* AwesomeDearBoy / MoneyDearBoy: Creator/RobertDowneyJr did the film for two reasons, for the big paycheck and because he wanted to work with Creator/MelGibson who he had the previous year seen in ''Film/LethalWeapon2''.
* BackedByThePentagon: The production rented twenty-six planes from the Thailand military for use in the movie.
* CreatorBacklash: Christopher Robbins, the author of the non-fiction book ''Air America'' was based on, claimed the film distorted his presentation of the Air America story.
* DuelingStarsMovie: Creator/MelGibson and Creator/RobertDowneyJr.
* FriendshipOnTheSet: Creator/MelGibson and Creator/RobertDowneyJr became close friends while making the film. Gibson later insisted that Downey be cast in ''Film/TheSingingDetective'' despite his issues with drugs and alcohol. They're still friends to this day.
* InMemoriam: The picture is dedicated to the film's assistant director Michael Katzin. This movie was Katzin's final film.
* WhatCouldHaveBeen:
** Creator/TomCruise, Creator/BillMurray, Creator/JamesBelushi and Creator/KevinCostner were all considered for Billy Covington.
** Creator/SeanConnery was originally attached to play the character of Gene Ryack, but was deemed too expensive.
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