In 2011, Airbus and Boeing orders soared and were far more than the 1,011 jets they delivered.

European Union emission allowance (EUA) prices declined in March on fading expectations that the regulator will intervene to withdraw supply from the market. EUAs for December 2012 delivery under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) fell as low as €6.93 ($9.25) per metric ton on March 22, down from €9.51 on Feb. 27, a drop of 27%. The fall in prices reflects fading expectations that the European Commission will be able to find agreement with EU member states on action to prop up low carbon prices by creating a set-aside of allowances.

For almost two centuries, foreign companies have looked to Hong Kong as the key to unlocking the Chinese market. The Qantas group is the latest to follow that path, as it joins forces with China Eastern Airlines to launch a new low-cost carrier (LCC) on mainland China's doorstep.

To understand the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market, one first needs to understand the worldwide airline fleet. TeamSAI notes in its global MRO forecast for 2012-22 that the airline fleet grew 3.2% in 2011 to 20,840 in-service commercial jet aircraft. Expect the passenger fleet to grow 4.4% and the cargo fleet to increase 3.3% each year in the next decade, predicts TeamSAI in the 10-year MRO forecast it unveils this week at Aviation Week's MRO Americas Conference.

The growth of the air transport market, has triggered massive fleet renewal by the Russian carriers with Western-built aircraft carrying 89% of the country's passengers in 2011.

FRANKFURT—Europe's airlines are under enormous economic stress. Some are to be sold and some—like Malev and Spanair—already have disappeared this year. The consequences for the MRO sector are likely to be more subtle, but that does not mean no changes. Those airlines that already have big MRO organizations in the region will have to look at how to make those operations more efficient. Those that do not will be forced to seek outsourced work for even less. And those that have some in-house capabilities are facing crucial choices: sell, combine or expand.

Manufacturer: Pall Corp Applications: Pall Corp.'s aerospace division manufacturers aerospace-grade true HEPA filters for aircraft types including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier and Embraer models. Pall has tested the HEPA cabin air filters to a microbial removal efficiency of greater than 99.999%. Pall also provides odor/VOC filters for select aircraft types to remove compounds associated with oil degradation. www.pall.com

A new composite surface preparation can lessen the labor-intensive process.