Connections

The MCDU (lower screen) and the DCDU (upper screen) of A330-941 CS-TUL while enroute from São Paulo to Porto. The DCDU shows that we are CPDLC and ADS-C connected to Atlântico (SBAO). In short, datalink, rather than HF radio, is being used to exchange messages with the air traffic control service provider. 

 

Crack of Dawn

Daybreak over the south Atlantic in A330-941 CS-TUS enroute from Fortaleza to Lisbon. 

 

Mammatus

A mammatus cloud formation in the vicinity Lisbon airport shortly after our morning arrival from Newark. Mammatus clouds are a good indicator of severe weather activity and our arrival was, indeed, coined by numerous Cumulonimbus clouds that required avoidance. 

 

Port Porthole

The amazing Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine seen inflight from Toronto to Lisbon in A330-941 CS-TUQ in which all economy class seats have been removed in order to load cargo in the cabin as well as in the cargo holds. 

Back in Business

After 8 months of no-flying due to the Covid-19 crisis, it's good to be back in the air. Passenger travel is still very restricted so many operators (such as my own) have taken advantage of the increased demand for cargo flights such as this one to Toronto. 

Covid-19

 It became evident, quite early on, that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline industry would be devastating. At some point, it made sense to make a record in my logbook to justify what ended up being 8 months without flying. 

Legal Eagle

 The beautiful A330-941 NEO shortly before our departure from Chicago to Lisbon. The flight to Chicago a few days earlier was my first one after being fully released as captain on the A330. 

Brand New

 A glimpse of the surgical cleanliness behind the giant fan of the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine during a scheduled maintenance inspection. This engine powers the A330-900 NEO.

A321LR Eastbound

October 2020, my last transatlantic crossing from Newark to Porto in the A321 LR CS-TXC before moving on to the A330. By now I have had the pleasure of operating about a dozen transatlantic flights since this aircraft type began operations in mid 2019. At around half of the operational cost of the widebodies typically used on these routes, the A321LR is definitely an industry "game-changer" for times to come.  

Rio Ebro

Ignition

Spanish CB

Backlit Virga

River Tejo Bridge

The beautiful suspension bridge that joins the north and south banks of the Tejo river in Lisbon seen from the left downwind leg of a visual approach for runway 03 in Airbus A320 CS-TNP.

Jersey

The British channel island of Jersey off the coast of France seen from Airbus A320 CS-TNP while in the climb out of London Heathrow bound to Lisbon.

Connections

The rising Sun off of Airbus A320 CS-TNP's sharklet in the climb out of London Heathrow on this early morning flight to Lisbon. A calculated takeoff time (slot) and minor unexpected maintenance issues delayed our London departure. Fortunately, a powerful jetstream is helping us make up for it by boosting our groundspeed. Our passengers should make their connections.

Porto

The beautiful Portuguese city of Porto seen from high altitude while enroute from Lisbon to London Heathow in Airbus A319 CS-TTD. A powerful high pressure system has been offering clear skies for numerous days and the much needed rain has been no where to be seen. 

English Overcast

Airbus A319 CS-TTD popping out of the English overcast just after taking off from London Heathrow. The French ATS were, once again, on strike so this flight to Lisbon was planned via the NAT (North Atlantic) region thereby avoiding French airspace and associated delays.

November Skies

Descending towards Paris Orly in A320 CS-TNM. Its November and the early setting Sun allows for some amazing skies.