FEATURES

PHOTO: KEN DONOHUE 

China Airlines Blossoms

by Ken Donohue

Although its start more than 50 years ago was modest, and it has struggled during difficult times, China Airlines is becoming one of Asia's leading airlines, with a fleet of 71 passenger and freighter aircraft serving 90 cities on four continents.

 PHOTO: CHRIS SLOAN

First 747-8 Intercontinental Enters Service

by Chris Sloan

One month after receiving its first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, Lufthansa introduced the new 'Queen of the Skies' to the airways with a service from Frankfurt to Washington (Dulles). We were fortunate to be onboard to report on the festivities and another 'first flight'.

PHOTO: LELAND (CHIP) SHANLE JR

Big Flo Flies No More

by Mark L Berry with Leland (Chip) Shanle Jr

An exclusive inside report of the preparations for deliberately crashing a Boeing 727 onto a desert lakebed. We explain why this was not a stunt.

 "Ode to Old Big Flo" as recorded by Chris Belden

Click on the player to listen to audio version of the article 

PHOTO: GEOFF JONES

Wings in the World’s Newest Nation

by Geoff Jones

A report on the frenetic aviation activity from Juba, the capital of the Republic of South Sudan and the new country's major airport.

PHOTO: TREVOR OGLE

STOL at Saba

by Trevor Ogle

Ride along on a Twin Otter trip to the Caribbean island of Saba, which boasts one of the world's shortest runways used for regular airline service.

PHOTO: ANDREAS ROHDE

Back to School

by Andreas Rohde

Every so often in their career, pilots have to change from one airplane type to another. This is both an exciting time, like a child exploring a new toy, but one that can also bring stress and hardship. Discover the joys and tribulations of converting to the Fokker 100 twin-jet.

PHOTO: TPE

Taiwan Taoyuan Seeks Success

by Ken Donohue

More than three decades ago, Taiwan Taoyuan International was Asia’s largest airport. But history counts for little and six new airports have been built in the region. Billions are now being spent to position TPE as an airport of choice for airlines and their passengers.

PHOTO: DAVE NICHOLS COLLECTION

The Allegheny Martins

by Dave Nichols

When listing favorite old airliners, the ones that had unique characteristics and displayed a distinct personality remain in our memories forever. I’d like to think the Martin 202/404 series fits that special niche, with their loud exhausts, oil-streaked nacelles, steep nose-down deck angle on short finals, and that ‘up yours’ look with its nose held snootily high. It was a snarling beast that seemed to say, “Back off, hotshot, unless you really know what you’re doing!”

PLUS

Southwest ‘Evolves’

by Christopher Pittman

The Forgotten Ones

by Jeff Weber

DEPARTMENTS

Both Sides: Classmates

by Clayton Taylor

Business Flyer: China Airlines trans-Pacific

by Ken Donohue

Debrief

Stan Solomon offers a varied selection of anecdotes from the Airways.

Mailbag

Our global forum for our readers’ opinions, feedback, and contributions.

News from the Airways

Colorfully illustrated highlights of the major news developments from North America and around the world, including fleet changes, new airlines, and new paint schemes.

View From the Cockpit

by Rand Peck

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