Taken shortly after dawn, this BA 777 is the first arrival I photographed.

The rich low light casts a golden reflection on the undersides of the Virgin A340-600.

A wide angle is certainly needed when you're this close to a stretched A340-600.

The shorter version, the A340-300, also flown by Virgin Atlantic.

BA seem to be a major user of the Boeing 777 nowadays. This was one of many arriving.

This A310 is flown by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and is one of three operated.

Another 777 appearing out of the mist, this time operated by Continental.

The Continental scheme is quite subtle compared to some, but is well done. This airframe was formely marked in a one-off special colour scheme.

The 757 is gradually disappearing from the BA fleet, as they are replaced by newer Airbus models.

Another favourite appears out of the mist, which was a problem on this otherwise clear day; a Quantas 747.

Not such a common sight as they used to be, but the BA 747 is a British icon.

Probably soon to be replaced by the A380 on the Australia - UK run, it was nice to catch a Quantas 747 while they were still regulars into Heathrow.

Another favourite scheme on a 747. Cathay Pacific looking good in the clear winter light.

Not one I'm familiar with, but showing Middle East Airlines on the side of this A330.

Virgin Atlantic 747 also arriving in the mist.

Their colour scheme is certainly one of the best.

As I'm not familiar with Heathrow's regular traffic, I'm not aware of how common Iran Air aircraft like this A310 actually are.

Coming in out of the last of the fog, the A380 was the one type I really wanted to catch, and in December 2008 there was only a single daily flight by Emirates.

When Heathrow is operating out of the West, all landings go into 09L and the runways do not switch, unlike when landing on the 27's - Except the A380 apparently goes into either! As this was my one chance to get one on this trip and in such perfect light, I was relieved when it turned up on 09L.

The beast certainly requires a short lens. Since these were taken, both Singapore and Quantas have started A380 flights into Heathrow.

I don't know why, but this Turkish Airlines 777-300 was the one aircraft that the local Heathrow enthusiasts were keen on photographing.

The added winglets enhance the already graceful lines of the 757, in this case, a Icelandair example.

The distinctive livery carried by Air India aircraft looks impressive on this 747-400.

Delta 767 inbound on 09L

El Al was another 747 operator I wanted to photograph at Heathrow if possible, so was quite pleased when this turned up.

I believe that Delta have now merged with Northwest so this colour scheme may vanish at sometime in the near future.

The El Al 747-400 from the side. This is one colour scheme that you cannot afford to have a dirty airliner in!

Etihad are a rapidly expanding airline. The Airbus A330 is the mainstay of their growing fleet.

It seems strange to see the Russian flag carrier Aeroflot operating Western aircraft like this A320.

The rich golden colours that are the Etihad scheme look good in winter light.

Alongside Virgin Atlantic, Qatar also fly the long A340-600.

The last of the 747 operators I wanted to see was Air New Zealand, who also obliged with a rather worn looking 747-400.