World Aviation in 1991

13 January
The first Boeing 727-100 to come off the production line in 1964 joins the aircraft on display in the Museum of Flight in Seattle after 25 years service with United Air Lines.

17 January
The first air-to-air victory of Operation Desert Storm is acheived by a United States Air Force (USAF) McDonnell Douglas F15 Eagle, which destroys an Iraqi Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG29 Fulcrum.

June
For the first time the secrets of a current Russian combat aircraft are openly displayed to a Western audience as a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG31 goes on show at the Paris Air Show.

17 July
$1 million in cash is stolen during a scheduled Air France flight from Corsica to Paris. The thief hides in the aircraft’s hold during the flight, and breaks into two sealed sacks in which the cash is being carried.

1 September
Boeing announces that 707 production is finally to end after 37 years.

1 November
United Airlines inaugurates ‘Connoisseur Class’ on its long-distance flights. The luxury extras provided for passengers include gourmet food, vintage wines, piped CD music and more comfortable seats.

4 December
Pan American World Airlines (Pan-Am) stops flying after 73 years. The company is unable to continue because of financial difficulties.