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Explore the latest news and features by our world-class aviation journalists. Stay up to date on the latest military aviation developments, commercial airline news, historic restoration projects, flight simulation releases and much more.
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Historic
Mildenhall KC-135 named ‘High Life’ after B-17
Eighty-one years to the day that Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress ‘High Life’ flew its last mission, a ceremony was held recently at RAF Mildenhall to unveil artwork on a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker based on that worn by the World War Two bomber
Operation Shetland
Saluting the bravest of the brave, Catalina pilot Jeff Boyling and crew took Duxford-based Miss Pick Up on a pilgrimage to honour Coastal Command’s two Victoria Cross winners
Leading Edge
Seldom has there been greater optimism about British aviation as when the DH106 Comet jet airliner first took to the air 75 years ago, and stole a march on the world. As we now know, a run of tragedies meant the lead wouldn’t last. But how had de Havilland achieved such a coup? In an article written specially for The Aeroplane in May 1952, just as the Comet 1 was entering service, the company’s chief designer R. E. Bishop described the thinking behind this commercial pioneer
How Delta and United entered the jet age with the DC-8
Despite entering service almost a year after Boeing’s 707, the California-built Douglas DC-8 was a game-changer for the aviation industry and the two airlines that simultaneously put the type into service on September 18, 1959. Lee Cross documents Delta Air Lines’ and United Airlines’ entrance to the jet age
Hawaii Mars arrives at BC Aviation Museum
The Martin Mars C-FLYL ‘Hawaii Mars’ water bomber completed its final flight on August 11, 2024, en route to its new home at the British Columbia (BC) Aviation Museum in Victoria.
Military
Playing the Enemy
Davide Daverio goes behind the scenes with VFC-204 ‘River Rattlers’ in New Orleans to discover how the ‘aggressor’ unit operates
Mildenhall KC-135 named ‘High Life’ after B-17
Eighty-one years to the day that Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress ‘High Life’ flew its last mission, a ceremony was held recently at RAF Mildenhall to unveil artwork on a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker based on that worn by the World War Two bomber
Netherlands closes in on end of ‘Viper’ era
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) will officially retire its surviving F-16AM/BM (MLU) Fighting Falcon fighters from use on September 27, formally bringing more than 45 years of Dutch ‘Viper’ operations to an end, writes Kees van der Mark.
Commercial
Jet2 adds to Airbus order
UK leisure carrier and newly converted Airbus operator Jet2.com has exercised purchase rights for an additional 36 A321neo aircraft, taking its total firm commitment for the type to 146 examples.
First Airbus A320neo for Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines has taken delivery of its maiden Airbus A320neo, the first of three examples it will receive this year.
Norse Atlantic completes first Norway to Australia non-stop flight
Norse Atlantic Airways has completed the first ever direct flight between Norway and Australia, a trip covering approximately 14,730km (9,153 miles).
EL AL seals its largest ever aircraft order
EL AL Israel Airlines has confirmed its largest aircraft purchase in its 76-year history, finalising an order for up to 31 Boeing 737 MAXs.
New look for TAAG Angola Airlines
TAAG Angola Airlines will showcase a new livery on its incoming Airbus A220s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Flight Simulation
Mega Airport Oslo-Gardermoen released
Aerosoft has announced Mega Airport Oslo-Gardermoen for Microsoft Flight Simulator is out now.
Flight simulator training – Mountain flying
In this lesson, we explore the incredible and scenic terrain of the Rocky Mountains and learn about the challenges of mountain flying.
Cockspur’s Phenom 100 review
The Phenom 100 is part of a growing trend in aviation that has emerged in the last decade for Very Light Jets that offer luxury transport and modern technology. In this review, we test fly Cockspur's rendition of this popular aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
