Aviation History - First Ever Qantas A380 at Gatwick - 15th April 2024

On Monday 14th April Gatwick airport welcomed a very unique and very special visitor for the first time. Operating on a charter VH-OQJ touched down at around 8am from Singapore. The ultra rare moment was caught live on film. This video showcases the first ever departure from Gatwick’s runway of this iconic aircraft. Another first for London Gatwick and an amazing day for aviation enthusiasts in the UK. Please relax and enjoy the footage of history in the making
#liveplanespotting #airportlive #aircraft #flying #aviation #pilots #liveairport #planespotting #studentpilots #avgeek

[@PixelVibe42]

The banking shots and the image with the TAP briefly in the background - sheer perfection! Thank you SDTV, Chris and Mods!

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks pixel! With the wind we had we tried the best to keep it tracked

[@mizamAs]

Qantas 388 at LGW was a very rare moment. I thought only EK 388 was always a special guest. Now there are 2 Sky King guests. This will be a memory that will never be forgotten. Thank you very much Chris and the person who told you

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

It’s a special moment now Mizam! And we have it on film forever

[@mizamAs]

yes Chris yesterday you caught him with a really great shot. This could be a very nice gift for Bruce lol😂

[@AirIndiaB777]

What a super cool to see First Qantas A380 departure as always Chris mate. Hopefully we will see you soon on Thursday ❤

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Such a good aircraft for Gatwick and so fitting! See you soon

[@JD-cw4qg]

Wow Chris, this is just epic to see. Thanks for posting . He's a beauty. 😊

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

No worries JD ✈️✈️

[@samanthavigor3085]

Wonderfully captured Chris 😁😉

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thank you Sam 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@MattWilliams482]

Epic video Chris one of if not the best video of yours so far!

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks so much Matt! ✈️✈️

[@RobertLain-xn2wx]

You went though hell to get us those pictures brilliant

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Was so worth it Robert in the end! Thank you

[@suzispringfield7376]

Thank you for posting this! 👍🏽

[@m0rtrg]

I had to miss the live show, but happy to be able to watch these highlights. Great stuff Chris

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks my friend! Glad to be able to post this stuff up for people that haven’t the time for the stream catch up

[@mariopoliti3072]

That was amazing footage, thanks once agajn for bringing us these special moments 👍✈️

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

My pleasure Mario glad we can capture this ✈️✈️

[@Dogwood67]

Brilliant video Chris. The banking shot is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks for watching it dogwood! Appreciate it ✈️✈️

[@Lesloi6227]

It’s pretty special isn’t it?

[@dianeemsley5013]

Exquisite!!! Beautifully edited as well. xx

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks Diane! Had to post the full video

[@alanlewis2785]

Great job Chris.. beautiful aircraft

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks Alan

[@cabottaxi]

Great shot as always Chris. With Gatwick being such a busy single runway operation , ATC must have had their hands full ensuring separation of this 380 with "normal" traffic

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks Cabot I wish I had the radio we could of heard it all

[@airtiki2374]

Nice capture didn't seem like many spotters there..I like you closing graphics-cool

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks for watching 👀

[@davegreening5968]

Brilliant catch Chris I don’t get the time to watch you live but glad I can catch up I have a uniden bearcat that I don’t use anymore you can have it if you want

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Not a problem Dave life gets in the way sometimes! I appreciate that, I’ve managed to fix mine now, don’t get rid of yours you never know when it may come in handy

[@davegreening5968]

@@SDTVLiveAviation ok you have come a long way since you started keep up the great work

[@OrnumCR]

Always amazes me how these behemoths are able to fly….stunning footage of what looks like a very short runway with that great machine facing camera and then gracefully lifting off. Incredible.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

The wonders of physics 👌🏻 it’s amazing isn’t it seeing it especially from that angle! Appreciate you watching ✈️

[@mickboakes7023]

Brilliant. Great shot against that blue sky as she said goodbye. Well done Chris. Must’ve been worth getting wet for surely. All the best. Mick

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks mick appreciate it

[@Tyler_The_Aviator]

It’s just landed in Sydney that exact plane from Singapore

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Long flight Tyler

[@mrmrkidd]

Great footage

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thank you ✈️

[@lesleym6952]

Just absolutely stunning 🤩

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

👌🏻✈️✈️✈️

[@paulkitson390]

Excellent capture Chris 👍 - (P.S. I think Monday was the 15th 😬)

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks Paul! You are correct 😂 my mistake

[@Lesloi6227]

It’s a thing of beauty for sure

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Sure is

[@foundation6867]

Now that got me goosebumps wow 🤩 what amazing aircraft the a380 and to See Qantas now starting flights from London Gatwick is insane

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Great aircraft to see it’s a good sign for Gatwick although it was a charter. Would love to see it full time

[@foundation6867]

@@SDTVLiveAviation indeed and who knows beyond where

[@Tammyperry1]

One Super ROO Love me some A380 Roo

[@robertsadler1275]

Hi from Tokyo just recently arrived for a nearly months holiday in japan! I was there I flew out from gatwick that day to Tokyo via Shanghai on the China Eastern flight!Great service with China Eastern but bit of a choppy departure due to a breezy day!

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

I’ve heard some good things Robert about the service on China eastern! Lots of people recommend them

[@indobleh]

I've flown on an A380 from Malaysia to UK, Easter Monday 2016. It was empty, literally 20 people onboard plus crew.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Sounds like a great flight ✈️

[@gordon9306ify]

Incredibly good footage 💯 I don't always get to see your live coverage here in Australia but love catching up. Keep up the fantastic work, well done 👍

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thanks for the support Gordon I really appreciate it

[@c8Lorraine1]

Majestic

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Very majestic

[@ravsingh5347]

What a beauty ✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

A very nice aircraft

[@damianperry163]

Was this a “one-off” flight to LGW? I saw the flight on Flight24 and wondered why it was bound for Gatwick not LHR.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

It was a charter so that’s why it was at LGW

[@peterlee6745]

Good Shot to the Sky that 380./ But Still love the 747. been on back in the Day .5 Times

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Same as me Peter I love the 747 but this is all we have now sadly unless we head to Europe

[@MrRobbo1968]

Was this empty leaving LGW if so surprised it didn't go direct to Sydney with extra fuel.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

I am just trying to find out Robbo, obviously load factors are quite secret but I have asked

[@MerleDoughty-yw6cl]

I have flown in and out of Gatwick with Emirates A380 in 2015.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

It’s a great and comfortable aircraft

[@ginolatino91]

thank you Chris and 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Glad you liked it gino

[@MsSlmitchell]

Isn't she beautiful!? So proud of our big birds...the pride of Australia 🇦🇺 🦘🐨🪃❤️

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

She is stunning! So nice seeing her somewhere else in the UK! Hope your well

[@stevenarcher5149]

Is this going to be a regular flight or not?

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Just a charter at the minute and back again end of the month

[@RealMR_Planey]

Is it landing back on the 30th?

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

It landed back today

[@RealMR_Planey]

@@SDTVLiveAviation yes i was at gatwick when it landed at the side

[@babygrrlpc5057]

Welcome, mates!

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@alanmilligan3874]

Have always taken great pride in spotting a Qantas plane all around the world but with the recent bad management behaviour, I now refuse to fly anywhere with them. A proud South Australian.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

That’s such a shame 😳 that has made you feel like that

[@adrianburn7178]

Why was Qantas at LGW?

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

It was a charter ✈️

[@Swescrapman]

one time happening ore regular?

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Back again on the 30th it’s been chartered. Never know though what’s in store

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Back again on the 30th it’s been chartered. Never know though what’s in store

[@lorrainehodder8913]

It was a charter flight.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

It was.

[@user-kq8if3ud5e]

What is the name of this A380. It is more important than the rego.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Bert Hinkler according to Planespotters.net

[@veenashingadia7872]

Hi there what a beautiful take off that is stunning and also I just want to say a big big thank you as I believe someone has kindly given me a membership so thank you to who gave it to me

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Glad you enjoyed the footage! And enjoy the blue star ✈️

[@archangel763]

The great white shark going back home.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Just needed the jaws theme ✈️

[@Tyler_The_Aviator]

I got that

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

So glad Tyler so many people took the photo yesterday! What a great day

[@RealMR_Planey]

Tyler!

[@Tyler_The_Aviator]

@@SDTVLiveAviation It was. An amazing sight to see! I would love to see it again. Maybe they will have daily flights from Gatwick to Singapore soon , As of July This year Singapore airlines are so maybe that will encourage them too.

[@Tyler_The_Aviator]

@@RealMR_Planey Hello!

[@Tyler_The_Aviator]

@@SDTVLiveAviation Yes. Very rare sight would of liked to see it land or takeoff but saw it going over Redhill so that was amazing

[@Lesloi6227]

QF332 VHOQ A380 registration numbers.

[@SDTVLiveAviation]

Thank you