Airliner World October 2026

The October 2026 issue of Airliner World brings together airline transformation, fleet history and some of the biggest questions facing commercial aviation today.
We examine KLM’s efforts to restore its fortunes through its ambitious Back on Track programme, while Chris Croot assesses whether the Airbus A380 is enjoying an unlikely renaissance. in Asia, Lee Cross charts Hong Kong Airlines’ first two decades and its latest reinvention, while Robert Veitch travels to Toronto to discover how Porter Airlines has emerged as one of North America’s most interesting airline success stories.
Elsewhere, we celebrate 80 years of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, uncover the fascinating story of Morocco’s royal aircraft fleet and explore the financial and operational challenges involved in making air travel more accessible for passengers with disabilities.
Finally, we consider one of the industry’s most intriguing ‘what ifs’: what would have happened had United Airlines and American Airlines combined to create the world’s largest airline? Plus, there is all the latest news, analysis, fleet developments and photography from across the world of commercial aviation.

Getting KLM back on track – KLM’s Back on Track programme is designed to address the Dutch flag carrier’s struggle to recover after the pandemic, as Richard Schuurman explains
An A380 renaissance? – Once written off as an aircraft without a future, the Airbus A380 is enjoying an unexpected second act. Chris Croot reports on the health of the global superjumbo fleet
Reinventing the red Bauhinia – Lee Cross examines Hong Kong Airlines as it celebrates two decades of operations with a new identity and fresh outlook
The royal wings of Morocco – Babak Taghvaee unearths the story behind Morocco’s royal fleet as it evolved through the decades to modern business jets and the Boeing 747-8I
Access all areas – Ensuring that passengers with disabilities can access air travel with ease has significant financial implications for airlines and airports alike, as Bernie Baldwin reports
Scandi skies – Emma Lewis looks at some of the highs and lows of 80 years of SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Portal on Porter – Robert Veitch travels to Toronto to learn more about the rise and rise of Porter Airlines in this decade
A United America – A United-American merger would have created the world’s biggest airline. What would it have meant for the industry? Martin Needham investigates