The Great British Carrier - Virgin Atlantic

Some of you may have witnessed the inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic to YVR just two weeks ago on 24 June 2012.  Onboard were VIPs including the fun and loving President Richard Branson and other regular passengers.  The Vancouver Airport Authority welcomed the special flight and a whole new business and economic opportunity by arranging a Vancouver spirit team of internal staff in Canucks jersey and hockey sticks, forming an imaginery red carpet as the VIPs deplaned the A330-300 aircraft.  The A340s will be used as future regular commercial flights.  

The media and BC Premiere Kristy Clark were also arranged on an airside by the West De-icing Pad, where the aircraft parked.  With the special welcome arrangement, passengers were transported on YVR's new CoBuses back to the terminal.  Future flights will make use of the airport's gates and jet bridges.  It was sure an excited day as the airport shifted away from the traditional water splash greeting.  
 
Speaking of creativity and innovation, to me, this is thinking outside the box.  I cannot say this is the first airport that has ever done it as I've not seen all the first flight welcome ceremonies in the world, but adding both our local and national hockey spirit, and matching it with the fun loving man Richard was definitely an unexpectedly great choice!  
 
New routes keep rolling on, and let's see what happens when Sichuan Airlines make its inaugural flight to YVR on 22 June 2012.  As a more traditional Chinese carrier, how much creativity can be applied?  Well, I believe that the traditional ways may still retain its philosophy even with a new creative taste - only with the right amount of creativeness that is ... 

VS095 - A330-300 Touched Down on 26R

Special Welcoming on West De-icing Pad
(LOOK, KLM 773ER in speicial "ASIA" livery too!)

Airport Authority Staff in Canucks Jersey forming a welcome lane.
Media on speicla platform near left wing.