Planes & Friends

09/13/2026

See you all on Monday LIVE from JFK Airport in New York!
Where? Youtube channel PLANES & FRIENDS

09/10/2026

08/31/2026

On Monday we will rerurn to New York’s LaGuardia airport to catch the afternoon rush. Start of the stream will be 11am EST and we’re super excited to welcome all of you.
In 2025 LaGuardia welcomed 32.8 Million pasengers which makes that little airport one of the largest airports in the North-East. And yes, that’s the “smallest” from the big 3 in New York City.
There is nonstop action going on and always a good chance for some chaos.

Can’t wait to welcome all of you. 11am EST.
See you later!

08/28/2026

Today I have visited one of the most historically significant aviation locations in the North East: the former Republic Aviation complex at Republic Airport in Farmingdale.

This remarkable site played a major role in American military aviation. During World War II, more than 9,000 P-47 Thunderbolts were built here. The enormous fighter became one of the most important American aircraft of the war. Farmingdale later produced the F-84 Thunderjet and Thunderstreak, followed by all 833 F-105 Thunderchiefs—many of which flew dangerous missions over Vietnam. Decades later, the first two YA-10 prototypes were also constructed here, beginning the story of the legendary A-10 Warthog.

Most of the original factory, including the huge Building 17 assembly hall, is unfortunately gone today. However, several wartime airport structures survived, including historic Hangar 3, now home to the American Airpower Museum.

07/31/2026

It looks like Newark’s FedEx MD-11F may have finally awakened from storage.

According to Flightradar24, the aircraft completed two taxi tests followed by a test flight lasting approximately 2½ hours today—a very encouraging sign that it could soon return to service.

This particular MD-11 has a remarkable history. Originally delivered brand new to Swissair on March 6, 1991, as HB-IWA, she later continued flying for Swiss before being retired in July 2004. FedEx subsequently acquired the aircraft and converted her from passenger to freighter configuration.

HB-IWA also holds a special place in Swiss aviation history, as she was the very first MD-11 delivered to Swissair, replacing the legendary Boeing 747-300 in the airline’s long-haul fleet.

We all hope to see this beautiful tri-jet back where she belongs—in the skies.

10/28/2025

Hey P&F Family!

Guess what? I decided to be wildly productive today (yes, it happens sometimes!) and finally created our official WhatsApp channel!

This is where I’ll keep you in the loop about all the fun stuff — upcoming streams, schedule tweaks, special airport happenings, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek (because who doesn’t love some aviation gossip?).

Important PSA:
This is a WhatsApp channel, not a group — meaning I can’t see your phone numbers, personal info, or what kind of memes you’re into. 😄
It’s one-way communication: I share the updates, you sit back, relax, and react with some emojis (because yes, WhatsApp knows we need those).

Just scan the QR code below to join the channel!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments — I’ll be around!

Wherever you’re tuning in from, have an awesome morning, evening, or snack break.
And seriously — thank you all for the incredible support. You are the best community anyone could ask for. ❤️

Stay awesome,
P&F Crew

10/12/2025

Japan Airlines (JAL) did operate 747‘s for decades and sent them also to LAX. Captured from Imperial Hill 20 years ago in March 2005. Time flies.
(c) by Planes & Friends