-AFP filepic
PETALING JAYA: Airplane-spotting enthusiasts are excited to catch a glimpse of the US President’s Air Force One jet as it arrives in the country for the 47th Asean Summit.
One of them, Muhammad Abd Hafiz said he has been eagerly waiting for the arrival of the aircraft carrying VIPs before the start of the summit today.
He said he missed the arrival of Air Force One at Subang Airport when then-president Barack Obama visited Malaysia in 2014.
“I will make sure I will not miss it this time,” he said yesterday.
Muhammad said that Air Force One, carrying US President Donald Trump, is expected to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this morning.
“We don’t usually get the chance to spot this kind of aircraft here, as they will usually land in Subang Airport.
“But due to logistical issues, they are coming through KLIA for the Asean Summit,” added the 39-year-old.
Muhammad said that many local plane spotters are expected to gather at “Anjung Spotter KLIA”, an area open to the public which has a special viewing deck.
“Usually, about 50 cars will show up with groups of spotters during the weekends or on holidays.
“I expect more to turn up as many spotters are eager to catch a glimpse of Air Force One as word has since spread,” he added.
He said that most spotters will rely on their handphone cameras to get a photograph of Air Force One as it lands.
Over the past few days, Muhammad said he has spent time spotting several other aircraft arriving at KLIA, including two Boeing C-17A Globemaster III from the US government, which arrived several days ago.
Muhammad, who works with the Airport Fire and Rescue Service, said he took up the hobby of plane spotting about eight years ago and would post photographs of the aircraft on his social media accounts.
Several local enthusiasts on the Plane Spotting Malaysia Facebook page have already posted questions on the arrival of Air Force One more than a week ago.
Tips are also provided by Spotterguide.net on the best locations to spot airplanes arriving at KLIA, including Subang.
