In this year’s final issue, we bring you our annual World Air Forces directory review, which details the main events, procurements and retirements which over the last 12 months have affected an active military fleet totalling almost 53,300 aircraft. Plus, find out how to download our full, 36-page report, including a 23-page listing of inventories by nation.
Our defence-sector coverage continues with updates on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ latest projects, and a look at the UK’s debut carrier strike experience using Lockheed Martin F-35Bs aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth.
We have the biggest stories from the Dubai air show, where Boeing’s 777-9 made a spectacular first flying display appearance, and Russia sought to muscle in by giving its in-development Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate fighter an international debut.
Also this issue, we interview Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury, as he positions the company for a post-Covid-19 recovery and helps shape its future adoption of emission-reducing technologies. And don’t miss the chance to test your Total Aviation Person credentials, as Uncle Roger throws down his annual festive quiz challenge (available to subscribers 13 December).
Use the links below to access our latest issue’s content in web-optimised format, or scroll down further to view our “page-turner” digital replica of the magazine, download a pdf version, and access archived issues.
Afghanistan returning to Taliban control saw its military aircraft inventory drop to zero and tested the international community’s ability to rescue at-risk civilians, during another busy year for defence.
Become a FlightGlobal member today and enjoy these benefits
Boeing insists that it is being “as transparent as we can possibly be” with its customers on the timeline of the 777X, despite the lack of precise delivery guidance.
Hard by the sweeping emptiness of Salisbury Plain, Boscombe Down airfield in southwest England is the home of experimental flight testing in the UK.
Embraer has unveiled a family of four low- or zero-emission concept aircraft for the regional market that it hopes to fly over the coming decades, including hybrid-, all-electric and hydrogen-powered models.
Although the indusry has yet to fully emerge from the Covid-19 downturn, Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury explains why he thinks higher production rates are justified, and how the A350 freighter will capture demand. Meanwhile, he outlines why the company’s helicopter and defence businesses are still vital parts of the group, while planning for a low-carbon future.
General Atomics, known for unmanned air vehicles that for decades conducted armed reconnaissance over Iraq and Afghanistan, is attempting to retool its aircraft with a futuristic arsenal of weapons, including lasers and missile interceptors.
The first operational test of the UK’s reconstituted carrier strike capability has been a broad success, with its embarked F-35Bs performing in combat and working alongside US Marine Corps assets.
We mark some of the most notable national fleet retirements recorded since we published our last World Air Forces directory.
The dream of dancing in the air inspired Cecilia Aragon to become an aerobatic champion. Now a professor studying unconscious bias in the cockpit, she hopes to inspire a new generation to fly free.
The lighter side of Flight International
Your views about the aerospace industry and our reporting
There was a pleasant sense of a return to normality at the Dubai air show, with triple-digit orders once again unveiled, but whether this recovery will endure remains to be seen.
Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke says private spaceflight encourages smaller firms to think big and develop technologies the whole world could benefit from in future.
