Highlights
- In the December 2019 issue of Airliner World, we celebrate yet another centenary as Avianca hits 100. We chart the Colombian airline’s history from pioneering early years, through challenging times as the flag carrier of a country gripped by political unrest and narcoterrorism, to the present day as it deals with the recent collapses of two affiliate carriers. We also chronicle the South American airline’s introduction of jet aircraft and analyse its bid to become one of the continent’s biggest players, before looking to the future and changes being made to safeguard the carrier’s stability.
- Elsewhere in this edition, we look back at Niki Lauda’s life away from the fast lane and consider the impact he and his airlines had on the aviation industry. Additionally, we speak to the CEO and President of Cape Air – America’s biggest little airline – as they welcome the first of 100 Tecnam P2012 Travellers and look toward an electric future.
- Other highlights include a visual feast from on board Ilyushins in Antarctica and an exclusive insight into displaying large commercial jets at trade shows such as Farnborough and Paris.
- Finally, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including Airbus’ recent deals with Spirit Airlines and Czech Airlines, Air New Zealand dropping its only European route and the latest member of the 787-10 club. 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.
Full Contents
- News – Airliner World’s comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including a milestone for the A320neo, Flybe’s new name, Boeing's boss heads to Washington and Air New Zealand terminates its only European route.
- Cape Air Exclusive – While a pioneering commitment to sustainable flying means the carrier is currently on Green Street, it already has its sights set on a move to Electric Avenue.
- Red Velvet Unwrapped – Virgin Atlantic has high hopes for its new Airbus A350-1000 flagship, as Daniel Kerzner, the carrier’s vice president of customer experience, explains.
- KLM: Future in Focus – To mark the airline’s centenary, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers visited London to offer his assessment of its positioning within the UK market and to discuss global trends.
- Niki Lauda – Austrian Aviation Pioneer – We recall the life and airlines of Niki Lauda, the Formula 1 legend who swapped pitstops for cockpits to establish and run several airlines during a four-decade career in the aviation industry.
- Masters of Repatriation – Despite competing with not-for-profit organisations and dealing with customers motivated almost solely by price, Flight Ambulance International (FAI) has not only survived but thrived. We learn how.
- Ilyushins on Ice – Felix Reimann joins the crew of an Ilyushin Il-76 from Cape Town to Antarctica to learn more about the challenges of serving the frozen continent.
- The Cook Family Album – We reflect on the colourful liveries and logos which resulted from years of buy-outs and bail-outs.
- Displaying the Big Jets – Frank Chapman provides a fascinating insight into life as an Airbus experimental test pilot during a visit to the International Paris Air Show.
- Farewell to a Legend – Earlier this year, Lufthansa announced the formal retirement of its 83-year-old Junkers Ju 52. Sebastian Schmitz shares his memories on board one of the most distinctive German airliners ever to grace the skies.
- Deliveries – The latest commercial acquisitions.
- MRO News – Updates from maintenance, repair and overhaul providers from this year's MRO Europe event.
- Aviation Training – A round-up of recent developments.
- Departure Gate – A selection of readers’ comments, photographs and lighter stories from the industry.
- Air Safety – Up-to-date accident reports and crash information.
- Avianca at 100 – Craig West charts the colourful history of Latin America’s oldest airline and asks what could come next.
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