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Asian airlines are expanding their route offerings as their markets grow, aided by a shift in tourism away from Europe and the U.S. China's growth is most impressive to observers, such as International Air Transport Association Director General Giovanni Bisignani.

This article discusses the increase in Asia-Pacific air cargo operations during the past year. While U.S. and European airlines are struggling, Asian carriers are making money as a result of the cargo increase.

This article discusses the possible effects of a second Gulf war on the world's airlines. A short war could be beneficial. If hostilities are dragged out, the impact on the airlines will be negative. A graph of U.S. airline net profit and loss since 1990 is included.

The author examines the announcement of another delay in the opening of the new Bangkok airport in Thailand. Topics include airport terminal design, runway construction, and airport management.

The author examines plans by Malaysian Airlines System now that the company is out of debt. Topics include, improvements to in flight entertainment systems, make-overs of first class sections, and possible purchase of additional aircraft.

Qantas Airways Ltd. announced a $230 million net profit for the year ended June 30, 2002, and plans to finance part of its $2.46 billion upgrade program with private and institutional equity. Reduced competition for the carrier is discussed along with plans for new aircraft, other upgrades, and financial data.

Air New Zealand is restructuring and will buy 15 Airbus A320s for domestic routes while revamping flight entertainment and other premiums on international service. The airline will also introduce a discount carrier called Express.

China's Civil Aviation Administration is planning to phase out older planes over the next three years following several accidents. Over 60 planes will be replaced. Recent accidents are mentioned.

The collapse of Ansett Airlines of Australia led Qantas Airways Ltd. to rapidly increase capacity through use of larger planes. Qantas's fleet and management are discussed.

The Star Alliance has announced courting a Chinese airline for membership in the alliance is top priority, but Chinese carriers and Civil Aviation Authority leaders are skeptical of the value of global airline alliances.

The author examines the design and construction of the new expansion to the airport in Inchon, South Korea. Topics include construction costs, handling capacity, phase construction and completion dates.

Vietnam Airlines announces plans to modernize its fleet with the purchase of four Boeing Co. 777-2100ERs. The contract worth an estimated $2.2 billion, will require the aircraft be delivered in August of 2003 and two additional aircraft will be leased and be delivered to the airlines in March of 2002.

Asian officials will not discuss airport security, but measures have probably tightened since terrorist attacks in the US. Security in South Korea, China, Japan and other Asia locations is discussed.

The Asian Aerospace 2002 conference and exhibition in Singapore is discussed. Over half the atendees came from Asia, with about one-third from the military aerospace industry and one-third from an area related to air transportation. The overall industry and increased focus on military aerospace at the annual conference are discussed.

The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration is seeking to move revenues from Chinese airlines and its three top airports towards smaller airports which face large debts.

This article discusses the financial problems of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airport owner, Malaysia Airport Holdings, is seeking a foreign strategic partner; and the Malaysian Finance Ministry has signed a memeorandum of understanding with Schipol International of the Netherlands for the company to acquire 330 million shares of the airport for $218 million. This agreement will lower the government's ownership level from 70% to 52%.

This article discusses the consolidation of China's airlines recently completed by the Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC). The plan has divided the major Chinese airlines into three groups, all controlled by the CAAC. Five regional carriers will operate with oversight from municipal governments.

The addition of electronic mail services by Singapore Airlines and other air carriers is discussed. These systems are satellite-based and will be available worldwide in the next few years.

This article discuss the demand for airline maintenance, repair and overhaul services in Asia-Pacific region and the response of MRO companies. Air China and Lufthansa Technic have a partnership in Ameco (Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Cooperation); and SR Technics and China Eastern Airlines are negotiating toward establishing a joint venture maintenance operation. Throughout the region similar initiatives are being pursued.