Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Airliners International 2025, held at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. As the world’s largest annual airline history conference and collectibles show, the event attracted aviation enthusiasts, collectors, and historians from around the globe. The WAHS (World Airline Historical Society) has organized the Airliners International convention annually since its inception in 1977, when founders Paul and Pat Collins launched the event in Cincinnati. What began as a small gathering featuring memorabilia trading, aviation-themed presentations, and airplane rides quickly grew in scale and ambition. Over nearly five decades, the convention has toured major U.S. and Canadian cities—Toronto, Dallas, Miami, Seattle, Orlando, Los Angeles, and many more—each showcasing a mix of dealer trading halls, model/photo/postcard contests, airport and airline tours, vintage and modern aircraft flights, and keynote speakers ranging from airline captains to executives and aviation luminaries. In recent years, the event has settled at high-profile venues like museum hangars and airport hotels—most notably the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta for 2025’s 49th edition—continuing to attract enthusiasts worldwide with its vibrant mix of history, tours, vendor exhibits, and social events.
Walking into the museum, I was immediately struck by the perfect setting—surrounded by historic aircraft and memorabilia that reflect the rich heritage of Delta Air Lines. The venue itself, with its restored aircraft and state-of-the-art exhibits, provided an inspiring backdrop for the convention’s many activities. The collectibles show was nothing short of spectacular. Booths showcased rare airline models, vintage photos, postcards, and an astounding array of memorabilia. I spent hours browsing, chatting with passionate collectors, and discovering unique items that tell the stories of aviation’s golden age.
One of the highlights for me was attending the seminar sessions. Experts shared fascinating insights on a variety of topics—from the history of commuter airlines in Georgia and Florida to the evolving flying habits of younger generations. I particularly enjoyed the presentation on paper models and the introduction to flight dispatch, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of airline operations. The tours offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Delta Air Lines Flight Training Center and CAF Airbase Georgia. These experiences added a dynamic, hands-on dimension to the event.
The weekend culminated with a lively banquet dinner, where attendees connected over shared stories and a mutual love for aviation history. The sense of community among attendees was palpable, united by a common passion. Overall, Airliners International 2025 was an unforgettable experience that combined education, collecting, and fellowship in a uniquely vibrant setting. For anyone interested in the history of airlines and aviation memorabilia, this convention is a must-visit. For more information about the WAHS (World Airline Historical Society), visit www.wahsonline.com.
