It’s kind of a big deal when a new airline begins service at an airport and there are usually big celebrations for most inaugural flights. Thankfully for an aviation geek like myself I live near an airport that sometimes invites the public to join in the celebration!
On April 24, 2026 Air Primera made it’s inaugural flight from Seoul, South Korea into Washington Dulles International Airport and I was one of 30-some aviation enthusiasts who were given a front row seat to the landing! We were driven out on the beloved people movers to runway R1 to watch the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner land.
Once we were on the runway we had about 10 minutes to get set up before it landed. Then it finally appeared and made a smooth touchdown. It was amazing being so close!
After it passed we were quickly loaded back up into the people mover and had to rush to the gate ahead of the plane to get in position to see the water cannon salute. For a moment I left like we were in a Fast and Furious movie chasing a plane down a runway.
At one point they did have to ask the plane to stop so we could get to the gate ahead of them. We all joked about what they were telling poor the passengers who probably just wanted to get off the plane as quickly as possible after a 13-hour flight. “Sorry folks, we have to sit here for a few minutes so the plane geeks can take some pictures.” But I have to admit, it was a cool feeling to know that they were actually holding the plane back so I could get pictures and videos of the inaugural landing.
But we finally made it and got into position for the water cannon salute!
Afterwards we got to hang out for a bit and watch the ground crew unload and service the plane, which was actually really awesome to see.
It was such an amazing experience photographing the aircraft land and being part of the excitement on the ground! A special thank you goes out to staff and volunteers at Dulles International Airport and Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority staff and volunteers for putting on such an awesome event!
