Plane spotters welcome at Wellcamp Airport

THE Darling Downs community will have the chance to witness history when the first Cathay Pacific 747-8 jumbo cargo plane lands at Wellcamp Airport.

THE Darling Downs community will have the chance to witness history when the first Cathay Pacific 747-8 jumbo cargo plane lands at Wellcamp Airport.

Wellcamp Airport general manager Phil Gregory said it would be a major milestone for the not only the airport but the locals.

"This flight is of massive significance to us as a region, the opportunities on the horizon are endless and will have huge economic and social benefits for our community," Mr Gregory said.

He said the community was welcome at the airport to see the plane land at 2.30pm on November 23 and take off just over two hours later (4.45pm).

"We will establish public viewing areas along the eastern side of the runway, which will offer the best vantage points to see this magnificent aircraft as it lands and takes off.

"We know many of the locals are excited about this flight and they are very welcome to come and witness this historic moment.

"But we are mindful that on this occasion it won't be comparable to our open day events where there were extensive interactive opportunities, this is more an observatory occasion for the public.

"As such it will be a lower-key event where the public can bring their portable chair along and watch the 747 land and take off."

Mr Gregory said there would be some shade but 'plane spotters' were encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and of course their cameras.

He said once people came through the Wellcamp business park entrance, direction signage would highlight the public viewing areas.

Originally published as Plane spotters welcome at Wellcamp Airport