Trans World Airlines (TWA) and Pan American World Airways ("Pan Am") are two of the airlines whose planes are prominently shown in an interscene, neither airline which exists anymore. Facing financial problems, TWA was acquired by American Airlines in 2001. Also facing financial problems, Pan Am was acquired by Delta Airlines in 1991. Any use of the Pan Am brand since as it relates to aviation has been in name only, i.e. not connected to the original company. World Way, mentioned by Lt. Ashton as the airline with the incoming green suitcase carrying the drugs from Toledo, is fictitious.
When Malloy and Reed are waiting to intercept the green suitcase and later as they approach the black Lincoln Continental, you can hear 'Betty' (of Airplane! (1980) popularity) with more of her 'white zone' golly.
The airliner seen landing in the opening scene has no commercial markings because it is stock footage of the "City of Everett," the first 747 ever built.
MO = modus operandi, which is Latin for mode of operation.