Year: 2020

The January 2021 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Airbus as we chart the manufacturer’s pioneering A300 that set it on a path to success. We detail the airframer’s early history as multiple European parties joined forces to develop a jet capable of challenging the US-dominated commercial aerospace sector before illustrating the A300’s illustrious service history as a passenger and cargo favourite. Elsewhere, as operations finally commence at Berlin/Brandenburg, we scrutinise the fascinating set of factors the led to the delay of Germany’s controversial new gateway. If you are in need of a stress-free experience, we explore Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean – Convair style! Meanwhile, as coronavirus has caused havoc in the industry, we review how the UK’s domestic sector has coped with the pandemic while grappling with the fallout from Flybe. We also chat to Colibri Aero on innovative passenger/cargo seating, plus we present a stunning snapshot of grounded airliners at Tarbes/Lourdes.

The December 2020 edition of Airliner World takes off for a jam-packed trijet special as we commemorate not one, but two 50th anniversaries of the legendary Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and McDonnell Douglas DC-10. the editorial team provides a detailed history of the TriStar, from design concept to airline service history. Then, we look at its arch-rival, the DC-10, where Thomas Haynes chats to a retired former training captain on the type. We continue the trijet theme as we look at the venerable Boeing 727 which formed the backbone of Donald Trump’s brief airline stint. Elsewhere we head to Melbourne for a retrospective look at the type in service ‘down under’. Finally, we take a trip to North Korea to sample some of its Soviet relics, including the venerable Tupolev Tu-154. Also inside, we gain an exclusive interview with Saudi Arabia’s first female airline pilot, analyse two Indian carriers as they arrive at London/Heathrow, consider the prospect of a ‘Flybe 2.0’, chart the ATL90 Accountant’s history, investigate the Flying-V concept and provide a photographic overview of Spain’s Teruel boneyard.

The November 2020 edition of Airliner World celebrates 100 years of Australian flag carrier, Qantas. Our coverage in this kangaroo-themed edition kicks off with an exclusive seat in the cockpit of the iconic Boeing 747 as a former Qantas jumbo pilot takes us on the type’s farewell flight with the carrier. to complement this, Airliner World goes above and beyond as the team provides a comprehensive account of the illustrious history of Qantas, from Avro 504Ks in the outback, to international ultra-long-haul 787-9s. Elsewhere, we venture back in time as we showcase the venerable Ilyushin Il-62’s service with former East German carrier, Interflug, before looking at the interesting development and life of the British-built de Havilland DH.104 Dove. Finally, we finish off with a trip to China at a very different looking aviation scene prior to the new millennium. For those more inclined to modern tastes, this edition takes a detailed look at the burgeoning freighter conversion market as more types are pressed into the cargo sector. Elsewhere, Airliner World’s Martin Needham visited East Midlands Airport to speak to the chairman of painting powerhouse, Airbourne Colours, on its ascendance to market leader. We round off our exciting features with a trip to Florida, exploring Southern Airways Express, review the recently released Microsoft Flight Simulator and chat to ATR.

The October 2020 Airliner World edition pays homage to the British Airways Boeing 747 following its abrupt retirement by the UK flag carrier. We bring you detailed analysis as we look back at the airline’s five-decade association with the type, along with a comprehensive fleet listing, before granting you exclusive access with a former BA 747 training captain. Keeping all things Jumbo-related, we sit down with perhaps the most famous airline pilot on social media, Joe Diebolder, better known as Captain Joe, as he recalls his journey to the cockpit and explains his latest role at Cargolux. Elsewhere, as the pandemic fallout continues, the Airliner World team provides the latest operator fleet changes, in conjunction with aviation data specialist ch-aviation, in the Global Aviation Report. Additionally, we complement this as we hear first-hand on the potential future industry trends from Naveo Consultancy. Continuing our COVID-19 coverage, an Airbus A320 pilot details how coronavirus has impacted normal standard operating procedures, while we chat to the easyJet captain who co-founded Project Wingman to support NHS staff. Meanwhile, we get battle-ready as we explore the ultra-competitive single-aisle market and gain exclusive interviews with Collins Aerospace and Air bp. for those who prefer more of an older aircraft fix, we provide a fascinating history of the Sud Aviation Caravelle with stunning images to boot.

The September 2020 issue of Airliner World grants an exclusive access all areas on the Boeing 777 after it reaches a 25-year milestone of commercial service. Our Thomas Haynes speaks to the manufacturer and a retired captain on the merits of the highly successful ‘big twin’ and what lies ahead. Meanwhile, we celebrate the end of another Boeing legend, the 747. as the sun sets for many passenger-operated jumbos, we look at the type’s half-century association with a variety of French carriers. Elsewhere, we chat with social media star, Chris Pohl, a Virgin Atlantic training captain on his journey from outback flying in Australia to the left-hand seat of the Airbus A350-1000. Meanwhile, we get onboard a Lufthansa acceptance flight, chart the history of the Britten-Norman Trislander and speak to European Aviation Group’s chairman about PPE flights. This issue also keeps you updated with the latest developments regarding COVID-19 as a trainee pilot details future job prospects, plus we investigate how companies from the aviation supply chain sector are mitigating the fallout.

The August edition of Airliner World is a summer holiday special. We let you jet off on your much-needed holiday in style. Our first destination is the Bahamas where we explore rare, but often overlooked types. We then take a trip back in time to spot colourful European holiday carriers in Menorca before we analyse a former Spanish charter airline’s sole surviving Convair CV-990. to top off our holiday-themed issue, we chart the history of one of the UK’s former much-loved charter firms. Elsewhere, we deliver alternative articles as we look at Landor’s livery legacy and get technical with TP Aerospace. Meanwhile, we investigate the latest stories from the coronavirus-hit aviation industry. This includes an exclusive chat by Airliner World’s Gordon Smith with one of Aer Lingus’ captains who described the logistics and rewards of operating PPE flights. Additionally, we examine how operators around the globe have responded to the global storage of jets – whether through maintenance, inspection and cleaning to keep them airworthy. Finally, we say a fond farewell to the venerable ‘Mad Dog’ as Delta Air Lines retired its remaining long-serving examples – an early casualty of the pandemic. Finally, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news along with our regular sections of commercial aircraft acquisitions, historic aviation, up-to-date accident reports and MRO. During this month’s aviation training, we get a one-off perspective from a New Zealand-based pilot cadet on how he got into the industry and how COVID-19 has affected his training.

Speedbird 001 the History Behind the Number Pilot Eva 165,000 Followers at 35,000ft Skyways Coach-Air the World’s First Low-cost Airline

The June 2020 edition of Airliner World continues to bring you the latest industry developments during this unprecedented crisis. With traffic levels at rock-bottom, many carriers have begun transitioning from temporary furloughs to permanent layoffs just to stay in the black. Others have performed more drastic measures through the closing of bases and retiring aircraft, although some have already succumbed and entered administration. Our Covid coverage investigates the top 50 brands to understand which are most at risk, we look at a selection of the most interesting repatriation flights, analyse the impact of specific aircraft retirements and discover how government bodies are reacting to the devastating losses faced by airlines. Finally, we showcase how some are helping to transport vital PPE equipment to combat the deadly disease. As the lockdown continues to restrict many globally, Airliner World caters to your travel needs as the June edition brings you a special ‘Ultimate Airports’ supplement. Here we illustrate some of the most exciting, dangerous, and beautiful facilities ranging from the tropical shores of St Maarten to Paro nestled high in the Himalayas.

The May 2020 edition of Airliner World is the biggest ever! It comes to you as the aviation industry faces a wave of unprecedented issues on a level never previously thought possible. With the sector on its knees, we examine how carriers worldwide are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have exclusive analysis from our correspondents around the world who provide local insight from their region. Elsewhere in the May issue – a special 250th edition – Airliner World editor Gordon Smith sits down with Randy Tinseth, Boeing’s vice president of marketing, about the ongoing Boeing 737 MAX grounding and how the US manufacturer is responding to competition, before looking to the future with a focus on environmental sustainability. We also chart the end of a British regional pioneer Flybe and examine the impact its demise leaves behind. We also fondly look back at some of the former liveries and aircraft types associated with the carrier. Other highlights include tri-motoring around paradise in the Caribbean and the conclusion of our exciting two-part British Airtours feature. To mark our 250th issue, we reflect on the 21 years in aviation since ALW’s first edition in May 1999. We hear from some familiar names from the past and have a fantastic reader competition – you really don’t want to miss it!

We start the April issue of Airliner World in Seattle as the Boeing 777X completes its maiden flight. We examine the prospects for the new widebody, check out the technical specifications and ask if a successful launch campaign will be enough to revive the fortunes of the US aerospace giant. Across the pond, we’re also in Copenhagen as SAS Scandinavian Airlines enters an exciting new era with the arrival of its first Airbus A350. We speak to the key decision makers and learn more about the flag carrier’s ambitions for the jet as part of a wider sustainability push. Elsewhere, we have the first of a two-part retrospective examining the fascinating history of British Airtours, complete with rare archive imagery and first-hand accounts. We also travel to Montreal to welcome the first of Air Canada’s Airbus A220-300s, venture to Russia’s remote White Sea coast in search of rare Soviet relics, and warm things up in Dubai with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour around the Emirates Flight Training Academy. Finally, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including all the news and analysis from a rather subdued Singapore Airshow, a new Senegalese service for Stansted and Aegean Airlines reveals its slick new livery. We also have all our regular sections covering the latest commercial aircraft acquisitions, up-to-date accident reports and developments from the world of aviation training and MROs.