In a security-conscious world, a variety of high-technology products have emerged or been proposed as the solution to the baggage and passenger search problem. A comprehensive review of current and future technologies and equipment suitable for bomb detection begins on page 12.

Malaysia Airlines accepted delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 in October 1989. The combi-configured aeroplane operates nonstop between Kuala Lumpur and London. The new Boeing airliner, which first entered service with Northwest Airlines early last year, is an advanced, long-range version of the 747-300. Improvements include more powerful engines, a more flexible interior configuration and improved fuel economy.

Artist's rendering shows a Bell Helicopter Model 230 overflying Montreal. An updated version of the Bell 222, the intermediate twin-engine helicopter is to enter production at Bell's facility north of Montreal. First flight is scheduled for the summer of 1991, and certification is planned for the first quarter of 1992. Powered by Allison 250-C30 G2 turbine engines, the corporate helicopter accommodates up to six passengers.

The Advanced Automation System, the largest of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's modernization programmes, combines advanced hardware with automated software programmes to help air traffic controllers meet the demands of increased air travel. The system was developed by U.S.-based Raytheon Co., which is manufacturing more than 5,000 common consoles for use by air traffic controllers in en route and terminal approach control centres.

Pilots of Northwest Airlines and United Airlines recently participated in an in-flight study to determine if a pre-planned cockpit rest period during long flights can improve pilot alertness and performance. Various devices were used to evaluate sleep activity and subsequent performance and alertness, including a physiological recorder that indicated brain waves and eye movement activity throughout each flight.

Ireland's Aer Lingus recently took delivery of a Boeing 737-500 to become the first airline to own and operate the new-generation 737 family. The 117-passenger airliner, the newest and smallest member of the 737 family, is shown at Dublin Airport (foreground). Parked to its left are the larger 737-300 (middle) and 737-400.

Computer-generated illustration features an Air Canada Boeing 767 with an example of a data link transmission. Air Canada was one of the first airlines to explore the transfer of information between ground and aircraft using digital communication.

In some parts of the world, air transport congestion – in the skies and on the ground – has become an ever worsening problem, symbolized here by a group of United Air Lines jets at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. See our Special Report on the situation, beginning on page 11 herein.

Inter-Canadian is Canada's largest regional scheduled airline, serving all parts of Quebec and providing air links to Ontario and the east-coast Maritimes region. Beginning in January, the airline started adding the first of seven Fokker 100s to its fleet to help serve some 36 destinations in all.

This Micronav MLS (microwave landing system) installation is operational at Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada. It provides approach and departure guidance to short take-off and landing (STOL) commuter airlines serving this mountain valley airport.

A microburst downdraft associated with a thunderstorm which occurred in Eastern Colorado.

Singapore Airlines will be one of the first to implement the highly advanced B-747-400 electronic flight management system. Special arrangements were made with Boeing and Singapore Airlines to accommodate initial aircrew training at the Montreal headquarters of CAE Electronics, developer of this simulator. Training was begun just after in-plant acceptance of the training system last August.