UN Week 2021

[jbluflyermatt]

Hello all! Unfortunately didn't have the opportunity to create one of these threads last year due to COVID restrictions forcing the cancellation of the UNGA meetings. Anyway, hope everyone has been safe and healthy these past 18 months (it's really been that long).

I wanted to start this thread really early this year because, despite the event still expecting to occur, UNGA will look different from years past.

First of all, the only in-person meeting at the UN this year will be the General Debate. All other meetings will be virtual. This will give leaders more flexibility as to when they can arrive into and leave New York.

Secondly, the UN is asking that any delegation who does decide to attend bring as few members as possible, meaning that only the head of state and maybe a couple other members of government will be coming. This likely means that we won't be seeing our usual parade of 20 Qatar Amiri jets, and instead we'll see two or three (if even that many). Brazil, Kuwait and Turkey are some of the other nations that usually bring three or more aircraft a year.

Lastly, and most importantly, the UN has given the option for its members to deliver their General Debate speeches through a pre-recorded video, which some leaders have already agreed to do, including, as of August 19, the Iranian, Egyptian, South African and 35 other heads of state. This likely means that those delegations will not come at all to New York, so we wouldn't be seeing any of their planes.

However, it does look like many countries are still expected to come to New York for the annual conference, including Japan, France, the UK, Australia, the US, Turkey, Venezuela, Israel and India. I can say that one of these delegations is confirmed to be coming with an official flight scheduled, though I can't reveal who and when just yet.

All of the information I received about protocol for this year's event as well as the attendance roster is from this article... https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/covid-19-consider-giving-a-video-address-at-unga-us-urges-world-leaders/article35990324.ece Gotta give credit where due!

A couple new government jets have been delivered since 2019, including Albania's A319 ACJ (TC-ANA, which is being leased from the Turkish Govt), Germany's A350 (10+03, which I believe equals 13), Israel's 767-300 (4X-ISR), Senegal's A320NEO ACJ (6V-SEN) and Uzbekistan's Dream)liner (UK001). Additionally, P4-CLA, Comlux's 767-200, got a fresh new paint job the week after UNGA 2019. They usually operate for some African country, so wouldn't be surprised to see it again this year. If anyone knows of any other new jets, please add them to the thread!

If I receive any more information regarding who will and won't be attending, I will definitely update.

T minus two weeks. Hope everyone's excited!

[MarioFL]

Interesting info, even if its less traffic should be fun to see a few foreign jets again. Looking forward to more updates

[jbluflyermatt]

Arrival/Departure Updates

Friday 9/3
It looks like we had a government jet in town today… A6-AUH, a 737-800 BBJ owned the UAE. They left JFK today AUH11 headed southeast. Not sure if today’s visit is related to the UN conferences, but I know some of the Middle Eastern countries tend to come a week or two before the conference begins (in 2019, Kuwait’s 748 arrived with its head of state onboard Sept 1 I believe).

Tuesday 9/7
Another one has made it to town! Though not a head-of-state transport jet, I figured I'd still point it out nonetheless... FAC1208, a Colombia Air Force 737-400, landed into Stewart last night after hopping around the country the past week.

Monday 9/13
Our first arrival of the week slipped in last night! One of Brazil's Lineage 1000s, FAB2591, flew from Boa Vista, Brazil to JFK as BRS6 with a 0030L arrival, then repositioned to Islip, the usual reposition spot for them. They departed Islip at 1730L this evening back down to Brazil.

Colombia's 737-400 departed Stewart last Thursday for DC, then flew down to Orlando a few days later. We may see it back later in the week or next week because Colombia's presidential aircraft is usually accompanied by another Air Force jet.

Tuesday 9/14
1200L: 2-DEER, a 787 BBJ, was flying across Europe heading towards the Atlantic earlier today, calling as ROJ030. I was told there was supposed to be a 787 arrival today into New York, so I assume this is them. Also watching one of Australia’s 737 BBJs, A36-001, just passing LA as ASY317. They're supposed to be coming to White Plains over the weekend, so I assume they’re stopping elsewhere before coming to NY.

1730L: 2-DEER did indeed go to JFK. Landed around 1530L. Australia went to Andrews. Makes sense considering, as previously mentioned, they aren't supposed to get to New York until this weekend. They flew nonstop from Honolulu to Andrews, which I didn't think was possible for a 737, even with extended range.

Wednesday 9/15
1615L: Deer Jet/Royal Jet went to Stewart yesterday after dropping off at JFK. I was tracking A6-MMM, a Dubai Air Wing (UAE) 747-400, flying across Europe earlier as DUB2. They stopped in London, but I was told they’re coming to New York at some point. Will keep an eye on that. A Turkey G550, TC-ATA, was commencing an Atlantic crossing about an hour ago as TRK9. Should be in New York around 2130-2200L if it’s coming here. A Korean Air 737-700 BBJ, HL8222, is on its way from Denver to Newark now, operating as KE9095. Landing around 1845L. Not sure who’s onboard nor if it’s even UN related.

2200L: The Turkey G550 just landed into JFK. Should be off the ground in the next two hours, and Stewart is the usual reposition for them. Also saw pictures today of a VistaJet Global and a private Falcon 7X on the ramp at Kennedy. Considering that they've both been on the ground there for more than the Port Authority's allotted two hours for government aircraft, my guess is that they aren't related to UNGA, but I'll still point out that they're here.

Thursday 9/16
0905L: Turkey had a pretty quick turn at JFK last night. I think they were in and out within about an hour. Repositioned to Stewart, as expected. A Qatar Amiri Flight A330-200, A7-HHM, popped into JFK this morning. That one left about 45 mins ago and is now on the approach into Dulles, operating as QAF3. That's about it for now. Will update later with any further information.

1245L: Currently watching A7-AAH, another Qatar Amiri, but this time an A340-300. It’s just starting an Atlantic crossing now, and I’m going to assume they’re coming here. If they are, then they’ll be in New York around 1900L tonight.

2000L: A7-AAH did go to JFK. Landed within probably the last half hour. Qatar Amiri’s A340-500, A7-HHH, is currently flying over Greece on a very similar path to those of the other two Qatars that have already shown up. Callsign is QAF6. Will monitor. 9H-GGG, a 737-700 BBJ, is on its way from Vegas to Newark, calling as JML100. ETA is 2245L. I highly doubt this is related to the UNGA, but it’s still a cool aircraft nonetheless.

2300L: A7-AAH just repositioned from JFK to Stewart. A7-HHH is starting to cross the Atlantic now. If it’s coming to New York, which I expect it is, it’ll land around 0530L.

[jbluflyermatt]

Scheduled List of Speakers

https://www.un.org/en/ga/info/meetings/76schedule.shtml

[jbluflyermatt]

Arrival/Departure Updates Pt. 2

Friday 9/17
1515L: UN weekend has arrived at last!! A7-HHH came to JFK this morning then repositioned to Dulles. A7-HHM left Dulles around three hours ago to cross back over the Atlantic. Sweden’s G550, 102005, was commencing an Atlantic crossing around 1200L, and they usually go to Teterboro. Callsign is SVF630. Should be on the ground around 1900L. A7-AAG, ANOTHER Qatar Amiri, is crossing London at FL380 as QAF4. I assume they’re going to stop in the UK or Ireland. I’ll keep an eye on this one too. This one’s a 320. One of Brazil’s VC-99Bs (the military equivalent of the Legacy 600), FAB2585, just landed into JFK as BRS029.

1655L: Sweden is confirmed to TEB. ETA is 1915L. There’s also an Air Alsie Falcon 8X, OY-RAD, on its way to JFK from Stockholm right now. Idk if this is connected at all to the Swedish delegation considering they’re already flying the Gulfstream in. Namibia’s Falcon 7X, V5-GON, is scheduled into Teterboro at 0830L tomorrow morning, operating as NAM1. Brazil’s VC-99B just repositioned from JFK to Islip.

Saturday 9/18
0700L: Morning! A7-AAG went straight to Dulles last night after a fuel stop in Ireland. Namibia is running a couple hours late. ETA is now 1220L. Currently eyeing Kuwait's A340-500, 9K-GBB, crossing Europe as KUG007. That's all I've got for now. Talk to you guys later!

0925L: Looks like a Turkey A400, 17-0078, is on the approach into one of the Long Island airports, calling as TUAF415. Currently passing the Mass/Rhode Island coastline. Kuwait is going to be crossing the Atlantic, so I assume they're coming here. Probably about 7-7.5 hours till arrival. Also was tracking P4-CLA, Comlux Aruba's 767-200, calling as AGO001 out of Luanda, Angola. They usually charter with Royal Jet, but I guess they want to spice things up this year.

1500L: Namibia is in Teterboro. Looks like Angola may be going too far south for New York. Will monitor. Kuwait is off the coast of Maine. Australia’s BBJ is making its way from Andrews to White Plains now, on the LI Sound. Nothing else for now.

1600L: I forgot to mention that Turkey’s A400 went to JFK then repositioned to Dover. Kuwait 340 just landed at JFK. Lost tracking of Angola, but will update when I get it back up. Australia is safe and sound here in White Plains. A7-HHM, the Qatar Amiri 330 that was here a couple days ago, looks to be on a path similar to the one taken the other day, so it may be coming back once again. Calling as QAF3 again.

1935L: Kuwait dropped off at JFK then went to Stewart. Angola went directly to Dulles. A7-HHM is crossing the Atlantic. A U.S. Air Force C17, 96-0002, just popped into JFK, calling as RCH280. 2-DEER is back at JFK. Wonder why they’re heading out so early. Tomorrow should be a really good day. Nothing but sunshine and some great aircraft!

2130L: Brazil's VC-99B, FAB2585, is also back at JFK. Guess they're heading back to Brazil. Should be out within the next half hour. 2-DEER and the C17 are gone. A7-HHM is making its way through Canada. Should be on the ground, if coming to New York, in about 2.5 to 3 hours. I'll update about that one in the morning. Night everyone!

2135L: One more thing... sorry! Forgot to mention that Colombia's 767-200, FAC1202, crossed the Atlantic from Europe and landed into Andrews about an hour ago. I don't know how the Colombian delegation is planning to get to New York, if they're coming, considering that the presidential 737 has been in storage in Georgetown, Delaware for a couple months.

Sunday 9/19
0630L: Good morning! Lots of great stuff in the air. Nigeria’s 737-700 BBJ, 5N-FGT, is currently trekking through Western Sahara, calling as NGR001. I expect a fuel stop in the Canary Islands. Korea’s 747, 10001, is also airborne, though I’ve lost tracking as it’s crossing the Pacific, calling as KAF001. Turkey’s 747-8 and 332 are on the way. The 748 is in Bulgaria, and the 332 is in Romania. Callsigns are TRK1 and 2, respectively.

1000L: After a fuel stop in the Azores, Nigeria is on the move again crossing the Atlantic. Turkey 1 and 2 are crossing the Atlantic as well. Libya’s A342, 5A-ONE, is on its way as LBY001. UK’s 330, ZZ336, just departed Stansted as KRF81 for JFK. Looking at a 1700L ish arrival. Korea is over Alaska.

1115L: A U.S. Air Force C17 landed into Kennedy probably half an hour ago. Can’t remember the tail. Brazil’s A319, FAB2101, is on its way from Brazil now, crossing through Suriname, operating as BRS01. Everything else as posted earlier.

1240L: C17 left about a half hour ago. In addition to everything listed above, a Biman Bangladesh 787 is on its way from Helsinki to JFK as BG1902. This definitely has the PM because she was supposed to go to Helsinki before coming to NY.

1435L: Nothing new to add, just wanted to give position updates. Korea just crossed the Canada/NY border, so about an hour. Turkey 1 and 2 are in Nova Scotia. Bangladesh, Nigeria and UK are crossing the Atlantic.

1915L: Apologies for the lack of updates today. Was spotting at Kennedy all day, so I didn’t have any time to post to the forum. Anyway, what a day JFK had today! Turkey 1 and 2, Brazil, Korea, Nigeria, Libya, Bangladesh and the UK all landed within about a two hour span. Turkeys, UK, Bangladesh and Libya are still on the ground. Korea went to Dulles, Nigeria went to Stewart, unlike their usual Dover reposition, and Brazil went to Islip. LX-DIO flew from Houston to White Plains today with the Ghana delegation on board, I believe. Also had PH-JWL, a Falcon 2000, pop through JFK today. I’ll do some investigating later to see if it’s connected to a delegation. Jordan’s G650, VQ-BNZ, just landed into JFK as RJA951 from Savannah, a Gulfstream maintenance facility. It was definitely a great day with some cool catches!

2315L: Last update for tonight. UK repositioned to Dulles. Turkeys, Libya and Bangladesh to Stewart. Jordan is heading back over the Atlantic. The Port Authority must've been a lot more lenient about the two hour rule this year since most aircraft were here for 3+ hours today. That's probably because of the multiple aircraft on the VIP ramp at once today. The Ecuador Falcon 7X, FAE-052, flew from Mexico City to Teterboro earlier as FAE1. They arrived around 1430L. I highly doubt that Dutch Falcon that I reported earlier is government related since they did a turn through Jackson, Wyoming today.

Monday 9/20
0635L: Wow, it's gonna be a busy Monday this year. A6-RJU, a RoyalJet BBJ, landed into JFK this morning at 0430L as DRC001, which would be the D.R. Congo. Senegal’s new A320NEO, 6V-SEN, is airborne out of Dakar as SENE001. One of Brazil’s Lineage 1000s (lost the tail number on the tracker) is making its way thru the Caribbean as BRS3. Probably 3.5 hrs till arrival. Also watching Botswana’s Global, OK1, heading northwest along the western African coastline as F001. Ukraine’s A319, UR-ABA, is trekking across Europe towards the Atlantic as UKN1121. Hungary’s Falcon 7X, 606, is crossing through Germany as HUAF696. After leaving Budapest, they made stops in two other countries, so maybe, if they’re coming to New York, multiple delegations are onboard. Last one I’m eyeing right now is an Italy A319, MM62174, heading across France as IAM3127. Friendly reminder that Vietnam’s 787 is coming this evening from Cuba. STA is 1950L. Callsign is VN1. Forgot to mention that A7-HHM went directly to Dulles on Saturday night.

1035L: RoyalJet repositioned to Stewart. Botswana is stopping for fuel in Cape Verde. Brazil went to Islip, registration was FAB2590. Senegal, Poland, Ukraine, Italy and Hungary are crossing the Atlantic.

1100L: Forgot to mention that there's a TFR in effect at 1645L today until I believe 1800L for Biden's arrival on AF1.

1515L: Senegal went to Newark, unlike past years. They usually go to Kennedy. Ukraine is flying over southwest Mass on a Kennedy arrival track, and Italy is right behind it. HZ-SKY2, a Sky Prime A330 ACJ, is crossing Europe and seems to be heading towards an Atlantic track. They came out of New Delhi, so maybe the Indian delegation? If that’s the case then maybe no India 77W this year. Germany’s A343, 16+01, is about to hit the Atlantic off the UK coast as GAF907. Probably 6.5-7 hours till arrival, assuming a New York bound flight.

1630L: Also forgot to mention that Hungary went to Teterboro. Landed around 1430L. Ukraine and Italy are at JFK. A7-AAH just came back down from Stewart to JFK. Senegal just left Newark heading north, so probably headed to Stewart. VP-CKH, an A318, just landed into Newark. Came out of Le Bourget in Paris. Not sure if it's related to the UNGA but still worth noting! T7-ONEX, a Falcon 8X, flew from Baghdad to Sulaimaniyah, another Iraqi city, last night, and then to LaGuardia, and finally to White Plains this morning. A spotter at LGA said the plane was met with a police escort, so this might be the Iraqi delegation?

1635L: Sorry, another update... U.S. Air Force 1 is on the way. 82-8000 is the reg. Currently crossing the DE Bay, so should be less than half an hour until landing at JFK. Someone at HPN told me that there was an Iraqi flag on T7-ONEX, so I guess it was for the Iraqi delegation.

1840L: Because I had assumed that the BBJ was the only plane Australia would bring, I didn't bother tracking any of their other jets. That was a big mistake, since an Australia KC-30A (a modified A332), A39-007, landed at JFK about 45 mins ago as ASY318. Ukraine repositioned to Dover. A7-AAH and Italy are taxiing for departure now. Biden landed 13R. Very cool! Vietnam is on the way. ETA is 2015L. Also tracking Honduras' Legacy 600, FAH-001, crossing over Cuba as FAH001. Convenient callsign. I wonder if Botswana had a technical issue since they never left Cape Verde this afternoon. HZ-SKY2 and Germany 343 are crossing the Atlantic now.

2115L: Ukraine repositioned to Dover. Australia repositioned to Andrews. Italy to Stewart. Vietnam is on the ground at JFK. Germany and Honduras are on the approach into Kennedy. P4-BAR, a G550, flew from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau to Teterboro today. Can't imagine this is anyone but the Guinea-Bissau delegation.

Tuesday 9/21
0655L: Happy Tuesday! After dropping off at JFK, Vietnam went right back to Cuba, Germany went back to Germany, and Honduras went to Stewart. Botswana was airborne out of Cape Verde an hour or two ago heading towards our area. OE-LJG, an A319 ACJ, just crossed the France/Switzerland border and is coming to White Plains. They came out of Belgrade, so possibly the Serbian delegation.

1145L: Botswana and LJG are crossing the Atlantic. A7-HHH came back to Kennedy from Dulles and is on the ground now. HZ-SKY2 went to JFK last night then repositioned to Stewart.

1525L: Botswana went to Teterboro. A7-HHH departed south. LJG is on the ground at HPN.

1610L: Biden didn’t want to spend a single extra second here than he needed to. He left around 1415L back to DC. Korea 744 came back around 1445L, so it should be leaving within the next hour. Another super quick visit. Colombia sent their Legacy this year, which makes sense considering their 737 has been in storage for about six months. FAC1218 flew from Bogota to Teterboro last night and landed just after midnight.

1805L: Colombia is out already. People are really getting the heck out of here quickly this year. Departed Teterboro at 1705L. Korea is taxiing out at JFK now. G-KELT, an A320NEO ACJ, is on its way from Basel to White Plains right now, operating as CRV1. Currently south of Nova Scotia. Looking at a 1930-2000L arrival. I don't know if these guys are UN related, but still something cool worth noting.

1855L: Korea out, and Australia's BBJ left White Plains a short while ago. Brazil's A319 is currently repositioning from Islip to JFK. If everyone's leaving on the day of their speeches, then we could expect the D.R. Congolese, Turkish, Ecuadorian and Hungarian delegations to also be flying out tonight.

2025L: Wow, completely missed this one… a Spain A310, T.22-1, landed at JFK within the past couple hours as AME4561. G-KELT is at HPN. Australia just took off from Andrews and is headed towards the New York area once again.

[Zee71]

Matt,

Thanks for the great information, it’s greatly appreciated. It truly was a great day. Started off slowly but the afternoon sure made up for it.

Mark

[jbluflyermatt]

Matt,

Thanks for the great information, it’s greatly appreciated. It truly was a great day. Started off slowly but the afternoon sure made up for it.

Mark

Of course, Mark! Indeed, the morning was on the slower side, but we got hit by that huge rush of great stuff in the afternoon! Hope you had a great time out there today.

[springbok]

https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1439690576828506114?s=21Zambia not using their presidential jet but going commercial

https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1439690576828506114?s=21

[MarioFL]

THANK YOU for the effort and time on these updates. This thread is a classic. Some first time visitors showing up and even cool old ones like the UGLY LIBYA PAINT. Who the hell designed that?? Only the tail is ok.. (was so beautiful in old colorful Afriqiyah livery)


https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1439690576828506114?s=21Zambia not using their presidential jet but going commercial

https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1439690576828506114?s=21

Looks like a boring Qatar 777. What model is the Zambia presidential jet?

[jbluflyermatt]

Looks like a boring Qatar 777. What model is the Zambia presidential jet?

They’ve got a pretty cool G650. Usually goes to Teterboro.

[jbluflyermatt]

THANK YOU for the effort and time on these updates. This thread is a classic. Some first time visitors showing up and even cool old ones like the UGLY LIBYA PAINT. Who the hell designed that?? Only the tail is ok.. (was so beautiful in old colorful Afriqiyah livery)

Of course!! Yeah, lots of new visitors this year, and some visiting for the last time as countries await upgrades.

[Zee71]

Senegal SENE1 (6V-SEN) and the Italian Air Force IAM3107 are inbound for later this afternoon. Polish Air Force PLF105 G4 is heading this way as well but that usually goes to TEB. Democratic Republic of Congo DRC001 was here earlier this morning and departed around 0640.

[jbluflyermatt]

Arrival/Departure Updates Pt. 3

Wednesday 9/22
0640L: Spain went to Stewart last night. FAB2590, the Brazil Lineage that's been in Islip, repositioned to JFK then departed back to Brazil last night. A7-HHK, Qatar Amiri's A342, is crossing France heading towards the Atlantic. One of India's new B77Ws, VT-ALW, is airborne somewhere northeast of Georgia right now, calling as INDIA1. One of Russia's IL96s, RA-96023, is crossing through Scandinavia now heading towards the Atlantic as RSD008. Australia did indeed come back to White Plains last night.

1155L: India, Qatar and Russia are crossing the Atlantic. OE-LJG left White Plains this morning, stopped in Bangor, then departed back over the Atlantic.

1455L: A7-HHM flew back up to JFK this afternoon from Dulles. Landed just before 1330L. A7-HHK went directly to Stewart. A7-AAH is currently on the way down from Stewart to JFK. Australia's BBJ left White Plains about two hours ago, and this time for good. Already past Chicago. Colombia's Legacy seems to be heading back up towards us. Guess the pilot forgot his cookies in the FBO. Angola finally flew from Dulles to JFK, landed around 1415L. Currently on the ground at JFK. Russia's IL96 also just landed at JFK around 1430L. India just entered Canada.

1600L: Botswana is repositioning from Teterboro to New Haven. Turkey 1 and 2 are on their way from Stewart to JFK now. India about to hit Maine.

1805L: A7-HHM has departed and is heading towards the Atlantic. Russia is about to land into Dulles on a reposition flight. India just landed at Andrews without stopping in New York. Guess Modi's going to the Quad summit before coming up here. Colombia is back at Teterboro. Landed less than 10 mins ago.

1830L: A7-AAH just took off outta Kennedy. Ukraine just took off outta Dover and is leveling off at 17K now, so they're probably returning to JFK. Sweden is taxiing for departure now at TEB. Bolivia's Falcon 900, FAB-001, is flying along the western edge of Colombia heading north as FAB001. Bolivia speaks tomorrow, so my guess is that they're headed our way. They usually have a fuel stop somewhere before Florida (in 2019 it was Havana) then go to Teterboro.

1955L: Sweden out. Botswana is back at Teterboro. Just landed. UK is on its way back from Dulles to JFK. Just crossing into NJ now.

2230L: Ukraine, Turkey and Spain out. Spain repositioned from Stewart to JFK a couple hours ago and took off just a few mins ago outta Kennedy heading back towards the Atlantic. UK is taxiing out for departure now at JFK. Bolivia stopped for fuel in Panama City and is en route once again. Just flew over Nassau, Bahamas.

Thursday 9/23
0940L: Germany is on its way back to JFK, and Honduras is on the way down right now from Stewart to JFK. Colombia is on its way back to Bogota once again. Bolivia went to Teterboro last night. Japan's pair of B77Ws, 80-1111 and 80-1112, is crossing through Alaska, but they're definitely going right to DC because Suga sent a pre-recorded statement for the UNGA but is attending the Quad summit in person with Biden, Australia and Modi in person.

1600L: Germany on the approach over the island. Both Japans went to Washington, as expected. Honduras is long gone.

1710L: Germany's at JFK. Turkey's G550, TC-ATA, just landed back at JFK from Stewart. A Spain Falcon 900, T.18-5, is currently on final for JFK from Stewart as AME4572. I had no idea they were here.

2030L: Turkey, Spain and Germany out, all heading back over the Atlantic. D.R. Congo RoyalJet is repositioning back to JFK now. PH-GOV, the Netherlands' 737-700 BBJ, is crossing the English Channel on its way from Amsterdam to White Plains. 0400L arrival. Anyone wanna go out for that arrival? Lol.

2205L: Colombia's 767-200, FAC1202, is at JFK. Landed about an hour ago from Dover, DE.

Friday 9/24
0710L: Colombia’s 767 left just after midnight back to Colombia. D.R. Congo was also out last night. Botswana left Teterboro a couple hours ago heading southwest. Netherlands is at HPN. Germany’s other A343, 16+02, is crossing the Atlantic towards the US as GAF955.

0950L: In addition to Germany, a Kuwait G650, 9K-GGC, just started crossing the Atlantic, callsign is KUG068. Hungary out, about to start crossing the Atlantic back to Europe. Vietnam is on the approach into Kennedy now from Cuba.

1535L: A7-HHK repositioned from Stewart to JFK then departed a few hours later. Now preparing to cross the Atlantic. Germany’s 340 is at JFK. Vietnam is out and headed to Anchorage. T7-ONEX repositioned from HPN to LaGuardia this morning then departed around noon heading back to Iraq most likely. Kuwait’s 650 is on the approach into one of the NJ airports, probably Teterboro.

2110L: Kuwait 650 went to Teterboro. Kuwait’s 345 repositioned from Stewart to JFK and is on the ground there now. Germany once again dropped into JFK then flew right back across the pond. A Qatar Amiri A319, A7-HHJ, stopped by JFK this evening. Departed just after 2000L and is heading westward thru Ohio. Looks like the supposed Guinea-Bissau G550 went back to Bissau and is coming back to the east coast once again. Currently flying east of the NC coastline heading northwest towards DC. Netherlands was due out of HPN at 2100L back to Amsterdam, so should be airborne shortly.

Saturday 9/25
0900L: Thanks to Zee71 for the update! Biman Bangladesh is currently taxiing for departure from JFK to Dulles. Looks like India landed into JFK last night and never left, so they must be staying there. Modi speaks today, so he may just leave tonight.

1105L: Australia’s KC30 departed Andrews this morning heading southwest, so they’re probably a goner. Nigeria is back at JFK. Repositioned back down from Stewart about an hour ago.

1220L: Nigeria out. India is taxiing out for departure from JFK now.

1525L: India out and heading back over the Atlantic. Italy is repositioning from Stewart to JFK, and Russia's IL96 is doing the same from Dulles. HZ-SKY2 just took off out of Stewart, probably heading to JFK as well.

1905L: Russia and Italy out. Senegal is on its way from Stewart to JFK now.

Sunday 9/26
0715L: HZ-SKY2, Senegal, and Kuwait's 650 left last night. P4-CLA repositioned from Stewart to JFK this morning. Bolivia left Teterboro around 1430L yesterday. Ecuador left Teterboro on Wednesday evening. If I'm not mistaken, the only UN planes left in the NYC area are LX-DIO, which is here in White Plains, and Libya's 340, which is still up at Stewart. An El Al 787-8, 4X-ERB, flew from Tel Aviv to JFK last night under a flight number that doesn't usually operate that route (LY37), so maybe Israel's PM Bennett flew in on this El Al flight instead of 4X-ISR.

0740L: Wow, it's like they knew I was calling. LX-DIO just taking off outta White Plains now.

1315L: LX-DIO repositioned to Newark then departed east to cross the Atlantic. Angola is also out over the Atlantic. After doing some research, it seems that the El Al 787-8 was Bennett's ride for this trip. He was pictured in front of an El Al 787 in Tel Aviv prior to his departure for New York.

1415L: Completely forgot that this one was still here (well, now it's not)... Namibia's 7X just left Teterboro for Andrews.

Monday 9/27
1015L: Libya repositioned from Stewart to JFK last night then departed over the Atlantic (thanks Mario for that update!). That leaves El Al as the only "government" jet in town. Bennett speaks today, so he should be out by tonight or tomorrow.

1740L: Looks like the El Al 787 is scheduled to leave at 0200L (yes, 2:00 AM) on Wednesday. LY36 back to Tel Aviv.

Wednesday 9/29
0705L: El Al left around 0245L, and with that, UNGA 2021 has come to a close. Thank you to Zee71, MarioFL and Speedbird1 for helping out with the updates! Greatly appreciated. It was great to get this thread going again this year after missing out on it last year. Hopefully next year’s UNGA will be a bit more normal but with some cool catches still!

Saturday 10/2
Sorry, one more thing I wanted to throw in. I got word from my HPN buddies that Panama came in this year, but they didn't fly in on their usual Legacy. Instead, they flew in on a Citation 550, of all planes. The government doesn't own any, so it's gotta be leased from someone.

[Speedbird1]

Amazing detailed information. Did you post any photos? I had a bad stroke & no longer spot. I sadly miss the Air India 744 that no longer visits. Today an Air India 773, VT-ALW, might visit instead. No Russian or France or China. Thanks for sharing.

[ANITIX87]

One of Russia's IL96s, RA-96023 [...] crossing the Atlantic.
Can you estimate an ETA on this one?

[jbluflyermatt]

Can you estimate an ETA on this one?

They landed at Kennedy about half an hour ago.

[jbluflyermatt]

Amazing detailed information. Did you post any photos? I had a bad stroke & no longer spot. I sadly miss the Air India 744 that no longer visits. Today an Air India 773, VT-ALW, might visit instead. No Russian or France or China. Thanks for sharing.

So sorry to hear about your stroke! Hope the recovery has been going well. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to post photos to the forum yet. Once I figure that out, I'll have them up haha!

[Speedbird1]

So sorry to hear about your stroke! Hope the recovery has been going well. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to post photos to the forum yet. Once I figure that out, I'll have them up haha!
Me as well. I have hundreds of Kodacolor photos taken in the 80s & 90s from the old Pan Am Roof, from the British Concorde Terminal & from the hill by Rwy 22L but I have no way to transfer old photos to digital to post. After 9-11, I got chased away from my spotting spotting areas. Thanks Allied Barton & Argenbright.

[Speedbird1]

Wonder if Israel will fly their B763, 4X-ISR to the UNGA ?

[Speedbird1]

India 1 enroute to maybe ADW or IAD; not JFK. The Russian IL96 departed JFK & is heading west.

[jbluflyermatt]

Wonder if Israel will fly their B763, 4X-ISR to the UNGA ?

I was hoping they would. Israel speaks on the 27th, so they still have some time before they need to be here.

[Zee71]

Thursday - 9/23 @ 0900

German Air Force A340 heading back to JFK - GAF955 (16+01)

Both Japan Air Force 777s heading this way as well (hopefully JFK and not IAD), they were over Alaska … ETA probably around 1430-1500 give or take
JF001 (80-1111)
JF002 (80-1112)

Still at SWF
- Italian Air Force 319
- Libya A340
- Kuwait A340

Update - 9/23 @ 1530

JF 001 & 002 heading to Andrews

[jbluflyermatt]

Thursday - 9/23 @ 0900

German Air Force A340 heading back to JFK - GAF955 (16+01)

Both Japan Air Force 777s heading this way as well (hopefully JFK and not IAD), they were over Alaska … ETA probably around 1430-1500 give or take
JF001 (80-1111)
JF002 (80-1112)

Still at SWF
- Italian Air Force 319
- Libya A340
- Kuwait A340

Appreciate the update! Unfortunately Japan's 777s are going to DC because Suga is attending the Quad summit with Biden, Morrison and Modi in person and sent a pre-recorded statement to the UNGA.

[Zee71]

Roger that Matt!

[Zee71]

Friday - 9/24

The following came and went yesterday:

- Qatar Amiri A340
- Qatar Amiri A319
- German Air Force A340 (16+02)
- Vietnam 789 (VNA869)
- State of Kuwait A340 (9K-GBB)
- India1 777 arrived last night, not sure if she was repositioned or still here

Saturday - 9/25

- Bangladesh 789 (S2-AJX) arrived around 0620 and scheduled to depart at 0900
- Libya A340 still at SWF

[Speedbird1]

Curious if VIP aircraft can only stay 2 hours atvJFK, what happens if one stays longer? Is it fined or towed? Surprised none landed at EWR to discharge delegates.

[MarioFL]

Curious if VIP aircraft can only stay 2 hours atvJFK, what happens if one stays longer? Is it fined or towed? Surprised none landed at EWR to discharge delegates.

The Russian IL96 was there longer than 2 hours yesterday (around 3 hrs). Three UNs ago the Iranian A340 stayed much longer than 2 hours when he came back to pick up their delegation. Yesterday after Russia and Italy left, the Sky Prime A332 (over 2 hrs on the ground too) was all alone at the south staging area.

Did Senegal land on 31L? I was on the garage, never saw it.

Any other VIPs expected or is that's pretty much the end?

[jbluflyermatt]

Curious if VIP aircraft can only stay 2 hours at JFK, what happens if one stays longer? Is it fined or towed? Surprised none landed at EWR to discharge delegates.

Usually the Port Authority is pretty strict on the two hour limit with limited exceptions. I think they start to fine aircraft past that two hour mark. I'm convinced, though, that they lifted the rule this year because, as previously mentioned, almost every gov't aircraft that was at JFK last Sunday was there for at least three hours. Like Mario said, there were a lot of other aircraft that were here for longer than two hours too.

Newark is usually pretty light on UNGA traffic. They usually get Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo and Ethiopian, none of which came at all this year.

[jbluflyermatt]

Did Senegal land on 31L? I was on the garage, never saw it.

Nope, they landed 31R according to ADSB Exchange.


Any other VIPs expected or is that's pretty much the end?

I believe Israel is the last one. Everything besides Libya and Israel has left to my knowledge.

[Speedbird1]

Air Senegal arrived 6:37a on Rwy 31R as HC407. She is scheduled to return on Th. from Dakar. I think the Israeli delegation used a chartered B788 from LY, probably 4X-ERB to visit. The expected new B763 is still at TLV according to sources. Lucky, you were allowed to hang-out at the garage roof. On my last visit, 2 Allied Barton vehicles harrassed me & made me leave(ended my spotting for good). I guess some spotters show credentials.

[MarioFL]

Yes Speedbird, USA is no longer land of the free, hasn't been for many years now and aircraft photography paranoia is just a small symptom of the bigger picture. But in 2013 i myself had an Allied Barton supervisor called on me by a ghetto fabulous lady working the garage exit booth down below, who spotted me at the edge on the roof, I waved her off and ignored her and she called her supervisor who wasn't very bright either, unfortunately. But apparently they have gotten tired of bothering us harmless spotting dorks. Yesterday i noticed one of their vehicles (whatever the company is called now) possibly watching me on top of the roof which was almost empty, instead of patrolling the lower levels full of cars. Totally ineffective security if you ask me. It's all an illusion of security. And the most crooked politicians suddenly care about our health too "Mask save lives" - it's all over stickers on the JFK bathrooms, Air Train etc. The most crooked politicians give us lessons about "protection". 1984 aint got nothing on 2021

Miami which used to be pretty free for photography has become increasingly less in the last 8 years or so. It's now down to the Eldorado spot for hassle-free spotting on the south runway. The photography holes area on the north runways is being torn down for new construction but MDAD employs a fleet of white SUVs who appeared out of nowhere to tell you to get back to the "official spotting zone" if you strayed a few feet away, so it wasn't even fun anymore. Be glad you experienced the good old days, they're not coming back. For scanning your slides/negatives to computer, get a Nikon/Epson flatbed scanner that does slides. You'd be surprised how beautiful they can come out !
...


Newark is usually pretty light on UNGA traffic. They usually get Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo and Ethiopian, none of which came at all this year.

a few other Newark UNGA visitors were Guinea Ecuatorial using Ceiba 772, a most interesting one now in the desert :/ and there are pictures of Venezuela's Conviasa CRJs there during UNGA

Which plane did Senegal use this year, the goverment's A320?

Libya A340 after spending a week at Stewart finally arrived back at JFK 7pm, on the ground for 2 hrs then headed off to the Atlantic.

[MarkLawrence]

The photography holes area on the north runways is being torn down for new construction

Just to make one point on this, the "holes" for runways 8L/8R/12 have been re-opened - they are probably 25 years back from where they used to be because of the construction, but they have been open for a couple of weeks now.

FLL - while limited in traffic, airlines, etc. is still very open and free to spotters and welcomes them immensely.

[Speedbird1]

Any of you ever visit the old Pan Am Roof at T3?Sadly fenced off after Lockerbie. It was paradise for spotters. I wanted my ashes placed there. No security problems & restrooms & food services just a short elevator ride away.The good old days. I miss them so.

[Speedbird1]

Senegal was an A339, 9H-SZN, probably returned to Dakar. Still don't know if Israel sent any delegation as their new jet seems to still be at TLV.

[jbluflyermatt]

a few other Newark UNGA visitors were Guinea Ecuatorial using Ceiba 772, a most interesting one now in the desert :/ and there are pictures of Venezuela's Conviasa CRJs there during UNGA

Forgot about them! You're right, that one is in the desert now. The government of Equatorial Guinea now has that really cool 77L, probably bought from Ceiba.


Which plane did Senegal use this year, the government's A320?

Yup! Their new A320NEO, 6V-SEN

[jbluflyermatt]

Senegal was an A339, 9H-SZN, probably returned to Dakar. Still don't know if Israel sent any delegation as their new jet seems to still be at TLV.

The Senegal 339 is actually a commercial flight, completely unrelated to the government. It operates multiple times a week. Israel's delegation came on a chartered El Al flight.

[MarioFL]

the "holes" for runways 8L/8R/12 have been re-opened - they are probably 25 years back from where they used to be because of the construction, but they have been open for a couple of weeks now.

FLL - while limited in traffic, airlines, etc. is still very open and free to spotters and welcomes them immensely.

A few months ago they were putting up the new fence. Not sure how parking will be (less photographers visiting in the last couple of years anyways) but good they put holes on new fence. FLL spots are great but yes traffic is very boring after Faucidemic without the Canadian charters. I find myself more interested in the migratory birdwatching and green iguanas than the planes.

by the way, Thanks Matt for bringing this thread back for 2021. I'm not on Fb/twitter and reading it here is still fun!

[Speedbird1]

I believe the new Israeli PM Bennett came to JFK on ELY37 on Sun. morning. The 788 landed on Rwy 31L.

[Speedbird1]

I missed the tail #s & or flight #s for the Russian, Turkish, Japanese & S. Korean delegations. The latter 2 used to be jumbos. Please help me update this info. Thanks.

[jbluflyermatt]

I believe the new Israeli PM Bennett came to JFK on ELY37 on Sun. morning. The 788 landed on Rwy 31L.

Correct!

[jbluflyermatt]

I missed the tail #s & or flight #s for the Russian, Turkish, Japanese & S. Korean delegations. The latter 2 used to be jumbos. Please help me update this info. Thanks.

If you go to the first page of the thread, you'll be able to get all of that information.

[jbluflyermatt]

Master List of UNGA Aircraft

Here's a list of all the UNGA aircraft that came this year (as far as I'm aware of). If anyone knows of any other aircraft that were here for UNGA, please let me know and I'll update the list! The list is undoubtedly shorter than those of previous years, but we definitely had some unique aircraft this year.

Angola - B762 - P4-CLA
Australia - B737 - A36-001
Australia - A332 - A39-007
Bangladesh - B788 - S2-AJX
Bolivia - F900 - FAB-001
Botswana - GLEX - OK1
Brazil - A319 - 2101
Brazil - E35L - 2585
Brazil - E190 - 2590
Brazil - E190 - 2591
Colombia - B762 - FAC1202
Colombia - E35L - FAC1218
D.R. Congo - B737 - A6-RJU
Ecuador - FA7X - FAE-052
Germany - A343 - 16+01
Germany - A343 - 16+02
Ghana - B739 - LX-DIO
Guinea-Bissau - GLF5 - P4-BAR
Honduras - E35L - FAH-001
Hungary - FA7X - 606
India - B77W - VT-ALW/K7067
Iraq - FA8X - T7-ONEX
Israel - B788 - 4X-ERB
Italy - A319 - MM62174
Jordan - GLF6 - VQ-BNZ
Kuwait - A345 - 9K-GBB
Kuwait - GLF6 - 9K-GGC
Libya - A342 - 5A-ONE
Namibia - FA7X - V5-GON
Netherlands - B737 - PH-GOV
Nigeria - B737 - 5N-FGT
Panama - C550 - ???
Qatar - A320 - A7-AAG
Qatar - A343 - A7-AAH
Qatar - A345 - A7-HHH
Qatar - A319 - A7-HHJ
Qatar - A342 - A7-HHK
Qatar - A332 - A7-HHM
Russia - IL96 - RA-96023
Senegal - A20N - 6V-SEN
South Korea - B744 - 10001
Spain - F900 - T.18-5
Spain - A310 - T.22-1
Sweden - GLF5 - 102005
Turkey - A400 - 17-0078
Turkey - GLF5 - TC-ATA
Turkey - A332 - TC-TRK
Turkey - B748 - TC-TUR
Ukraine - A319 - UR-ABA
United Kingdom - A332 - ZZ336
United States - B742 - 82-8000
United States - C17 - 96-0002
Vietnam - B789 - VN-A869

B788 - 2-DEER
B737 - 9H-GGG
B737 - HL8222
A332 - HZ-SKY2
A319 - OE-IJG
A318 - VP-CKH

[MarioFL]

Wednesday 9/29
0705L: El Al left around 0245L, and with that, UNGA 2021 has come to a close. Thank you to Zee71, MarioFL and Speedbird1 for helping out with the updates! Greatly appreciated. It was great to get this thread going again this year after missing out on it last year. Hopefully next year’s UNGA will be a bit more normal but with some cool catches still!

It was good to read all the updates, much appreciated. It wasn't a normal year but the vip list was still good, even some nice first timers like the Indian 777 and Austin Power's plane, sorry I mean lockdown BoJo's flamboyant A330!

I took a daytrip to NY Saturday but didn't meet up at the spotting locations, as I was expecting a change to 22s (which never came). Also logistics - a fellow southern acquaintance who had rented a car and loves to chat over the phone who was expected to at least drop by and hang out for a few, wussed out scared he wiould miss the same planes he'd already shot all week long if he drove 10 minutes to meet up.. enough said. First UN outing I don't meet any photographers but it was still a nice time, good weather and planes.

Btw the IL96 that landed Saturday, was that carrying comrade Putin?

[jbluflyermatt]

It was good to read all the updates, much appreciated. It wasn't a normal year but the vip list was still good, even some nice first timers like the Indian 777 and Austin Power's plane, sorry I mean lockdown BoJo's flamboyant A330!

I took a daytrip to NY Saturday but didn't meet up at the spotting locations, as I was expecting a change to 22s (which never came). Also logistics - a fellow southern acquaintance who had rented a car and loves to chat over the phone who was expected to at least drop by and hang out for a few, wussed out scared he wiould miss the same planes he'd already shot all week long if he drove 10 minutes to meet up.. enough said. First UN outing I don't meet any photographers but it was still a nice time, good weather and planes.

Btw the IL96 that landed Saturday, was that carrying comrade Putin?

Definitely! Glad you were still able to get some good stuff. The IL96 was carrying the foreign minister or someone along those lines, but it definitely wasn't Putin.

[MarioFL]

Definitely! Glad you were still able to get some good stuff. The IL96 was carrying the foreign minister or someone along those lines, but it definitely wasn't Putin.

Thanks bro!