On the Cover
22 Private Investigations
Eleven years on, TSA remains the dominant face of US airport security, but some airports have opted out of federal screening.
By Christine Boynton
Features
30 A ROUGH RIDE
MRO business is better but bumpy in 2013. OEMs push into aftermarket sector.
By Henry Canaday
36 Sweating the Small Stuff
Component maintenance is growing at a fast clip.
By Robert W. Moorman
39 Trend Setter
A strategic acquisition in MRO.
By Robert W. Moorman
42 DREAM ON
Boeing 787 logs one-year service milestone.
By Karen Walker
48 Northern Next Steps
Rivals Air Canada and WestJet will launch new carriers in 2013.
By Aaron Karp
52 Brave Beginnings
African startup FastJet plans for success in a market where many fail.
By Victoria Moores
54 A Touch of Humanity
New data tools can make customer service more personal, even outside of loyalty programs.
By Michele McDonald
60 Chinese Offspring
China’s airlines and local authorities are joining forces to produce regional startups.
By Katie Cantle
63 FLIGHT PLAN
Implementation of a harmonized global ATM system moves closer.
By Anne Paylor
69 Freight Ambitions
Russian carriers look to overcome hurdles and grow international cargo market share.
By Polina Borodina
73 Not Just Hot Air
Eco-aviation progress is real, but must be demonstrated to the public and politicians.
By Victoria Moores
5 Editorial
A Secure Future
By Karen Walker
7 NEWSBRIEFS
7 IATA: Airline profitability prospects improve
10 Southwest earns $16 million third-quarter profit
12 EADS and BAE end merger talks
13 GE Aviation details plans for new turboprop engine
14 EASA proposes EU-wide pilot fatigue rule
15 Turkish Airlines orders 15 A330-300s
17 West African startup Gambia Bird launches
18 EasyJet raises profit forecast
16 Letters to the Editor
20 Analysis: Reputation Unhinged
Chapter 11, conflict with pilots and loose passenger seats combine to tarnish American Airlines’ public standing.
By Aaron Karp
76 Trends
84 Customer Services
84 Advertisers’ Index
84 Advertisers’ Websites
87 Interview: AACO Secretary General Abdul Wahab Teffaha
By Kurt Hofmann
