It’s been three years since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, and I’ve been going out for photography less and less. I really don’t know how much longer I can keep up this hobby. It would be a pity to let such good equipment go unused, so I took a holiday at the beginning of the year to visit Haneda Airport to practice.

First, I went to the third passenger terminal to look at the international flights. The most eye-catching one was ITA Airways’ brand new A350. This is the first time I’ve seen ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) with its blue livery, and it is the airframe EI-IFF, featuring a special livery commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit.

I spotted an American Airlines 787 from afar, Looking closely at the registration number N880BJ, it turns out this was the first 787 American Airlines received after the pandemic. It’s quite a historically significant airframe.

The aircraft Philippine Airlines flies to Haneda has changed from an A320 to a 777; it looks like the number of tourists coming to Japan from the Philippines is increasing. Also, this aircraft’s registration is RP-C7777. Seeing so many 7s is quite rare.

China Airlines’ aircraft has also changed from an A321 to the larger A330, which shows that demand from tourists in Taiwan is also growing.

Additionally, a Finnair A350, a Lufthansa 747, and a Cathay Pacific 777, all looking as usual. It seems the operations on these routes remain stable.

This was my first time capturing the JAL A350 in the Oneworld livery. The lighting was decent, so I suppose it’s a passable photo.

Next, I took a bus to the second passenger terminal. This side is still dominated by a massive fleet of blue ANA aircraft. However, I was very satisfied to be able to photograph this ANA Future Promise special livery aircraft, JA874A. Also, the silhouette of the Delta A350 in the sunset was a long-awaited sight.

As it got dark, I walked to the first passenger terminal planning to shoot Mount Fuji. Although the visibility wasn’t ideal, the scenes of the setting sun, Mount Fuji, and the afterglow did not disappoint.

I haven’t tried panning shots for a long time, The results at a shutter speed of 1/25 can only be described as barely passing.

I believe that by the middle of 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic will basically be over, and traveling home to visit family should no longer be just a dream. Looking forward to it.