Check out the engine heat flames between 00:08 and 00:18
That’s so badass it looks like afterburners
Also nice that 747 was still having the World Airways livery on.
World Airways, founded in 1948 by Benjamin Pepper and later acquired by Edward Daly, played a crucial role in the evolution of commercial aviation. Initially operating ex-Pan Am Boeing 314 flying boats, World Airways quickly expanded its fleet and capabilities.
In the 1950s, World Airways secured its first government contract, marking the beginning of its substantial involvement in military operations. This commitment continued through the Vietnam War, where World Airways became a lifeline, airlifting troops and equipment between the war zone and its base at Oakland International Airport. Notably, on March 29, 1975, World Airways operated the last airlift flight out of Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, under challenging circumstances.
As aviation technology advanced, World Airways embraced change. In the early 1970s, it operated three Boeing 747 aircraft and was the launch customer for the innovative “flip nose” front-loading variant of the 747. Later, the airline added DC-10s to its fleet.
World Airways also left its mark on the competitive airline landscape of the 1980s. It acquired valuable routes on the east coast through the “Slottery” and successfully sold them for profit. However, operating scheduled passenger services resulted in financial losses, leading to the end of scheduled service in 1986.
In 1987, World Airways relocated its headquarters to Washington Dulles International Airport and made strategic acquisitions, including Key Airlines and ties to Malaysia Airlines. During the first Persian Gulf War, the airline’s role in military operations expanded, culminating in the addition of the MD-11 to its fleet.
Throughout its history, World Airways thrived on military contracts, connecting American bases to the Middle East, and securing passenger and freight contracts with organizations like the Jacksonville Jaguars. It also engaged in wet leases to other airlines, serving as their cargo airline arm.
In 2006, World Airways became part of World Air Holdings, Inc., and in 2007, it returned to its Oakland roots. Subsequently, it was acquired by ATA Holdings, later renamed Global Aero Logistics. Despite some challenges, World Airways continued to innovate and serve its clients.
However, on March 27, 2014, World Airways ceased all operations, marking the end of an era. Yet, in 2017, investment firm 777 Partners announced plans to relaunch World Airways as a low-cost international carrier, ushering in a new chapter for this iconic airline.
World Airways, with its rich history of military support and innovation, remains a testament to the ever-evolving aviation industry, and its legacy continues to influence the world of aviation today.
