World Aviation in 1985

25 April
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) receives the last of its eighteen Boeing E3A Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

30 April
The Lockheed Starfighter ends all front-line service when the Danish Air Force disbands its ESK726 squadron.

29 May
The world's largest aircraft, the Antonov AN124 arrives at Le Bourget airport for the Paris Air Show, and makes its first public appearance.

14 August
The Sultanate of Oman Air Force signs a contract for eight Panavia Tornado aircraft and weapons worth £250 million.

3 October
Space Shuttle Atlantis makes its first launch, on mission 51J.

December
The Soviet Union launches its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from the Nikolayev South shipyard.

17 December
The 50th anniversary of the Douglas DC3: it is estimated that on this date around 350 are still in commercial service.