BRITISH AIRWAYS FIRST LANDING ON ST HELENA

Touchdown

Today is the day that many have been looking forward to. 
Although not a scheduled flight, this was the one which shows the world that St Helena Airport is open for business.  The flight is the first Comair flight to arrive here and the one which signals that more will follow.
Many islanders made the trip out to the millennium forest area to get a good look at the landing even though it is Monday and a work day.
The flight was due to arrive at 11.40 and around 11.50 a speck could be seen in the distance. 

First Sighting!

 The plane gradually made it towards the island until the British Airways livery on the tail could clearly be seen.  A lack of undercarriage gave away the fact that the plane was probably coming in for a first look rather than a landing.  It got close to the runway and then made a climb and returned back to the north east for the landing

Flypast without landing gear

Once again In came the plane for what we thought would be the real landing.  In it came and almost skimmed the runway but at the very last minute the landing was aborted and again it climbed away through the clouds. 

Second Attempt almost made it

The third attempt was not without drama with a dip to the wings before wheels actually touched the ground.  Plenty of dust flew up as soon as touchdown happened and as the plane taxied to a halt..

third time lucky?

A bit of a wobble

Success in front of the crowd at Bradleys Camp.

And so there we have it, commercial aircraft landing for the first time on St Helena.  A moment in history and an open gateway to the rest of the world. 
Fares have been announced and soon bookings can be made via the British Airways website.  This is likely to take place in another couple of weeks.
The plane is going to be here for a couple of days and will be doing test landings and take offs during this time. 
Heading back to the office was an experience as we ended up in a massive traffic jam with cars coming from all directions onto the main road.  A taste of things to come perhaps?

Safe home and heading for the terminal

A St Helena Traffic Jam. Not quite the M25