摘要：The final issue of this year is a guest-edited issue on a specific topic. This year, the topic of aviation English is a particularly timely one as countries around the world are scrambling to implement international guidelines on the English proficiency of aviation personnel by March 2011. I am pleased that Ute Knoch and John Read agreed to edit this issue as they have significant expertise in the area and contributed a chapter of their own, providing detailed background on the topic, particularly with regard to Australasia. The other papers shed light on this area from various national and analytic perspectives, and also deal with assessment and its significant political implications. As is common for the special issue, the papers were read by one expert reviewer, who I would like tothank especially for his dedication in reviewing an entire journal issue!
