Airliner World April 2009

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.

Flight Training in the Spotlight the April 2026 issue of Airliner World places aviation’s future firmly in the spotlight with the return of our Flight Training Guide, an in-depth supplement designed for aspiring aviators. With airlines once again expanding and demand for skilled personnel rising, the guide explores the industry outlook for pilots and cabin crew, examines airline-sponsored training schemes around the world, and follows the real-life journey of trainee pilot Josh Eyre as he navigates pathways to the flight deck. We also visit Manchester-based SkyPeople Training to see how the company is helping to raise global standards in cabin crew instruction. This edition also delivers a diverse mix of global reporting and aviation insight. in Canada, Daniel Johnston flies with Iskwew Air – the country’s first Indigenous and female-owned airline – discovering how the carrier is connecting communities while championing representation in aviation. Meanwhile, Ian Harbison reports on BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines, the ambitious start-up project that plans to deploy Airbus A340s and A321P2Fs to deliver rapid disaster relief around the world. Fleet developments and industry strategy are also high on the agenda. Reporting from Toulouse, Thomas Haynes explores Airbus’ plans for the A350F, the European manufacturer’s bold attempt to challenge Boeing’s long-standing dominance in the large freighter market. Across the Atlantic, American Airlines prepares for another major fleet evolution as the Airbus A321XLR begins to play a pivotal role in reshaping parts of its network.

In the April issue of Airliner World, we chronicle the history of British Airways’ regional subsidiary, BA CityFlyer, we shine the spotlight on the Irkut MC-21, Russia’s newest airliner, and Pan Am’s last president and CEO Russell Ray Jr reflects on his time with the airline and his efforts to help save the failing carrier. Elsewhere in this edition, we take a look at Lufthansa’s new branding, its first major change in decades, we find out how Dutch firm Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS) recycled its first Airbus A340, and we join Alaska Airlines on its ‘milk run’, providing an essential lifeline to remote communities in America’s largest state. We also profile Canada’s Chorus Aviation, parent of Jazz Air and a leading provider of airline operations and services, and we hear from IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac on the challenges facing the global aviation sector. Lastly, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including a full round-up from the Singapore Airshow, and highlights from ATR’s annual press conference, plus Pilatus delivers its first PC-24, Boeing secures 737 MAX 9 certification, UPS signs for more 747s, and Bombardier overturns US import tariff ruling. 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, and we give you the chance to win a year’s subscription in our caption competition. This edition also includes our annual UK and Ireland Airlines Guide.