Brussels Airlines at Dulles

Brussels Airlines is proud to announce new daily service to Washington Dulles International Airport. On June 18th, 2013, Brussels Airlines' Inaugural Flight landed at Dulles, and was welcomed with a water arch at the gate.  As the aircraft taxied, the pilots displayed the Belgium and American flags to mark the newly formed air route.

All photos may be viewed here.

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As we were waiting for Brussels' aircraft to arrive, I captured this interesting photo of British Airways departing.

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After the speeches and ribbon cutting, there was a small reception with champagne and cake in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge.

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With just a 6 hour turnaround time, Brussels' first flight out of Washington departed.  Every passenger was presented with a box of Belgian chocolates as they boarded the flight.

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Solar Impulse at Dulles

After many weather delays, the Solar Impulse aircraft finally made its way to Washington Dulles International Airport, landing just before midnight on June 15th, 2013.  It was the 2nd to final stop on its trip across the United States, before a planned 2-seater variant is to attempt a global circumnavigation in 2014. The experimental Swiss aircraft is entirely solar powered, weighting a mere ~3,500lbs (900lbs of which are batteries), has the wingspan of a 747 (almost 200 feet), and has only a single seat for the pilot.  It is powered by four 10-horsepower electric motors, and has a cruise speed of just 37 knots (~43 MPH).

The Solar Impulse moves at extremely slow speeds; for this reason, the FAA only allows it to fly at night, when air traffic is at a minimum.  Nighttime flight is possible with the 900lbs of Lithium-Ion batteries, built into the wings underneath the solar panels that charge them.  From the ground, the Solar Impulse appears to be stationary in mid-air - the LED lights make it look like a UFO.

Media and special guests arrived at Dulles, and awaited the Solar Impulse on the runway.  For most of those present, it was a reality check of how dark an airfield truly is at night, even with the airfield indicator lights.  All of my photos were shot at ISO 6400 and above for this event.

All photos are available to view and purchase here.

As the Solar Impulse turns on its lights, the crowd gasps at how stationary it appears from its distance.  Traffic is visible well behind the Solar Impulse, as the ATCT gives it plenty of working room to land on R/W 19L, which was closed specifically for the Solar Impulse team.

To prevent damage to the wingtips and props as the Solar Impulse lands, cyclists chase along underneath the wings as they lose lift, and catch them to prevent them from scraping the ground.

The entire event was broadcast live.  The small crowd watches as Pilot Bertrand Piccard is helped out of the cockpit and welcomed to Dulles.

Dulles' Customer Service Manager Dennis Hazell presents Pilot Bertrand Piccard with Dunkin' Donuts after a 20 hour flight.  Captain Piccard said he had been eagerly awaiting landing just to get the donuts, and that it was one of the most memorable things he's been presented with since the trip began.

Pilot Bertrand Piccard answers questions in a press conference, both in Swiss and English.

Dulles Welcome Billboard

Think BIG! Have you been to Dulles lately? If you visit the B Concourse's Passenger Walkback Tunnel, my panoramic is currently on display above the escalators, welcoming passengers as they approach the Main Terminal. This canvas banner is almost 50 feet wide, preserving the details of my 88 megapixel photograph. It is clear enough to read text on signs and vehicles parked alongside the Main Terminal as you descend down the stairs.

This welcome banner with my photo will be in place during times when no other sponsor has leased this JCDecaux advertising space. Thanks to JCDecaux for making sure my photo looks great on large format canvas print!

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Here is the original photograph, and below it the final proof of the print now on display!

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Emirates at Dulles

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Washington Dulles International Airport hosted Emirates Airlines for a grand welcoming event that marks the beginning of weekly non-stop service from Dulles to Dubai, along with revolutionary in-flight customer service including complimentary food and beverage (to include alcoholic beverages), as well as free door-to-door limousine service to and from 1st Class passenger's airports.  Emirates President Tim Clark was on hand for the events, and answered questions at the press conference.

Ethiopian's 787 Dreamliner

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Ethiopian Airlines welcomed Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner to their fleet. Dulles hosted a Fifty for 50th celebration to mark the occasion, allowing 50 lucky people to come watch the 787 land from on the runway, join in the festivities at the press conference, and then go on a tour of the new aircraft.