The US airline industry can expect to maintain profitability through 2013, according to PwC’s June Tailwinds report. Considering favorable metrics such as a 4% increase in load factors since 2008, expectations of easing fuel prices (according to the US Energy Information Agency forecast of $94/barrel average in 2012 dropping to $92/barrel in 2014) and a rebound in consumer confidence, PwC US transportation and logistics leader Jonathan Kletzel said “there’s no question the domestic airline industry is undergoing a renaissance marked by increased revenue and stable profitability.”

Airbus, which announced last year it is extending the payload-range of its A330 family, said it is investing $180 million per year for -200 and -300 program development.

Cathay Pacific Airways took delivery of its 39th Airbus A330-300 on Friday in Toulouse, marking the 1,000th delivery of the widebody twin-engine aircraft.

Airbus is eyeing a “regional version” of the A330 likely to be formally launched by year end, Airbus COO-customers John Leahy told journalists on the sidelines of the delivery of the manufacturer’s 1,000th Airbus A330 to Cathay Pacific Airways.

Danish carrier Jet Time has inked a long-term contract with US lessor Air Lease Corp. covering a Boeing 737-700 and two new ATR 72-600s.