Welcome SWISS A350-900
There are moments when experience, precision and teamwork come together perfectly. The reception of the brand new SWISS Airbus A350-900 was just such a moment, and we were literally right in the middle of the action.
About a month before the landing, we received a request from Tamino from Filmcrew One. The idea was to film the arrival of SWIS's first A350. Right from the start, it was clear that this project would be more than just a classic drone mission. We wanted to tell the story from a perspective that had never been seen before.
We started planning together with SWISS, Filmcrew One, Flughafen Zürich AG and the Airport Authority. Concepts were developed, processes coordinated, safety zones defined and approvals obtained. Thanks to our SORA certification (Specific Operations Risk Assessment), we were able to demonstrate safe flight operations, which was greatly appreciated by all parties involved.
The meticulous preparation paid off on the day of filming. Two teams, one goal. The Cinecar was ready right next to the runway, just a few meters from the touchdown line. At the same time, our drone team was on standby to provide additional perspectives from the air immediately after the plane touched down.
We followed the flight from Toulouse via flight radar. Then came the clearance from the tower. The new A350 was on final approach. Now every second counted, and shortly afterwards the jet flew through the cloud cover and touched down. The Cinecar taxied across the runway directly in front of the aircraft, accompanied by the follow-me vehicles that guided the plane to its position. Every move was perfect, every movement was coordinated. This created perspectives that had never been produced before.
At the same time, the drone followed the plane, capturing the moment from the air and complementing the ground scenes with impressive aerials. The interaction between the Cinecar and the drone worked perfectly. Communication, timing and precision meshed seamlessly.
The entire sequence lasted barely fifteen minutes, but was the result of weeks of careful preparation. It was only possible to realize these shots safely and precisely thanks to clear processes, well-coordinated cooperation and mutual trust.
What remains is not only spectacular film material, but also the memory of a team that works together like clockwork. Thanks to the joint work with Filmcrew One, the support of SWISS, FZAG and the Airport Authority and the trust of everyone involved, we were able to show what is possible when passion, experience and technology become one.
Filmcrew One was responsible for the editing and post-production of the film. The result is impressive, emotional and captures this special moment for eternity.
