Ex Talisman Saber 2017 - Atlas Air Boeing B747-400 N464MC Calls into Rockhampton Airport

As the 'pack-up' following joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17) continues, before dawn on Wednesday 26 July, Atlas Air Boeing B747-446 N464MC touched down at Rockhampton Airport direct from Honolulu (Daniel K Inouye International) Airport as GTI8697 "Giant 8697".   It had earlier flown into Hawaii from Houston, Texas using the same flight number.

After spending all day parked on Gate 6 on the Southern end of Rocky Airport apron, the jumbo jet was loaded with a full load of personnel and bags and it made a spectacular night time departure to Hickam Field (formerly Hickam Air Force Base) also in Hawaii, but flying in as GTI8698 "Giant 8698".

Of interest, N464MC continued to the joint public/military Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York in the United States of America.

Thanks to local plane spotters 'IAD', Daniel B and Ash B for sharing these great photos and video of a great (return) visitor to Rockhampton Airport!

Photos and video taken by 'IAD', Daniel Bishop and Ash Burggraaff  ©