When it launched in 1958, the Boeing 727 opened small and medium-sized airports to jetliner travel. The three-engine narrow bodied jet could serve airports that were unable to accommodate the larger Boeing 707. The 727 quickly became a mainstay for passenger service, and small charter flight companies. For many people in the 1960s and ‘70s, the 727 was their first experience with air travel. This 727 was manufactured in 1967 for World Airways, and was operated under lease by United Airlines, Afghanistan Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Air Mali. In 1974, World sold the jet to Air Mali, where it operated as a jetliner for 14 years. In 1988, FedEx bought the 727 for hauling packages, and is still outfitted as a cargo plane. FedEx named the plane the “Ms. Mali” because of her time as a passenger plane in Africa. Ms. Mali is in need of restoration, and your donation can help support the work of our volunteer restoration team. Please consider helping us preserve this piece of jet age history.