belly to the poor attempt at a face mask on the nose, it's just a freaking mess.
As such, it's perfectly befitting the Oakland Raiders!
Of all the things to worry about... the Wookie has no pants.
AirframeAS From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 12323 posts, RR: 31 Reply 110, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 10916 times:
Quoting Ikramerica (Reply 110): As such, it's perfectly befitting the Oakland Raiders!
The problem is, HA is doing the Raiders flying this year, like HAL said in reply 98. I now do not see the point to this livery anymore.
A Safe Flight Begins With Quality Maintenance On The Ground.
Atomsareenough From United States of America, joined Feb 2008, 543 posts, RR: 2 Reply 111, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 10847 times:
Seemyseems From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2009, 946 posts, RR: 8 Reply 112, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 10810 times:
Quoting Columba (Reply 12): Maybe US Airways ? They have many sport teams liveries and they were rumored to get A340s.
Legacytravel From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 1067 posts, RR: 4 Reply 113, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 10666 times:
The only problem I see is that the Raiders are the Silver and Black. Not the White and Black. Nice try though, it is a ok looking plane but would do much better with the sliver.
SeaBosDca From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 3565 posts, RR: 4 Reply 114, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 10661 times:
I don't think the scheme is done yet... I think the facemask will be finished; the AC toothpaste painted over; and some kind of Air Asia logo added on the fuselage.
AirframeAS From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 12323 posts, RR: 31 Reply 115, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 10631 times:
Quoting Galapagapop (Reply 58): Seems fairly obvious that it's AirAsiaX, just look at the similarity in the swoosh of color just forward of the tail
But the US NFL team liveries on the 319's have the exact same swoosh style...
Question though...... what does this airline have anything to do with the Oakland Raiders anyway? Did this airline obtain the marketing licenses required from the NFL and the Raiders respectfully?? Does this airline even fly to California??
And why just the Raiders??
A Safe Flight Begins With Quality Maintenance On The Ground.
Ikramerica From United States of America, joined May 2005, 20318 posts, RR: 62 Reply 116, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 10531 times:
Quoting SeaBosDca (Reply 114): I don't think the scheme is done yet... I think the facemask will be finished; the AC toothpaste painted over; and some kind of Air Asia logo added on the fuselage.
I hope it's not d
Of all the things to worry about... the Wookie has no pants.
MSPNWA From United States of America, joined Apr 2009, 1230 posts, RR: 2 Reply 117, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 10487 times:
At least the model and carrier mysteries have been solved, but the motive is still up in the air. I too hope the livery isn't done yet, because that's just plain ugly.
Max550 From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 991 posts, RR: 0 Reply 119, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 9874 times:
MillwallSean From Brunei, joined Apr 2008, 926 posts, RR: 6 Reply 120, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 9726 times:
I anyone had listened to what Mr Fernandes and his mates have been saying they would have known that it was their intention to serve the Los Angeles area. Thats a pretty big hint in where they want to fly.
Personally I am more interested in finding out where they plan to stop on the way and if they will be allowed to pick up passengers on such a route.
Taiwan, The Philippines or somewhere in Southern China seems to be the logical stop. Those are markets where price is important and where there is plenty of demand to and from LA.
Now just because they have a plane with an Oakland teams logo doesn't mean they will serve that particular market. California yes, but Oakland?
Might as well be LAX or San Diego.
Can any of the secondary LA airports handle Asian flights? Customs and immigrations plus no curfews? This is Air Asia after all and in London they chose Stansted.
In the long run I say we will see them in Vegas too. This is Mr Fernandes baby after all and Vegas and him is a match made in heaven. However I doubt that will be one of the first routes to the US.
Air Asia having a raiders logo on its tail doesn't mean they have any interest at all in flying the raiders around. Their utilisation of planes wouldn't allow for that.
This is a sponsorship deal made to raise the awareness of Air Asia and its fares in a market where only aviation nerds now about Air Asia.
Air Asia serves London but have their aircraft painted in Manchester Utd colours.
NFL might be growing in Europe, but they are starting from zero. It will take a long time before they will crack top 25 among sports. Its a no show sport more or less, played by a few die hards and it hardly registers at all. Same goes for Baseball.
I am not sure it has to do with TV breaks. More that people aren't familiar with the sport and that its difficult to break into a market where other sports already own the market. To put it into perspective, Sumo has higher TV ratings in Europe than gridiron and baseball.
Basketball and Icehockey have made it in Europe. The NBA and the NHL have a following in the markets where the respective sports are popular and there are breaks for commercials in icehockey at least
Visiting a basketball match in one of the European leagues is an experience for most Americans since the crowd is very different to a US crowd. Many of the teams are the same ones that are playing football.
For important games the football crowd tend to show up supporting their team and creating an atmosphere that is awesome. Imagine a footballcrowd in full voice at an indoor venue, its great.
Crjfixer From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 172 posts, RR: 0 Reply 121, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 9698 times:
Quoting FlyBeQ400 (Reply 105):
Courtesy of Xu Yong over at malaysianwings.net... link to thread there for reference also:
That is one of the ugliest schemes ever painted. From the red engines to the AC toothpaste belly to the poor attempt at a face mask on the nose, it's just a freaking mess.
As such, it's perfectly befitting the Oakland Raiders!
Luv2cattlecall From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 1648 posts, RR: 2 Reply 122, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 9698 times:
Quoting N14AZ (Reply 20): And I agree with you, it looks like an A340 because the fuselage is even (A340) and not slantwise (A330).
What exactly does that mean?
When you have to breaststroke to your connecting flight...it's a crash!
Sancho99504 From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 433 posts, RR: 0 Reply 123, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 9727 times:
Quoting GothamSpotter (Reply 84): Mr. Hunt: Do you have a larger version of that photo? I know you said you'd wager your life that this is an A343, but I am nearly certain there are no windows on that plane. There is no A340F conversion program yet, which leads me to believe this is, as Max550 first suggested, an A300 freighter.
This is not an A300/310F. This is an A330/340, and definitely a passenger aircraft. If you click on the picture and then zoom in, you can see the rear door as well as what looks to be the windows with seals on them, the 2nd to last window's cover looks like it is pealing.
LEEDS19 From United Arab Emirates, joined May 2008, 92 posts, RR: 0 Reply 124, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days ago) and read 9684 times:
I saw this Aircraft towed out of the Hangar in Sin on Monday the 18th to the cargo ramp from where it departed during a tropical downpour which put the dampeners on any worthwhile photo.Has Air Asia X titles on the engines only. Possibly on an Airtest
FlyBeQ400 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2005, 221 posts, RR: 0 Reply 125, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 9740 times:
A few more details from Raiders CEO Amy Trask:
- Marketing arrangement only at this stage, meaning no immediate plans for D7 to serve OAK or even the US
- Raiders continue to have Hawaiian Airways as their partner for team flying
- And thankfully, the livery is not yet finished, it is to be "outfitted with full Raider regalia combined with Air Asia X livery. There will be pictures of Raiderettes, Raider scenes, Raider jerseys, as well as logos in other areas."
- But at least there will be one chance to see this plane in OAK. "Trask does expect that "Commitment to Excellence" will be flown in to Oakland for at least one game day."
Reality From United States of America, joined Apr 2007, 346 posts, RR: 0 Reply 126, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 9479 times:
Quoting FlyBeQ400 (Reply 125): A few more details from Raiders CEO Amy Trask:
Details? Actually you are the first one to answer the questions posed in this thread.
SeaBosDca From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 3565 posts, RR: 4 Reply 127, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 9466 times:
"It is impossible to hide an A340."
Most gorgeous aircraft: Tu-204-300, 757-200, A330-200, 777-200LR, 787-8
9MMAR From Malaysia, joined Jul 2006, 2046 posts, RR: 23 Reply 128, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 9315 times:
A 2 months old news from Malaysia, which made the headlines on 29 March 2009.
Quote: AirAsia X, the low-cost long-haul carrier, is eyeing the US market by year-end... "There has been a lot of interest from the John F. Kennedy International Airport (in New York) and airports in California have also contacted us," he said.
Azran said the US airport operators realised that the air-travel traffic growth was coming from Asia and the premium airlines were also cutting back on their capacity to the West Coast and East Coast of the United States... will either fly the Kuala Lumpur-Los Angeles route or Kuala Lumpur-London-New York route.
"If we have one plane, at most we can do is five times a week to Los Angeles. The challenge is to secure the rights from the governments," he said, adding that this would be a new market for AirAsia X.
Most importantly for D7's operation, this second A343 in Oakland Raiders livery will allow the airline to serve STN from KUL on a fixed daily basis schedule. The airline is currently serving STN 5 weekly with 3 different flight time.
JFKTOWERFAN From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 1099 posts, RR: 20 Reply 129, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 8359 times:
KELPkid From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 5514 posts, RR: 5 Reply 130, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 8209 times:
Quoting FlyBeQ400 (Reply 125): A few more details from Raiders CEO Amy Trask:
- Marketing arrangement only at this stage, meaning no immediate plans for D7 to serve OAK or even the US
- Raiders continue to have Hawaiian Airways as their partner for team flying
- And thankfully, the livery is not yet finished, it is to be "outfitted with full Raider regalia combined with Air Asia X livery. There will be pictures of Raiderettes, Raider scenes, Raider jerseys, as well as logos in other areas."
- But at least there will be one chance to see this plane in OAK. "Trask does expect that "Commitment to Excellence" will be flown in to Oakland for at least one game day."
Hmmm...my visits to Malaysia seem to tell me that American Football isn't on the top 10 list of most popular sports over there...Formula 1 and Soccer (okay, what the rest of the English speaking world outside North America calls "football" ) are much more popular.
If the plane ends up flying to OAK for a gameday (and probably circling the stadium a time or two I would imagine ), that would be one exepnsive publicity stunt. Most long-haul carriers couldn't afford to have one plane of a rather small subfleet do this unless the person who rented the plane also paid for some lost revenue...
Okay, well completely aside, but something I've been wondering: how is Air Asia X's longhaul service? Is it like AK, where you board from mobile air stairs, and the food is by on board, and the flight attendants try and sell you all sorts of airline related trinkets before landing
Celebrating the birth of KELPkidJR on August 5, 2009 :-)
Paparadzi From Malaysia, joined Jan 2005, 196 posts, RR: 5 Reply 131, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 7727 times:
Quoting KELPkid (Reply 130): but something I've been wondering: how is Air Asia X's longhaul service? Is it like AK, where you board from mobile air stairs
D7, just like sister companies AK, QZ and FD operates from the low-cost terminal in KUL. So unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Rules are made for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.
BMI727 From United States of America, joined Feb 2009, 10894 posts, RR: 27 Reply 132, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 7463 times:
Quoting FlyBeQ400 (Reply 125): the livery is not yet finished, it is to be "outfitted with full Raider regalia
Do the pilots and FAs have to wear Darth Vader masks on this plane?
Bwohlgemuth From United States of America, joined Oct 2006, 90 posts, RR: 0 Reply 133, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 7417 times:
Quoting BMI727 (Reply 132): What kind of aviation fan are you? Since when did it become "unfortunate" to board a plane via the stairs?
When you are dragging three kids and a load of carrion luggage. Then it gets fun!
Mir From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 17388 posts, RR: 59 Reply 134, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 7046 times:
FlyBeQ400 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2005, 221 posts, RR: 0 Reply 135, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 6509 times:
The livery is looking a lot better already! Now I can't wait to see the completed thing.
I was thinking with 2x A340s now for a daily STN service, there will be some spare capacity so perhaps a chance to see this livery at other airports (maybe TPE which starts July 1st).
Leftwing From Singapore, joined Mar 2006, 282 posts, RR: 0 Reply 136, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 6363 times:
It is in for a C Check and will be leased and re-painted in Air Asia X colors, will operate the KUL-STN ....will also get a retro-fit Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)...
SQ452 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 1034 posts, RR: 0 Reply 137, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 6088 times:
The plane, is a "commitment to excellence".....or just the biggest waste of marketing dollars in recent memory. Seriously, the Raiders are trying to "build their brand" overseas. A brand that, in all honesty, doesn't even have that good of recognition in the States even, let alone abroad.
So to do that, they are slapping their livery on an airline that is based in a region that has zero to little interest in American Football (sans mainland China), probably an even lesser interest in the Raiders, and are building that "commitment to excellence" by putting the logo on a budget carriers frame. STUPID! The things people do in business sometime....
do want to clarify, I don't think Air Asia is bad (Tony Fernandes is a genius) but its budget carrier so the whole perception issue might lead people to believe that the Raiders are...well...cheap
Jbernie From Australia, joined Jan 2007, 880 posts, RR: 0 Reply 138, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 6013 times:
Quoting CX flyboy (Reply 82): Why does it have to have anything to do with OAK at all? Air Asia doesn't fly to Manchester yet they had the Man U scheme.
As an Australian, living in Denver, supporting the San Francisco 49ERS, and a long time Liverpool FC fan who has suffered too much thanks to Man Utd, the tie up with Man Utd is a good one as they are one of THE brands in Football. It doesn't matter if Air Asia X has zero flights into the UK at all, Man Utd is huge everywhere. That being said, choosing the Raiders from the NFL? *chuckles* Not that the 49ERS would be a much better choice right now.
LeftWing From Singapore, joined Mar 2006, 282 posts, RR: 0 Reply 139, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 5872 times:
Quoting SQ452 (Reply 137): they are slapping their livery on an airline that is based in a region that has zero to little interest in American Football
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