Lately, Edelweiss celebrated their inaugural flight from Zurich to Seattle utilizing an Airbus A340 (4 engines 4 lengthy haul). I used to be double excited not solely to see a brand new worldwide service begin service at my house airport, however they’re additionally utilizing an AvGeek favourite: the A340. Francis Zera (our Editor-At-Giant and Director of Pictures) and I tag teamed the occasion and I’d say we had a fairly good time.
Protecting an inaugural arrival has turn out to be fairly routine: Decorations on the gate (examine), you get to go on the tarmac and watch the airplane arrive (examine), you get to get pleasure from a water cannon salute (examine), there are VIPs who communicate on the gate (examine), there’s a ribbon chopping (examine), and there are some candy snacks to get pleasure from (examine). To not say inaugurals aren’t thrilling, however with this one, I acquired to expertise one thing new that I used to be not anticipating.
Not lengthy earlier than the Edelweiss inaugural to Seattle, I edited and revealed Francis’ SAS inaugural story. In his piece he described how he acquired a bit moist from the water cannon salute because of the wind shifting. I used to be entertained and even laughed, however brushed it off. After we have been advised the place to face for the Edelweiss’ Airbus A340’s arrival, I went so far as I might in the direction of the runways… which was additionally very near one of many hearth vans. I had a fleeting considered Francis’ water expertise, however I figured worst case it could be just a little misty. Nope.
The Edelweiss red-and-white A340 was lovely as she landed at SEA and began her taxi to the gate. As she rounded the ultimate nook, I used to be so distracted by the plane that I didn’t discover that the wind was blowing fairly closely in my course from the fireplace truck. I used to be taking some pictures with my telephone after which, BAM!
It was like I used to be being sprayed by a, … nicely, … enormous hearth hose of water and I used to be soaked immediately. By the point the water was turned off, it was like I had simply jumped right into a pool. I used to be drenched, however I liked it. My inside baby was giddy, not solely from seeing an Airbus A340 from the tarmac, but in addition getting sprayed by a fireplace truck. To not point out that it additionally felt good because it was fairly scorching out. Greatest inaugural ever.
I used to be just a little frightened about my telephone, because it acquired drenched too and I couldn’t take a selfie, however fortunately not solely was it okay, however Francis was there to seize my shock. We have been capable of stroll across the airplane taking pictures of these lovely 4 engines. Then we headed again to the terminal for the speeches and ribbon chopping.
Flights between Zurich and Seattle can at present be booked for journey in September, 2025, and between Might and August 2026.
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