Asian LCCs stake long-haul claims with big fleet moves, startup plans

Asian budget airlines are still looking at new markets

Touchscreen Cockpits

The future is now for airlines strategizing their surveillance system purchases and installations ahead of the FAA's 2020 mandate for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) equipage. Although six years away, the January 2020 deadline for ADS-B is high on the to-do list for maintenance shop visits even now, especially for smaller operators with large fleets who already know they will have problems complying.

Commercial and defense markets face similar demands on program performance

DEFENSE: Global hotspots and country-by-country analyses of national priorities, budgets and programs. See pages 38-47. MILITARY AVIATION: Rivals upgrade their combat aircraft as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter begins to gain international traction. Special missions become a key part of transport market. See pages 58-67. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT: Europe finally may be getting its act together on UAS, but China and civil developments are moving faster. See page 68.

Now launched, the Avic MA700 is leaner than previously planned

Europe's airlines see a brighter 2014, despite many challenges