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VIEWED WITH ALTERED EXPECTATIONS, 2006 will be at or near the top of the current economic cycle and should produce the best financial results the industry has seen since 2000. [...]

SAYING THAT THE AIRLINE industry's fortunes will improve somewhat in 2005 is overly optimistic for some carriers while being a bit too dark for others. Yet, on average that's what [...]

A subdued optimism flowed through the airline industry as the closing months of 2003 began to show positive signs--combined with rising economies and the absence of disease scares, major terror [...]

While airlines are reducing their costs to survive the current environment, they must keep an eye on how their business will function during and after the recovery period, making it [...]

ATW Senior Editor Geoff Thomas contributed to this report. This year will be more of the same, very similar to the last half of 2002, improving only slightly. ATW has [...]

'Survival' is the goal for most airlines in 2002, a year in which ATW projects net losses for the global industry will reach $7.5 billion on top of estimated 2001 [...]

Delta Air Lines' decision to hire an outsider, Leo Mullin, to succeed Ron Allen as president and CEO represents a break from the Atlanta-based carrier's tradition of promoting from within [...]

Aer Lingus has turned around its losses to compete with aggressive low-fare airlines. The company's turnaround is described., Credit Aer Lingus for both hard work and good fortune. The hard work came in turning around a loss-making operation stuck with an ancient long-haul fleet, a high cost structure [...]

Allison has returned to the commercial aircraft engine market, and one of its primary selling points is speed. The AE3007 turbofan engine is a star performer for Allison. It powers Cessna's Citation X business jet and Embraer's EMB-145 regional jet. As of the 1987 Paris air show's close, Embraer was reporting orders for the 145 that could translate into 674 installed engines., Allison has capitalized on the Regional industry's requirement for high-speed transports by providing power plants with the muscle to do the job Indianapolis-'Allison equals speed.' That's the message from the [...]

Representatives of the airline industry and partisans of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are divided about the conceptualization and implementation of the Free Flight air traffic management (ATM) program. Many airline industry officials favor an evolutionary approach to implementing the program, which would bring technologies online as they become available, in order to ensure the development of a bug-free ATM system. The FAA favors a 'big-bang' conception of implementation which would provide for the simultaneous introduction of procedures and technologies called for by Free Flight according to an integrated-systems engineering approach., After a blazing start from the blocks, the fast-track development of Free Flight air-traffic management is running up against so many institutional barriers that many in the aviation community are [...]

BF Goodrich Aerospace's TRAMCO heavy-maintenance division based Everett, WA, has three hangers that serviced 425 aircraft in 1996, attesting to the company's claim that it is the largest third-party maintenance provider in North America. TRAMCO officials note that the company provided three million of the 15-18 million man-hours of work available for third-party maintenance in 1996. Four customers, including FedEx and UPs, provide TRAMCO with 60% of its business., BFGoodrich Aerospace's Everett maintenance divisions stay busy, maintain strong growth EVERETT, Wash.-- this location's first claim to fame might be as the site of Boeing's widebody factory but that big [...]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and domestic user groups are at odds over issues involved in the development of Free Flight. The two principal reasons for the disagreement are FAA insistence for an enhanced datalink technology and the problems inherent in transforming Free Flight from a concept to a plan. Free Flight is expected to greatly improve the efficient use of airports, airspace and other system facilities, among other things., Conflicts are developing in the evolution of Free Flight in the U.S., as user groups and FAA officials split on issues that have the potential to seriously slow the rapid [...]

The environmental groups' efforts to save wildlife has resulted in another problem for airlines: dealing with the rising number of birds and bird attacks. Aircraft design enhancements have solved some of the problem, but problems with larger birds still persist. The airline industry has not been thorough in investigating this issue, and statistics have not been well kept to reveal the level of the problem., Air travel is becoming less safe, thanks to environmental-protection efforts. The problem is birds, too many birds; birds that get in the way of aircraft, and get chopped by fans [...]

The Farnborough Air Show in September 1996 showed renewed vigor with full exhibit halls, crowded chalets and upbeat developments. Three major aircraft manufacturers received firm orders worth over $10 billion. Boeing launched its 757-300 stretch airplane. Progress was described on products to be launched soon, including the Boeing 747-500X/600X, McDonnell Douglas MD-XX and Canadair CRJ-X., Money was the order of the day at last month's Farnborough Air Show and orders galore there were. Just the three major manufacturers produced firm orders for more than $10 [...]

Asiana Airlines is pushing for the Korean government to give it more opportunities in the high-dividend international routes that have so far been dominated by Korea Air. Although the emerging Korean airline has unbridled access to the deregulated Korean market and has enjoyed consistent growth, the airline is convinced that to really prosper, it must be able to access international routes., Betting that quality of service and equipment will will the battle, the emerging Korean competitor wants the government to give it more international opportunities In the sea of Korean Air-blue [...]

Changes made by BWIA International Airline following its transition from government-ownership to privatization include fleet replacements, enhanced cargo operations and code-sharing agreements with major North American carriers. The Caribbean air service's transition is expected to join separate feeder operations and increase international traffic in the region. The company is owned by private investors, the Trinidad and Tobago government and BWIA employees., BWIA's privatization process brings the airline into the 1990s; seeks to rationalize the region's air-transportation system PORT-OF-SPAIN--The transition of BWIA International Airways from government-owned to privatized airline bears watching as [...]

The introduction of the jumbo jet in the 1960's, computer reservation systems, and relaxed governmental regulations have helped the airline industry continue its movement forward. Widebodies launched airlines into the realm of mass transportation. If those aircraft had not come along when they did, deregulation and liberalization might not have occurred., Mass transportation became the business of the airline industry during the past 30 years. Today, an increasingly wide spectrum of the world's population travels by air. The transition from an [...]

Asian Aerospace '94 reflected the health of Southeast Asian airlines. The exhibition continues to grow while its European counterparts continue to decline. Aircraft makers offered little that was new. They displayed 70 military, corporate and commuter models, but few large transports. A comprehensive review of products showcased is provided., Asian Aerospace '94 was a curious combination of activity and interest from trade visitors on one hand, and on the other hand, a general quietude among the manufacturers. Lying low [...]

The technology for combining electronic library systems (ELS) with aircraft information systems exists, but completing the task cost effectively will take time. The ELS is essentially a large-memory computer that incorporates all of the information needed to fly an airplane and serve passengers. Two industry groups, Arinc and ATA, are laying the groundwork for such a system., Rapid advances of electronic wizardry made it inevitable. Sooner or later, airlines ability to assimilate and accommodate technology would be overwhelmed by the rising tide of electronic goodies. The next-logical-step [...]

Major airlines desperate to improve their competitiveness are contemplating creating clones of Southwest Airline Co's operations. Southwest, according to a report by the Department of Transportation, is the dominant air carrier in 100 US city-pairs in the lower 48 states. Southwest's per-passenger station cost in domestic operations is $7.13, and many major airlines are re-evaluating their hub and spoke operations to seek ways to reduce costs., Will the early 1990s mark the last stand of the full-service, hub-changing, seat-selecting all-route airline? Is this the time for everyone to jump on the bandwagon and clone the winner, [...]

International Aero Engines (IAE), which had hopes of providing 500 Boeing Co 737x planes with 1000 IAE V2500 engines, is now focusing on new applications for the V2500 after the Boeing project became infeasible. IAE is looking into possibilities for the V2500 such as military uses, a new-engine program for the 727-200 aircraft and selected Russian aircraft. IAE intends to remain successful by cutting at least 50 staff positions and maintaining a high level of service and support. The V2500 has received few complaints, and the company expects that it will last 10,000 - 15,000 hours before needing shop service., The hope of International Aero Engines was that the 737X would be that next big step forward, a major new airframe effort that would carry the V2500 toward a monumental [...]

The 1993 Paris Air Show featured over 20 aircraft from Russia, including the first appearance in Western Europe of the Il-96M transport. Eighteen US companies were involved in the development of the Il-96M prototype, and it now awaits certification from US and European aviation authorities. Aircraft companies discussed their production and marketing plans at the show, and their strategies for surviving the ongoing recession in the industry., PARIS--The Russia-led CIS aerospace industry continues to dominate the world's major air shows, The former U.S.S.R. used Le Bourget as it did Yarnbrough last year, to showcase its products and [...]

The airline industry, in its attempt to maneuver in the political circles of Washington, D.C., requires powerful and informative representation, unique tactics and a thorough understanding of how the bureaucratic systems work. US and foreign airlines have representative law firms, lobbyists, public relations teams and consultants in place to conduct their business for them in the nation's capital. Most important to any airline's political clout is their lobbyist and their ability to wield power and influence over others in Washington., AIRLINE MANAGEMENT MUST UNDERSTAND AND MANIPULATE WASHINGTON AEROPOLITICS OR HIRE SOMEONE WHO DOES AND CAN When the Big Three U.S. carriers went head to head with USAir over its proposed [...]

Aircraft manufacturers at the 1992 Farnborough International Air Show are attempting to sort through the changes created by the end of the Cold War. The Commonwealth of Independent States presented some impressive aircraft including the Tupolev Tu-204, a jet transport with Rolls Royce engines. Exhibitor attendance was down as only 670 booths were erected, compared with the 1990 show, which featured 800 exhibitors., The 1992 Farnborough Air Show served as an interesting barometer of the change that is taking place throughout the industry, as manufacturers attempt to sort out the ramifications of the [...]

Aircraft from Russia and other former Soviet countries were the main feature of the 1992 Farnborough International Air Show. For example, a Tupolev TU-204 transport powered by Rolls-Royce RB-211 engines was one of the most interesting aircraft at the show. Several former Soviet aircraft manufacturers hope to sell their aircraft to Western companies by equipping them with Western engines and cockpit systems. Other aircraft on display and aircraft industry news revealed at the air show are also discussed., CIS airframes with Western engines and cockpit systems contrast dour mood over state of the airline industry The smallest Farnborough show in several years was saved by the substantial participation [...]

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that by the year 2000 airlines will save $5 billion dollars annually by using satellite communication systems (satcom). The use of automatic dependence surveillance for positive air-traffic control will be one major advantage. Passenger use of satellite communications is only a mixed success to date. However, a number of complex system and structure issues need to be decided before a satcom system can be developed and implemented, including plans for a unified global air traffic control system., As with saving the rain forests and ending world hunger, the difficulty in introducing aeronautical satellite communications into the airhne industry lies not in selling it as a concept but [...]

McDonnell Douglas Corp (MDC) believes it can capture a large share of the long-range, high-capacity jet transport market with its new double-deck MD-12 design. Unlike the advanced technology designs being developed by rivals Boeing and Airbus, the MD-12 is simply a very large aircraft that uses proven wing, engine and control system designs. Various versions of the MD-12 will carry 430-700 passengers with operating costs below that of the Boeing 747-400, the MD-12's main competitor. MDC hopes to have the MD-12 enter service by 1998., McDonnell Douglas's quest for a competitive family depends on a line leader; the new MD-12 can be that leader if it gets off the ground McDonnell Douglas believes it must [...]

Composite materials, which have helped make commercial aircraft lighter and more aerodynamic, are becoming a maintenance problem for aircraft operators. A lack of standardized materials, testing methods and known repair procedures have hampered airlines' efforts to maintain their planes. In one case, American Airlines had to invent its own procedure for repairing McDonnell Douglas MD-11 elevators. These difficulties result in increased costs and aircraft downtime, which airlines find increasingly difficult to bear., In their enthusiasm for advanced materials and systems, have manufacturers lost sight of the needs of their customers? A lot of ink has been spilled extolling the virtues of high-tech [...]

Exhibitors at Singapore's Asian Aerospace Air Show included McDonnell Douglas, Airbus, Ilyushin, IPTN, CASA, and other aircraft manufacturers, as well as engine and avionics concerns. Although ticket prices doubled and attendance dropped, the number of professionals attending reached 5,770, an increase of 17%. McDonnell Douglas is considering both the configuration of its MD-12 aircraft and its choice of Asian manufacturing partners. Boeing kept a low profile at the show., SINGAPORE--This year's Asian Aerospace Air Show was notable more for what was happening below the surface than what was publicly discussed. McDonnell Douglas ongoing attempt to sell part of its [...]

The A340 that Airbus Industrie rolls out this month in Toulouse is the consortium's first true entrant in the longhaul sweepstakes, yet another market niche with an Airbus option. With [...]

Horror stories of European air-traffic control inefficiencies and congestion are too well-known to have any kind o impact, taken individually. Perhaps a litany of miseries will get the point across: [...]

Ot offered an opportunity for the triumphant victors of Desert Storm to parade their equipment and for manufacturers to demonstrate how their technology and military manpower combined to produce the [...]

Bogus parts: Ticking time bomb 'Bogus parts.' Two words that wave a red flag of danger, provoking fear in a public forum and an uneasy feeling in the airline industry. [...]

Cabins are more alike than not. Will tomorrow's passenger be dazzled by change, or will change be just another sculptured ceiling? A 1960 traveler snatched from a seat in a [...]

A core for all seasons Pratt & Whitney's substantial parts business has bouyed it through the tough times as it readies to capitalize on PW4000 commonality advantages. In terms of [...]

The greening of Europe Ireland and Aer Lingus are discovering the joys and possibilities in being part of the grand European experiment. Text and photos by J.A. Donoghue. Dublin--Aer Lingus [...]

These are the best and worst of times for McDonnell Douglas, struggling with inefficient commercial programs and declining defense market. While most of us go through life getting our quota [...]

Bangkok-Politics and kick boxing are Thailand's major national spectator sports; kick boxing is the more gentle of the two. If it was possible to quantify the happenings in the political [...]

Honolulu-At Aloha Airlines, recent events are often put into a time frame by reference to The Accident, as in 'that happened before The Accident.' Which accident they are talking about [...]

The Singapore show seems ready to take its place as the third major air show on the international calendar. By J. A. Donoghue and Robert W Moorman. Singapore Asian Aerospace'90 [...]

The new business possibilities are encumbered with serious institutional problems that will hold down the potential for growth. By J.A. Donoghue and Arthur Reed. Dramatic, unexpected changes have swept Eastern [...]

AIRPORTS IN TOKYO, capital city of the world's second-largest national economy, long have been sources of puzzlement and irritation, hobbled by numerous constraints and far too small for such a [...]

TWO NEW AIRLINER POWERplants are offering an unprecedented choice: With engine bleed air to power aircraft systems, or without. It's a package deal, of course; in order to get the [...]

Driven by stringent noise targets, the designs of the two engines for the A380 are remarkable not only for the size of their fans in relationship to thrust produced but [...]

Aircraft position information is essential for safe operations, including the parts that happen on the ground. While this ground piece has not been ignored, it is true that until recently [...]

Airlines in 1964 were very excited about technology. The industry that had been pushing the limits of piston engines and propellers since the 1930s recently had been presented with the [...]

The world airline community has turned a corner, but it isn't the right corner. After three consecutive years of multibillion-dollar losses, including an ICAO-reported 2003 operating loss of $2.8 billion [...]

The last time the industry met at Le Bourget for an air show, it was of record-breaking size, the world and the airline industry of 2001 being very different places [...]

Establishing a person's identity with a high degree of certainty is the point of the Transport Worker Identification Card, an ambitious Transportation Security Administration program that may start to see [...]

High-speed controller-pilot data link communications, launched in its first-ever daily use in early October, opens a new era of aviation communications that solves ATC radio frequency congestion while giving airlines [...]