In an era of increasingly homogenised aircraft (two engines, one under each low-mounted wing and a conventional tail), the sight of a plane with shoulder-mounted wings with two engines under each, and a T-tail is rare. A configuration which the modest BAe 146 shares with the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster as well as the Ilyushin Il-76 'Candid'.
These planes in military guise have been fitted with anti-missile protection equipment, for use in Afghanistan, although the livery reflects that of a civilian airliner. The logo on the tail had me puzzled - shamrock? 100th anniversary of the Easter Uprising in Ireland, the post-horn reflecting somehow the strategic importance of Dublin's general post office in the fighting? But no - this January marked the 100th anniversary of the formation of No. 32 Squadron, as was then, the Royal Flying Corps. The shamrock-and-horn device is the squadron's logo.
Welcome to Warsaw, Mrs May - I hope talks with the Polish premier go well and both parties can claim success. Difficult topics, relating to trade and free movement. But with good will on both sides, I trust common sense will prevail.
[One year on - things look bleaker. On both sides.]
This time last year:
Announcing the start of the Radom railway line modernisation (not even half completed today!)
This three years ago:
In praise of the (Polish-built) Fiat 500
This time four years ago:
Llanbedrog Beach and a farewell to North Wales
This time five years ago:
To the Polish seaside, by night train
This time six years ago:
Accounting for the past - 20 years on from PRL's fall
This time seven years ago:
An introduction to fine British cheefef
This time nine years ago:
Over the Peaks by bus
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