PHOTO: BOEING

Dreamliners Take Flight

Rolled out two and half years ago, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner made its first flight on December 15, 2009, marking the beginning of an intensive test and certification program involving six airplanes.

PHOTO: GENERAL ELECTRIC

GE Powers to the Top

by Don Bedwell

The first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner marks the start of a 6,000-hour test program (half that number will comprise airborne time) that will cumulate in certification for an airliner with an engine interface that permits a routine change from one powerplant option to another—an industry first. One of the choices for 787 customers for a next-generation fuel-efficient turbofan is the General Electric GEnx, which also holds a monopoly on the 747-8. So far, GE will provide turbofans for more than 400 Dreamliners on order, and for 110 747-8s, putting the manufacturer in the top tier of its field. This was not always the case.

PHOTO: AIRBUS SAS

Testing Times in Thailand

by Jeff Kriendler

Lacking decisive leadership for many years, Thai Airways International has internal and financial problems and faces more efficient competition at a time of political unrest in Thailand. But don't write off the proud airline just yet.

PHOTO: LONDON CITY AIRPORT

LCY—Gateway to London Commerce

by David C Forward

London’s airports are never far from the front pages. Gatwick  is criticized for having but one runway; Heathrow is frequently blamed for its congestion—and then slammed by environmentalists when it wants to expand; and Stansted, London’s low-cost carrier hub, consistently finds itself on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing from Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary for its high fees. Then there is London City Airport (LCY). If ever there was a niche airport, it is LCY.

PHOTO: IRANAIR

Lifting the Veil on IranAir FAs

by Sebastian Schmitz

As with other airlines, the flight attendants of IranAir are the company’s calling cards. Similarly, in common with most air carriers worldwide, IranAir emphasizes safety and security procedures as the prime content of FA training, along with the delivery of hospitable in-flight service.

PHOTO: KEN DONOHUE

It’s Plane Floating with West Coast Air

by Ken Donohue

A successful floatplane airline from British Columbia, Canada, West Coast Air serves business travellers between Vancouver and Victoria and flies one of the most scenic routes in the world.

PHOTO: IKE KANGASTALO

Renewed Energy for Red Bull ‘Six’

by Ike Kangastalo

The late Yugoslavian president, Marshal Josip Broz Tito, could not have guessed where his personal aircraft would end up. Twelve years after the dictator’s death, his historic Douglas DC-6B started a new life in Salzburg, Austria.

PLUS

If you've got it, use it

by Hugh Pryor

DEPARTMENTS

Both Sides

Clayton Taylor reflects on a Good Crossing.

Business Flyer

The South Atlantic service of South African Airways is evaluated by Arthur Stevens.

First Flyer

Christopher Pittman rates the trans-Pacific service of American Airlines.

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.

Reviews

Chris Sterling looks at the latest commercial aviation books of note.

Veteran & Vintage

Iain Hutchison reports from the far north of Scotland on the attempt to restore a Potez 840.

View from the Cockpit

Andreas Rohde sees a Christmas Gift.

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