4K | National Airlines A330-200 Freighter | Powerful Runway 4L Departure at JFK, Manhattan Skyline

A remarkable moment from this morning’s coverage at New York JFK Airport: the National Airlines Airbus A330-200 Freighter, registration N828CA, performing a powerful departure from Runway 4L in outstanding golden morning light. With the Manhattan skyline clearly visible in the background, this takeoff combined atmosphere, timing, and raw cargo power in a way only JFK can deliver.

This aircraft has one of the most interesting and well-traveled histories of any A330 currently operating in the United States. It began life as a passenger aircraft and moved between several South American operators before being converted into a dedicated freighter and joining the National Airlines fleet.

Below is the complete history of this impressive airframe.

Delivered in January 2012 to Avianca Colombia
Originally built as a passenger Airbus A330-203, the aircraft entered service with Avianca Colombia on long-haul routes across South America and North America.

Transferred to TACA Peru in October 2012
As part of the Avianca-TACA group network alignment, the aircraft was reassigned to TACA Peru, where it continued operating regional and continental routes.

Moved to Avianca Peru in May 2013
The aircraft transitioned again within the Avianca group, now operating under the Avianca Peru banner. It remained active across a wide range of South American routes.

Returned to Avianca Colombia in March 2020
Shortly before the global aviation shutdown, the aircraft moved back into Avianca Colombia’s mainline fleet. It was later stored and prepared for a significant future role.

Converted to Freighter and joined National Airlines in June 2024
After being withdrawn from passenger operations, the aircraft underwent a full A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion, receiving a reinforced cargo floor, large main-deck cargo door, and full freighter avionics updates.
It was initially registered as N279AV after the conversion and later re-registered to today’s active freighter registration, N828CA.
In mid-2024 National Airlines took delivery of the aircraft, adding it to its expanding global cargo fleet.

Today, the aircraft operates as a fully dedicated A330-200 Freighter, carrying express cargo, automotive freight, electronics, and special-mission shipments for National Airlines across North America and beyond.

Spotting Conditions
The conditions at JFK
were exceptional. Crisp air, perfect early-morning sunlight, and high visibility created an ideal backdrop for filming. From the vantage point at Bayswater, the skyline stacked perfectly behind the aircraft, enhanced further by long-lens compression.
The A330F accelerated strongly down Runway 4L, its CF6 engines producing their signature deep tone as the aircraft rotated smoothly into the clear sky, climbing northbound with the Manhattan skyline behind it. The aircraft’s polished National Airlines livery reflected the warm morning light, creating one of the most visually pleasing freighter departures of the season.

Why This Aircraft Is Special
The combination of its unique history, its transformation from a South American passenger aircraft to a modern U.S. cargo workhorse, and its visually striking departure today makes N828CA one of the standout freighters to capture at JFK.
Very few aircraft have lived through so many identities and roles before reaching their current form. Seeing this jet on Runway 4L with the skyline as a backdrop makes this a genuinely memorable aviation moment.

About Planes & Friends
Planes & Friends provides high-quality 4K aviation footage from New York’s major airports, capturing rare aircraft, special liveries, skyline scenes, and powerful heavy-jet operations with synchronized ATC audio and professional camera equipment.
Filmed and streamed with industry-grade tools including long-range optics, mirrorless camera systems, and pro-level audio mixing, Planes & Friends brings viewers directly into the atmosphere of JFK.

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