Previous post introduced some special liveries; now let’s switch themes and take a look at aircraft during twilight and at night, as well as Kansai International Airport.

On this day, the runway configuration was RWY24L for departures and RWY24R for arrivals. From the observation deck, the arriving aircraft were directly to the west, making it quite easy to take sunset-themed photos.

For example, this Thai Airways Airbus A330-300, registration HS-TBF, is just about to touch down. With the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island in the background, and the reflection of the airport radar, various antennas, and rails in the foreground, this silhouette photo looks decent enough.

Next, a China Airlines Boeing 747-400, registration B-18207. Just as the main landing gear touched down, the tires friction against the Runway produced blue smoke. The sparkling sea surface reflects the unique nose shape of the 747.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER has completed pushback and engine start, and has just begun taxiing towards Runway 24L. The distinctly lit areas on the airframe, registration B-KQA, especially that bright strip of light along the windows, look very pleasing. I have always really liked the front view of the 777.

There happened to be a Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 passing overhead in the sky, leaving a long contrail. The sun’s residual light hitting the bottom of the aircraft makes it sparkle with a metallic feel.

Over at the departing RWY24L, another China Airlines Boeing 747-400 was preparing to embark on its journey. Stopping down the aperture a couple of stops, the starburst effect from the taxi lights is impressive. The 747 always looks supremely handsome with its huge, distinctive nose shape, no matter when or where.

As the sky gradually darkened, the various lights within the airport began to take center stage. This is also the time when the texture of the airframes is most easily revealed.

After dark, the most dazzling lights on the aircraft are the anti-collision lights. I’ve taken countless photos with this as the theme, such as this Korean Air 737-800, and this ANA Boeing 737-700, among others.

However, the most impressive ones are the Boeing 787s. Since they use LED lights, the flash duration is longer than on other models, making them easier to photograph. Moreover, the lighting effect is pronounced, illuminating the ground very brightly. The image stabilization of the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is truly powerful; it allows for stable shooting even at a 1/20-second exposure, which is amazing.

Finally, here is a panoramic view of Kansai International Airport. With an exposure time of 1.3 seconds, the terminal is brilliantly lit—quite majestic, isn’t it?

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