Now that the last of the big three mergers is finally done, the U.S. majors have to make 2014 the year of implementation and integration. American and US Airways, only weeks into their new coexistence, are at the beginning of a journey that—as United Airlines and Continental Airlines have found—can be extremely difficult.

Others to advance in 2014

2014 could be a make-or-break year for the Indian aviation industry

Despite a sluggish third quarter and a government shutdown that delayed $1.9 billion in deliveries, the U.S. general aviation aircraft manufacturing sector remains on pace for nearly double-digit gains in unit shipments this year and is poised to grow by at least as much next year, according to the Aerospace Industries Association. The gains, if they remain on track, would return the industry to a steady upward trend that began after U.S. deliveries hit a nearly 15-year trough in 2010 with 1,334 shipments valued at $7.9 billion.

Senate passage of the budget deal on Dec. 18 comes as a relief to general aviation advocates worried that a prolonged impasse could have led to another costly government shutdown in January.

Cessna is within days of receiving certification and beginning delivery of its new Citation Sovereign midsize and M2 light business jets, but the new Citation X may still be a number of months away. Cessna is working at a “feverish pace” to wrap up the certification programs for the M2 and Sovereign by year’s end, a goal that Brad Thress, senior vice president-business jets for Cessna believes will be accomplished.

Citing safety justification and cost concerns, industry groups are reiterating their call for FAA to shelve its proposed airworthiness directive (AD) to require inspections and replacements of Engine Components Inc. (ECi) and Airmotive Engineering “Titan” cylinders found on 6,000 Continental 520 and 550 model reciprocating engines.

FAA is holding off on its plan to require pilots and controllers with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more to undergo obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening, a move widely welcomed by aviation industry groups last week.