Taxiing out under darkening skies at NSCBIA. This aircraft was newly delivered to Vistara on 1 Dec 2020.

On display at JASDF Hamamatsu Kohokan. This Starfighter wears the blue and yellow "V" marking of 5th Kokutai. The aircraft was operated by 204 Hikotai based at Nyutabaru, which was the third and final F-104J unit to be formed in 1964.

"Mizoram", named after India's 23rd state at the gate at IGIA T-3 on a winter afternoon.

Taxiing out to the active in the evening at Yelahanka. This VIP transport with its beautiful livery and curtained windows is a joy to behold.

Taxiing in at the end of the flying day at Aero India 2017. The two-seat fighter is from the Skaraborg Wing (F 7), which trains all Gripen pilots.

Parked on the apron next to AI B747 "Agra" on a winter morning at Cochin International Airport. This B737 was newly delivered to Jet Airways on 29 July 2009. After Jet Airways ceased operations on 17 April 2019, this aircraft lived on with Aviation Capital Group and then T'Way Air. As the last AI B747 to operate, "Agra" flew her final flight on 11 March 2021.

Stored at CSMIA since three months after Jet Airways ceased operations on 17 Apr 2019. To the rear is her sister VT-JEV. Both aircraft were newly delivered to Jet Airways in 2007, were leased to other airlines and returned to Jet Airways.

Taxiing out to display at Duxford Autumn Airshow 2013. This Warhawk survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 Dec 1941 as it was in the hangar for repairs after a ground loop. On 24 Jan 1942 it crashed on Oahu, killing the pilot. In 1989 the wreck was fully recovered and underwent restoration. It carries the markings of White 284 of the 6th PS, 18th PG based at Wheeler Field. The carburetor air intake is mounted between two 0.50 cal MGs, changed from intakes in the XP-40 oversized gun fairings. The coolant and oil radiator scoop is smaller and set further aft compared to later models.

Taxiing in at IGIA T-3 on an autumn afternoon and wearing "#NotJustAnotherNeo" titles.

Over the touchdown zone in the morning after its display on Air Force Day 2021. The aircraft belongs to No. 81 Sqn. "Skylords" that was vital in carrying oxygen containers, medical supplies and evacuating citizens during the pandemic over the last two years in addition to the full schedule of military requirements.

On display at Parco Tematico dell'Aviazione. The Czechoslovak Air Force was the first foreign operator of the Su-7. The type served from 1964-83 with the 28th Fighter Bomber Air Regiment "Těšínský" at Caslav, where this aircraft was based. The 20th Fighter Bomber Air Regiment based at Namest nad Oslavou also flew the Su-7BM from 1965-88.

On display at Parco Tematico dell'Aviazione. Built to NATO requirements calling for an attack aircraft capable of operating from unprepared take-off strips less than 1100m with an empty weight under 2200 kg, FIAT won the contract as it had a plane at an advanced stage of development. The G.91 was operated by Italy, West Germany and Portugal. There were four main variants, of which this G.91T was a trainer and liaison aircraft. It carries the Phoenix crest of 60a Brigata Aerea based at Amendola-Foggia. This unit's predecessor was the Scuola di Volo Basico Avanzato Aviogetti (SVBAA).

Turning a warm evening into jelly as the pair of M88 turbofans turn up the heat even more at Aero India 2017. This Rafale belongs to Escadron de Transformation Rafale ETR 3/4 "Aquitaine", wearing the "Diable rouge" emblem of long-standing SPA 160 on the port tail and the combined emblems of an owl of EC 4B3 "Hibou" and "Bison" of GB 1/25(2) on the starboard side. The three wings date back to 1917, 1933 and 1936 respectively. The squadron is an OCU for the Rafale, based at BA113 Saint-Dizier.

Red Arrows performing the Vixen Break in the afternoon at the Cotswold Airshow 2011.

On the apron at Changi. This was the fourth Dreamliner to join Etihad's fleet.

Displayed suspended at IWM Duxford. This aircraft was built in June 1945 at Hatfield as a B.35 and went into storage with 22 MU. In 1953 the Mosquito was converted into a target tug and served with No. 3 Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit and No. 4 CAACU, towing target banners and working with radar stations till retired in 1963. It featured in '633 Squadron' and 'Mosquito Squadron' films. Badly damaged during a landing and fire, it was restored at Duxford in the yellow and black target tug scheme.

On the apron at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This former JAL B747 joined Orient Thai Airlines on 18 September 2009.

Flying over the sea on a grey day. Wearing a pale blue scheme overall, this aircraft belongs to the 401st Hikotai, as seen by the winged horse emblem on the tail.

"So goodbye my friend, I know I'll never see you again..." The lyrics were apt as I took one last look at an Air India B747 cockpit after the final flight of "Agra" from DEL-BOM. Several aviation enthusiasts converged last-minute at Delhi to brave Covid and travel, sharing their memories with the visibly nostalgic crew. My long association with the Maharaja's Queens started aboard AI's first B747 "Emperor Ashoka" in 1971 and continued to the end, marking 50 unique years of travel on these fabulous jets.

Ready for a summer afternoon departure from Rwy 33 at Doha International Airport.