BNE looms as plane spotters delight during G20

While the world’s media is focused on the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre where leaders of the G20 nations are gathering later this week, as far as aviation enthusiasts are concerned all the action will be at BNE’s main 01/19 runway.

Plane spotters have been counting down the days to G20 summit and the prospect of catching a glimpse – and the chance to take that perfect photo – of the private jets ferrying the prime ministers and presidents to Brisbane ahead of the summit.

The most anticipated aircraft, and hence the most keenly sought photo, will be Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Illyushin Il-96.

However, the increased security surrounding the arrival of some of the most powerful people in the world has not made life easy for regulars plane spotters to Brisbane Airport’s best vantage points.

The airport has closed off the Acacia Street loop viewing area from November 6 to November 19, while access to other vantage points was expected to be restricted.

However, photographer Lance Broad says Brisbane Airport have been very helpful, including hosting meetings with the community and working out how to accommodate them during this period of enhanced security.

Broad says he is looking forward to seeing an Airbus A310 from Canada, a Boeing 757 from Mexico and what aircraft UK Prime Minister David Cameron flies in on.

There has already been some early excitement, with a Brazilian Air Force Embraer E190-100AR seen on November 9, while Saudia Cargo Boeing 747-400 dropped off some items, including a car, on November 8. A Russian Ilyushin was also at BNE on November 6.

The peak time for arrivals was expected to be Friday November 14, while the G20 leaders were expected to head home on Sunday November 16.