A weekly review of commercial flight
Today, in 1976, a Pan Am Boeing 747SP completed a record-setting flight around the world.
From a marsh in the 1920s to over 50 million passengers served annually in the 2020s, San Francisco has not only transformed itself but also transformed how people travel to and from the West Coast of North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
The New Zealand Air Expedition is a curated, 12-day luxury journey across Aotearoa designed specifically for aviation enthusiasts. Hosted by Airways, the trip spans both the North and South Islands, using private charter flights such as the SAAB 340 and Cessna Caravan to maximize exploration time and offer stunning aerial views of the landscape.
Trip Highlights:
Aviation Heritage: Private guided tours of the Croydon Aircraft Company, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center, and the Air New Zealand Maintenance Hangar.
Iconic Landscapes: A scenic helicopter flight over Milford Sound with an alpine landing and a journey on the Coastal Pacific train.
Cultural Immersion: Private Māori-hosted experiences in Rotorua and storytelling in Christchurch.
Exclusive Access: Behind-the-scenes visits to an ATC radar room and vintage aircraft flight options.
See full expedition details here.
The June 2026 cover of Airways features the Boeing 777X holding gracefully, wings flexing its muscles, GE9X engines pushing a wide-body built to dominate long‑range performance. No climb, no theatrics, just a massive test platform showing off its span and raw capability baked into the next evolution of the Triple Seven. Preview it on Airways Digital or purchase the print edition.
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