CARGO Jets at Amsterdam
It's just another day at the airport .... just believe!
               ​by Jan Koppen               

Higher airfreight volumes, a reduction of available cargo capacity in the market, the disruption of global supply chains due to the pandemic, has reflected in a significant increase in flying and a higher block hours, thus a higher operations revenue. 
 
KLM Cargo PH-CKB 'Leeuwin', is seen here on departure to Chicago as MP6515
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 14, 2022, 15:00LT.
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Although pax variants have been grounded, retired and scrapped, their cargo compatriots, the 747F, have become more important than ever.
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As airlines looked to cut costs, many phased out the quadjets in favor of more efficient twinjet options, with significant operators parting ways with the Queen of the Skies for good.
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AirBridgeCargo Boeing 747-800F, VP-BJS, arrival from Tokyo-Narita as RU0723.
 Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 14, 2022.

​The Boeing-747 remains in regular operation around the world in another capacity–cargo.

Saudia Cargo Boeing 777-200F, HK-AK74, arrived from Jeddah as SV0933.
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Another from Seattle...
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​Here, Martinair Holland Boeing 747-400F PH-MPS bieng towed to her stand at the Sierra ramp, after arriving from maintenance at hangar 11, on December 11, 2019.
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PH-MPS just arrived from Nairobi as MP8562.
Amsterdam-Schiphol, February 14, 2022.
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Cargo business is booming at Amsterdam. Rows of Boeing 747 and 777 freighters, are a common sight.

With fewer passenger planes flying, the resulting drop in belly-hold capacity meant these versatile workhorses were more important than ever.
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The Boeing 747 remains in regulation operation around the world in another capacity – cargo.

With fewer passenger planes flying, the resulting drop in belly-hold capacity meant these versatile workhorses were more important than ever.
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​This one-time Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-412 (412 was the unique, fixed Boeing customer code of Singapore Airlines) rolled off the production line in May 1990, and was delivered to her proud owner, Singapore Airlines as 9V-SMF. After years of faithful passenger service, she was sold as VT-AIF to Air India. She operated for the airline form their Delhi base from 2004 until October 2007, after which she was stored at Marana. In 2008 she left the Arizona desert, after she was sold to Martinair Holland and was converted to a freighter at Xiam, China. Since then she operates daily on the Martinair world-wide cargo schedule.
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Empty cargo maindeck of PH-MPS.
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Upper-deck of Boeing 747-400 freighter, PH-MPS, with crew rest compartment.
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The front office of PH-MPS, but can a photograph communicate the feel of this wonderful machine?
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​Her switches and controls, worn smooth by the touch of a thousand hands.
 
Groundstaff at work ........ every year, they seem to be younger!

PH-MPS emergency escape hatch.
​There are inertial reels in the cockpit ceiling adjacent to the hatch to allow the cockpit crew to exit the airplane.

​KLM Jet A-1 refueller truck on the ramp at AMS.
Note; - the signs indicating Class 3, marine pollutants or environmentally hazardous substances and JET A-1.
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One of the last KLM 747 Combi's is seen here hours before her delivery to her new owner JetXone.
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VP-BBP and VP-BIM of AirBridgeCargo, are seen her swallowing another load,
through their cavernous cargo doors, at Amsterdam/Schiphol. 
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​"Queen of the Skies", VP-BIK, is seen here arriving as RU9412 from Munchen.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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Many cargo airlines use the Boeing 747-Freighter as the backbone of their operations. 

The Queen is still on her throne.

The Global Cargo Workhorse.
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Although passenger quadjets have fallen out of favor, the 747F has remained strong. 
 
AirBridgeCargo Boeing 747-46NF(ER) VP-BIK, arrived from Krasnoyarsk as RU177.
She departed a couple hours later to Chateauroux, France, as RU9295. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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DHL Airways Airbus 330-300F 'EI-HEA' on the ground at Amsterdam. She left that evening as QY1391 to Leipzig.

DHL Airways Airbus 330-200F 'D-ALMA' left at February 14, 2022 at 21:35LT, as QY1239, to Leipzig. 
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Fedex Express Boeing 757-200PF N917FD left that evening for Paris, Charles de Gaulle as FX5187.
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Silkway Boeing 747-400F 4K-SW008 departed during the afternoon of February 14, 2002 to Baku under flightnumber 7L/0207. 
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The Boeing 747F, with its unique lifting nose and incredible range, has proven itself a crucial
tool in the movement of goods, and its set to stay that way for some time yet.
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On this wet and dark tuesday (December 23, 2020), a lot of cargo flights were flown between the UK and Holland.
Including this 29-year old Klasjet classic 737-300SF, in her former Bluebird Icelandic Cargo colors.
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E-Cargo Airlines, 29 years old Boeing 757-222(PCF) arrived Amsterdam/Schiphol on January 11, 2021
​under flightnumber RF9420 from Zhengzhou, China, with a fuel-stop at Nizhnevartovsk, Russia. 

Before being sold to E-Cargo this airframe saw service with United Airlines as ship N547UA.
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Fedex Express Boeing 757-23A(SF) operated flight 'The World On Time FX5188' from Paris/Charles de Gaulle to Amsterdam - Schiphol.

This 32-year old airframe did operated for British Air2000 a couple of years in the late '80s.  
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Atlas Air Boeing 767-324(BCF) N663GT arrived Amsterdam/Schiphol today as 5Y/8092 from Chicago - O'Hare.
​From mid September this ship is almost daily operating the ORD/AMS/ORD freighter run. 
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This 25-years old workhorse started her career with Vietnam Airlines.
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Latam Cargo Boeing 767-300F N534LA from Santiago de Chile and Miami as UC1503.
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Crisp winter sunshine glints off the white topside of Latam Cargo Boeing 767-316F(ER) N534LA.  
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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AirBridgeCargo Boeing 747-400ERF VP-BIG is pushed back in bright sunshine at Amsterdam/Schiphol at the start of her long journey home.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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A lot of ground-equipment occupy the Amsterdam/Schiphol ramp, alongside a beautifully Boeing 747-400F.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021.
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18 years old Cargolux Italia Boeing 747-4R7(F) LX-TCV arrived from Nairobi as CV7151 and departed as CV7151 to Luxembourg.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Her bright livery is seen gleaming in the soft winter sunlight​.
​She ​departed, two hours later to Jeddah, as SV934.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Qatar Cargo Boeing 747-87U(F) A7-BGA is a four-engine behemoth.
​A couple of hours later she left for Doha as QR8201.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Suparna Airlines Boeing 747-481(BDSF) B-2437 on push-back at Amsterdam. 
She departed as Y8/7422 to Chengdu, with an intermediate stop at Moscow/Zhukovsky. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021.
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Wonder winter land!

The Singapore Airlines logo is a bird, inspired by a dagger featured in regional folklore known as a silver kris or keris.
This bird departed Amsterdam as SQ7343, to Sharjah and final destination Singapore. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 

9V-SFO being portrayed in winter-wonder-land. Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Atlas Air Boeing 747-48EF arrived at Amsterdam on February 06, 2021 from Miami, under call-sign "Giant-5421".
This 25-year old freighter started her career with Asiana Airlines.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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N419MC was intended to depart to Seoul/Incheon airport as 5Y/8187.  
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
Boeing 777-31H(ER) A6-EGL of Emirates lounging in the sunshine at Amsterdam. A couple of hours later, she departed for Dubai as EK9330.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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China Cargo, flight CK206, is seen here almost ready for departure from AMS for the twelve-hour flight to Shanghai.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Thumbs—up, the chocks are taken away from the nose wheel and taxi clearance is received for runway 09.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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China Cargo Boeing 777-F6N B-2076 is ready for push-back at the start of its long journey home. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Doors agape! - Singapore Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400ERF 9V-SFP departed later that day as SQ7343 to Sharjah.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 09, 2021. 
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Boeing 737 MAX and Covid-19 victims in long storage at Amsterdam. Their bright liveries are still gleaming in the meager winter sunlight.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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A supposedly anonymous Boeing 767-300 rolls into Amsterdam/Schiphol on a winter morning in February 2021.
Her registration, N1511A, identifies it as one of the Atlas Air fleet. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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N1511A is a regular at Schiphol. She's flying daily for Atlas Air between Chicago O'Hare and the Dutch airport.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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ASL Airlines Ireland/DHL Airbus A300C4/F4, EI-OZM, started her career with Korean Airlines as HL7244, in March 1994.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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Mongolian Airlines, Boeing 767-300 JU-1021, arrived from Peking, with a tech-stop at Ulan Bator, as OM3143. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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Mongolian Airlines Boeing 767-300 JU-1021 is seen here unloading 14-ton cargo-in-cabin through door 21 at Amsterdam/Schiphol.
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She arrived today from Peking, with a tech-stop at Ulan Bator, as OM3143.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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Air Canada Airbus 330-343 C-GEGC arrived from Montreal as Pax/freighter AC7214.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 10, 2021. 
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A ground power unit pumps energy into a stationary 'Zorro-masked' Air Canada Airbus, as it sits on the ramp at Amsterdam/Schiphol. 
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Downtime for D-AEAE, another member of the DHL fleet.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February, 2021. 
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Cargolux Italia Boeing 747-400F off-loading fresh produce from Kenya. She flew NBO/AMS as flight CLX7151.
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What a great selection of ground equipment. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February, 2021.
 
A7-BFV tops-up tons of Jet A-1 for her upcoming flight to Doha. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February, 2021. 
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Surprise arrival at an overcast Schiphol, is this 25 year old Uzbekistan Boeing 763F UK-76001.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 03, 2021. 
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She flew Guangzhou/Amsterdam, with an intermediate stop in Tashkent.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 03, 2021.
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ASL/DHL Airbus 330-300F EI-HEB did operate flight QY1446 from Leipzig, Germany.
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International airfreight.
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I always like a nice crisp morning to start my workday. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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This picture stands out, mesmerizing top action.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

MH6126 just arrived from Kuala Lumpur, with an intermediate stop in Dubai.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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Another quick turnround for 9M-MUB, as she off-loads her cargo from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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RU326 prepares for departure to Zhengzhou, China.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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Good morning all, this a nice shot of AirBridgeCargo VP-BIG, resting between flights at Amsterdam/Schiphol.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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Boeing hardware on a cold Schiphol tarmac.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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As well as moving our parcels and foodstuffs around, the global 747F fleet has been instrumental in the fight against COVID. From shipping PPE around the world early on in the pandemic to the mammoth task of getting the vaccine distributed around the world, the Queen of the Skies still reigns supreme.
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Jumbo Jet, VP—BIK, is seen here ready to depart to yet another place in AirBridgeCargo's far—flung network.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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VP-BIG chilling at the 'Sierra-ramp', ready to take on another assignment. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

RAF-Avia Saab 340 YL-RAG ready for departure to Maastricht, Netherlands, under call-sign MTL781C.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 16, 2021.
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Back in April 1984, this Saab started her career with Kendell Airlines in Australia, eventually joining RAF Avia in August 2005.
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A Menzies 'ramp-rat' oversee the start-up of RAF AVIA Saab 340 freighter at Schiphol's 'Sierra-ramp'.
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The airline was established in 1990 as the first private airline in Latavia. It started operations in 1991 flying spare parts and supply for the Rigas Autobusu Fabrika production plant in Latavia. In 1994 RAF-Avia began to switch to the commercial charter flight business. ​
PH-CKC "Oranje" is seen here ready for departure to Viracopos/Campinas, Brasil, as MP7341.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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 ​"Oranje" rolled-out the Everett factory during February 2004 and is seen here, exactly 17 years later, on a beautiful winter morning.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

The airfreight environment, during the COVID-19, was booming, with demand and yields that are well above typical seasonal levels. 
 
Given ongoing economic and market-related uncertainties, including COVID-19, new variants of the virus, surges in cases globally, travel restrictions, low international passenger travel and other factors, the future airfreight environment is booming, with demand and yields that are well above typical seasonal levels.
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 LX-TCV is powered by four 59,000-lb. thrust, Rolls Royce RB211-524G/H-T engines, fitted with thrust reversers to shorten the landing run. 
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

 ​Face to face picture from Amsterdam/Schiphol's 'Sierra ramp'.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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Tail LX-TCV 'Monte Cervino' was delivered to Cargolux in August 2002. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

Maindeck-side-Cargo-door swung open; - Cargolux Boeing 747-400F prepares to unload its perishable cargo from Kenya.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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AirBridgeCargo Boeing 747-400ERF VP-BIG, taxying out at Amsterdam/Schiphol, bound for Dubai as RU9389.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

Taxying-out for take-off at Amsterdam/Schiphol, LV-TCV is bound for Luxembourg/Findel airport. 
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.

ASL/DHL (Aviation Service Liège/Dalsey, Hillblom and Lynn) Airbus 330-300F EI-HEC is seen resting under a gorgeous sunshine. 
This 23-year old Airbus had a busy first 19-years of life with Thai Airways.
​Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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An Irish registered Airbus 330-300F is seen here at Amsterdam/Schiphol. She arrived last night from Leipzig, Germany, as flight QY1446.
Amsterdam/Schiphol, February 11, 2021.
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Cargolux Italia Boeing 747-400F off-loading fresh produce from Kenya. She flew NBO/AMS as flight CLX7151.
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ASL/DHL Airbus 330-300F EI-HEB did operate flight QY1446 from Leipzig, Germany.
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KLM Cargo Boeing-747ERF PH-CKA 'Eendracht' undergoing maintenance on the 'Sierra-ramp on a cold morning.
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Routine maintenance at Amsterdam/Schiphol.
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All aircraft engines become soiled during normal operations by airborne contaminants such as sand, dust, soot, salt, insects and pollution. These can cause engines to operate inefficiently and lead to overall deterioration in engine health. As a result, an engine burns more fuel and operates at higher temperatures which can result in premature engine maintenance. Every kilogram of fuel saved eliminates 3.15 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
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The EcoPower engine wash system has demonstrated the ability to effectively remove contaminants from compressor airfoil surfaces, restoring engine compressor performance, reducing fuel burn and maintenance. A cooler, cleaner running engine offers long- term maintenance cost savings.  Fuel use can be reduced by up to 1.5% using EcoPower on a regular basis.
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The starboard engine CF6-80C2B5F comes under scrutiny during a turnround check.
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Meticulous maintenance keeps ‘em flying.
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The EcoPower engine wash system has demonstrated the ability to effectively remove contaminants from compressor airfoil surfaces, restoring engine compressor performance, reducing fuel burn and maintenance. A cooler, cleaner running engine offers long- term maintenance cost savings.  Fuel use can be reduced by up to 1.5% using EcoPower on a regular basis.
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The EcoPower engine wash is a closed-loop system that protects the environment and offers a mobile, fast, repeatable, and efficient process. Deionised, heated and atomised water is sprayed to clean the engine components. There are no toxic chemicals or detergents. The water is collected and filtered to produce pure, deionised water for reuse. This minimal waste stream is approved by airport environmental authorities around the world. Consequently, EcoPower can be performed right at the gate, eliminating the requirement to tow the aircraft to a remote location.

Transferred from Sky Gates to Silk Way West Airlines with newly added titles, logos and a new registration from Azerbaijan (ex-VP-BCH), this due to the sanctions from the EU against Russia. Here seen pushed-back from into its parking stand.
Photo credit: Micheal S. Prophet.
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PH-CKB at a foggy Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Unloading precious cargo.

Fog shrouded warehouses in the background.

Indefinite ceiling zero, sky obscured, visibility zero in fog. No one was going anywhere for a while.

Waiting for the fog to lift.

"Leeuwin"  at a misty and miserable Amsterdam Airport.

Pegasus Aviation Bell 412SP was also on transport to a far away destination.

- The End -
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