Airline Counter: 29
Emirates
Emirates was founded in 1985 as the airline of Dubai, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE, and is currently one of the 2 flag carriers of the UAE. In the 1980s, Gulf Air, the major middle eastern airlines of the late 20th century began reducing its services outside of Bahrain, leaving Dubai with insufficient air service, catalyzing the creation of a new Emirati airline. Currently, Emirates is the largest Middle Eastern airline, owns over 250 aircraft, over 100 of these being the A380 superjumbo (the largest A380 fleet of any airline), allowing them to fly to all six inhabited continents.
Above is an Airbus A380-800 (A6-EEH) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways was founded in 1993 serving as the flag carrier of Qatar. Now, it is internationally renowned as one of the world’s best airlines, along with other Middle Eastern carriers Emirates and Etihad, receiving the prestigious “Skytrax Best Airline” certificate of 2019, 2017, 2015, 2012, in addition to 20 years as a Skytrax 5 Star airline. On January 15th, 2015, Qatar became the launch customer for the A350-900 (and later the A350-1000) and currently operates the second largest fleet of the cutting-edge aircraft (behind Singapore Airlines).
Above is an Airbus A380-800 (A7-API) arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Singapore Interantional Airlines
Singapore International Airlines dates to 1937 when Malayan Airways was founded as the flag carrier of Malaysia and Singapore, both still under the British Commonwealth. When Singapore, Malaysia, and other states formed the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, Malayan was rebranded as Malaysian Airways, and in 1966, when Singapore left the federation, the airline became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). MSA was split into the modern Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines in 1972 due to differing growth strategies; Malaysia focused domestically and Singapore desired greater international presence.
Above is an Airbus A380-800 (9V-SKU) arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Air India
Air India was founded in 1932 by a member of the Tata Family (a very prominent Indian business family) under the title “Tata Airlines,” shortly thereafter renamed “Tata Airlines.” Following the Second World War, the airline adopted the name Air India and became nationalized after the Partition of India. In 1948, Air India launched its first intercontinental flight between Bombay (Mumbai) and London, with stops in Cairo and Geneva. The company grew to become the first Asian carrier to operate a jet aircraft (the Boeing 707) in 1960; two years later, it became the world’s first “all jet” fleet.
Above is a Boeing 777-300ER (VT-ALR) departing at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) en route to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern (CE) was founded in 1988 after the dissociation of China’s former flag carrier, CAAC. The company has a history of consolidating with smaller Chinese airlines, notably: China General Aviation in 1997, China Northwest (another one of the 6 airlines formed from CAAC) and China Yunnan Airlines in 2002-2003, and Shanghai Airlines In 2010, although the company maintains its own brand. This history of growth cements CE as one of the three largest Chinese airlines, alongside China Southern and Air China, which compete with the US’ Delta, United, and American in fleet and operational size.
Above is a Boeing 777-300ER (B-2023) departing Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Korean Air
Korean Air is the current flag carrier of South Korea, with roots going back to the establishment of Korean National Airlines (KNA) in 1946. In 1962, KNA was nationalized by the South Korean government, becoming Korean Air Lines. In 1969, the airline was fully privatized, rebranded to Korean Air in 1984, and remains so to this day. It wasn’t until 1984 that the company introduced its most recognizable feature: the Taegeuk, an important symbol in South Korea. Today, Korean Air is undoubtedly the most significant South Korean airline, having acquired Asiana Airlines in 2024.
Above is a Boeing 777-300ER (HL8250) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Air China
Air China was founded in 1988 as China’s former carrier, CAAC, formed in 1949, was split into 6 different airlines, with Air China set to operate China’s large international routes. Today, along with China Eastern and China Southern Airlines, Air China is one of the only remaining airlines still operating from this split. In 2002, the airline merged with China Southwest Airlines, one of the other airlines formed from CAAC (which operated flights from the southwest of China in Sichuan Province). In 2013, Air China operated the first domestic Chinese flight with satellite internet offered on board.
Above is an Boeing 777-300ER (B-2046) departing Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways was founded in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways to serve Kuwait, whose economy was growing with the export of oil. The airline adopted the name Kuwait Airways in 1955 and entered the jet age in the 1960s. The company acquired the fleet of trans Arabian Airlines (a competing Kuwaiti airline) in 1964, in a bid the government hoped would allow Kuwait to maintain a strong commercial aviation market. While a large portion of their fleet was destroyed during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait during the Gulf War, the airline remains a significant airline in the Middle East.
Above is a Boeing 777-300ER (9K-AOK) arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways (ANA) was founded in 1952 as Japan Helicopter Transport. This came shortly after the allies lifted their prohibition of domestic air service in Japan. The company’s first flight in 1953 marked the first scheduled Japanese flight operated by a Japanese pilot after WWII. The company rebranded to ANA in 1957 as it merged with Far East AIrlines, founded in 1952 with operations in 1954. It wasn’t until 1986 with ANA began scheduled International flights to Guam, then expanding across the Pacific. Today, ANA is renowned as one of the most punctual and prestigious airlines.
Above is a Boeing 777-300ER (JA790A) arriving at London Heathrow from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
Pakistan International Airways
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) traces its roots to Orient Airways, founded in 1946, which served Pakistan both under the British Raj and following its independence in 1947. By 1955, the airline was absorbed into Pakistan International Airways, formed a few years prior, becoming Pakistan’s flag carrier. The airline’s assets were then used during the 1956 Indo-Pakistani war, but the airline soon returned to civilian roles. Of note, PIA was the launch customer for the 777-200LR in 2006 and claims to have been the first Asian airline to operate a jet aircraft in the 1960s (Air India similarly makes this claim).
Above is a Boeing 777-200LR (AP-BGZ) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)
China Airlines Cargo
China Airlines Cargo, the cargo branch of the Taiwanese flag carrier China Airlines, launched shortly after its parent in 1959. China Airlines Cargo operates a fleet of over 20 dedicated cargo aircraft in addition to the cargo holds on China Airlines commercial flights. The airline has historically operated a fleet of Boeing 747 cargo variants and has been slowly supplementing these with 777F freighters since 2019. In the future, eight 777-8F deliveries will see the retirement of their current 747 fleet in an effort to modernize. Interestingly, the airline has delivered over 75 million COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Above is a Boeing 777F (B-18775) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) en route from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
China Southern Cargo
China Southern Cargo was established in 2001 as a cargo subsidiary of China Southern Airlines, now one of China’s largest airlines in multiple categories. Beginning with wet-leased freighters, the company now operates a large 777F-exclusive fleet and flies to over 100 destinations world-wide. Their global cargo ambitions are strengthened by around 12 dedicated ground facilities scattered throughout China in such cities as Guangzhou, Urumqi, and Harbin. China Southern Cargo was also briefly part of SkyTeam Cargo until 2019 when China Southern also withdrew from the alliance.
Above is a 777F (B-2042) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Eva Air Cargo
Eva Air Cargo launched soon after Eva Air, now the second largest airline in Taiwan, in 1989. In the 2000s, the airline expanded massively with the opening of new Cargo operations in Europe and Hong Kong and is currently ranked as one of the largest cargo airlines in the world. Interestingly, it wasn’t until the late 2010s that Eva Air Cargo received its first 777F and it operated 9 at the time of this photo, with this plane being delivered in 2019. The airline planed to convert 6 777 commercial aircraft into cargo variants in 2025 to further augment their cargo operations.
Above is a Boeing 777F (B-16786) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) en route from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Korean Air Cargo
Korean Air Cargo, the cargo branch of Korean Air, launched in 1971, a decade after the founding of Korean Air. The company has expanded consistently, now serving over 100 destinations with a fleet of 777F and 747F freighters and has maintained a high reputation, winning the world’s No.1 international cargo carrier by IATA on many occasions (and a number of other international awards). Interestingly, the airliner’s first route, Seoul-LA, became South Korea’s first trans-pacific route. Today, Korean Air Cargo flies well over a million tons of cargo annually.
Above is a Boeing 777F (HL8252) departing Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific was founded in 1946 eying increased demand for passenger and freight flights post-WW11. The company positioned itself in Hong Kong, where it remains to this day as the region’s flag carrier. “Cathay Pacific” refers to the carrier’s initial dream of flying over the Pacific, using “Cathay” as an antiquated name for China. In 1998, using a 747-400, Cathay operated “Polar One,” breaking three records:the first non-stop passenger flight to Hong Kong from New York, the first commercial flight to land at Hong Kong’s now famous Chek Lap Kok Airport, and the longest commercial flight at the time.
Above is an Airbus A350-1000 (B-LXE) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PAL) was founded in 1941, making it the oldest still-operating airline in Asia. PAL transitioned exclusively to military operations during the Second World War, relaunching in 1946 with assistance from TWA. That year, PAL became the first Asian carrier to cross the pacific (Manila-Oakland with 3 stops), and, in 1947, the first Southeast Asia airline to fly to Europe (Manila-Madrid). That flight took two days with 6 stops at Bangkok, Calcutta, Karachi, Dhahran, Cairo, and Rome. PAL launched non-stop flights to Toronto in 2012 after a 15 year hiatus from the North American East Coast.
Above is an Airbus A350-900 (RP-C3507, “Love Bus” honouring PAL’s relationship with Airbus) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines has roots to 1956 when the North Vietnamese government established “Vietnam Civil Aviation” to serve the country. However, due to a trade embargo barring the country from operating American technology, the company relied on an inefficient Soviet fleet until the trade prohibition was lifted in the 1990s. It wasn’t until 1993 that the airline became Vietnam’s Flag Carrier, and in 1995, the company was incorporated into the new “Vietnam Airlines Corporation,” which remains to this day. In 2015, the company became the first East Asian airline to operate the A350-900.
Above is a Boeing 787-10 (VN-A879) arriving at Toronto Pearson from Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) on a COVID-19 cargo/repatriation flight
Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Biman Bangladesh was established in 1972 as the carrier for the newly formed nation of Bangladesh. Many of its first pilots and other employees took direct part in the Bangladesh liberation War and quickly proposed the airline following the country’s newly won independence. It quickly grew, launching its first domestic and international flights that year and, as of this photo, operates one of the most modern fleets in South Asia. Flights to Toronto were launched in 2022, Biman’s only destination in the entirety of the Americas at the time.
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (S2-AJY) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)
El Al Israel Airlines
El Al Israel Airlines was founded in 1948 to serve the State of Israel. The airline is particularly impressive for its involvement in many large-scale airlifts, having brought hundreds of thousands of Jewish people into Israel over several decades. For instance, in the 1980s and ‘90s, Operation Exodus saw the migration of over 100 000 Jewish people away from the Soviet Union and into Israel. In Operation Solomon of the early 1990s, while airlifting Ethiopian Jews fleeing political instability, El Al set a record by transporting over 1000 people on a single flight (including 2 in flight births).
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (4X-EDF) in 1960s retro livery arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Etihad Airways
Etihad was founded in 2003 as the national airline of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, giving the UAE its second flag carrier after the founding of Emirates in 1985. The vision was to establish Abu Dhabi as a centre for tourism and travel, in an economic push away from oil dependence. This would be facilitated with its own airline, since Emirates primarily served the neighbouring Emirate of Dubai. Today, the company is renowned as one of the world’s best airlines for its luxurious in-flight experience and focus on hospitality. In fact, Etihad has often been placed in the top ten airlines by SKYTRAX.
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (A6-BLJ) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Saudia Arabian Airlines
Saudia was launched in 1945 as the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia after being gifted a DC-3 from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Originally known exclusively as Saudi Arabian Airlines, the airline adopted the shortened title “Saudia” in the early 1970s. The airline gradually expanded to serve most Middle East nations with a large international network stretching to the Americas. By 1984, they became the launch customer of the A300-600, the largest variant of Airbus’ first wide body jetliner. In 2012, Saudia became the first middle eastern airline to join the SkyTeam alliance and remains a member to this day.
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (HZ-AR11) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines was founded in 1989 as Hainan Province Airlines as it was based on the island province of Hainan in Southern China. The airline rebranded in 1996 to its current name, and in 1997, became part of the new HNA Group, a Fortune 500 company (now restructured following bankruptency) with investments in numerous industries expanding well beyond commercial aviation. Today, Hainan is the only mainland Chinese airline to have received a 5-star airline rating from SKYTRAX. In some years, Hainan Airlines has even ranked among the top ten airlines in the world.
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (B-208T) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
China Southern Airlines
China Southern launched in 1988 following the separation of China's former flag carrier, CAAC airlines (Civil Aviation Administration of China, founded in 1949). Six main new airlines were created, each named after the region of China they serve. China Southern was based in Guangzhou (southern China), China Eastern in Shanghai (Eastern China), China Southwest in Chengdu (SW China), China Northern in Shenyang (northern China), China Northwest in Xi'an (NW China), and Air China (new flag carrier). Today, China Southern operates one of the world’s largest fleets.
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (B-1167) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Xiamen Air
Xiamen Air was founded in 1984 as a domestic market focused airline to connect the province of Fujian to the rest of China. Xiamen Air has since grown into one of the largest airlines in China with a significant international presence. The airline is also noteworthy in its drive for sustainability, having been the first airline to officially support the UN Sustainability Development Goals in 2017. The company even operates a 787 with a dedicated livery commemorating this decision. Xiamen Air’s standard livery displays an egret commonly seen on Xiamen Island (AKA "the Egret Island").
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (B-1566) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) during a COVID-19 cargo/repatriation flight
Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950 as the Gulf Aviation Company, an air taxi service out of Bahrain. By 1973, the governments of Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi took joint ownership, rebranding the airline to Gulf Air and positioning it as the new flag carrier of the four states. In a time before Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar were dominant in the region, Gulf Air was the most significant carrier in the Persian Gulf. Gradually, however, all governments but Bahrain pulled out to focus on their own domestic airlines. Gulf Air remains exclusively the flag carrier for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Above is a Boeing 787-9 (A9C-FB) in 70th anniversary livery arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Bahrain international Airport (BAH)
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Royal Jordanian Airlines was founded in 1963 following the royal decree of then Jordanian King Hussein as the flag carrier of Jordan. It flew under the name Alia (later Alia - The Royal Jordanian Airlines) after the King’s oldest daughter, Alia Bint Al Hussein, until being renamed Royal Jordanian Airlines in 1986. The airline suffered a minor setback to its expansion plans in 1967 enduring the Six-DayWar during which Alia lost a number of long-haul aircraft. More recently, in 2007, Royal Jordanian joined the OneWorld Alliance and cemented itself as the first Arab airline to join an international airline alliance.
Above is a Boeing 787-8 (JY-BAE) arriving at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) from Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Air China Cargo
Air China Cargo was founded in 2003 as the cargo branch of Air China, China’s flag carrier. Before its establishment, Air China leveraged a dedicated cargo division, founded in 1994, which became the predecessor of Air China Cargo. As the airline grew in scope, it became a joint venture between Air China and Cathay Pacific in 2011 and remains so to this day, serving dozens of cities around the world with a fleet of dedicated cargo aircraft (some of which converted from original passenger Air China aircraft). However, Air China Cargo also takes advantage of Air China’s expansive passenger network.
Above is an Airbus A330-200F (B-6090) arriving at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Iran Air
Iran Air was founded in 1944 as Iranian Airways with an initial focus on domestic-only services. In the 1950s, another Iranian airline, Persian Air Services (PAS), was founded, eyeing a part of the commercial market. In 1961, hoping to improve travel in Iran, the Iranian government initiated a merger between Iranian Airways and PAS, forming Iran Air. The 1960s then saw a noteworthy international expansion which continued into the 1970s, with the acquisition of several jets including the 707, 727, and 747. Iran Air has been known as HOMA domestically, named after the perpetually airborne, mythical bird.
Above is an Airbus A330-200 (EP-IJA) arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA):
Middle East Airlines
Middle East Airlines (MEA) was established in 1945 and expanded to serve Lebanon's domestic market and its neighbouring countries. A merger with Air Liban, another Lebanese airline, in 1963, allowed greater expansion into foreign markets with the acquisition of new routes. Owing to regional conflicts, MEA has often been forced to suspend, reposition, and restart, its operations. During the 1967 five day Arab-Israeli war, for example, MEA lost several aircraft, and the 1975-1991 Lebanese civil war, often shut down its base at Beirut International Airport. Today, MEA remains the flag carrier of Lebanon.
Above is an Airbus A320-200 (OD-WRL, the 5000th A320, arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)