Various factors indicate modest ramp-up in 2013

LOT Polish Airlines has been in crisis mode for years. But the situation is becoming more precarious and the carrier may soon look much different—if it manages to survive.

This year could see substantial changes to the roster of North American airlines, from the potential merger of US Airways and American Airlines to significant industry expansion that is expected to unfold north of the border. Two prominent Canadian carriers seem unafraid of risk in 2013 as they plan to launch ventures that could have far-reaching impacts on fares, routes and ultimately competition. Rival carriers Air Canada and WestJet are set to create new airlines, each staking a claim over a different corner of the marketplace.

Berlin should have opened its new international airport two years ago. But not only has the launch now been delayed a fourth time, the airport operator has conceded for the first time that it has no idea when the facility will be ready.

The gridlock and political temper tantrums of the U.S. Congress as 2012 drew to a close threatened to derail America's fragile economic recovery. Now, the specter of weeks of debate on the government's debt ceiling and deep, automatic spending cuts known as “sequestration” promises more chaos.

June 1, 2012 Tom Enders officially becomes CEO of EADS, succeeding Louis Gallois. Early summer 2012 Initial merger talks begin between EADS and BAE Systems, and European governments are briefed. Mid-August Tom Enders suffers a sporting accident injury that prevents him from accompanying German Chancellor Angela Merkel on a trip to China. Aug. 29

Boeing says reliability is similar to 777 in its early days.

The Welsh government is looking for ways to turn around the fortunes of its capital's long-suffering international airport. Since passenger numbers peaked at just over 2 million in 2007, the number of people using the airport—which sits 15 mi. to the west of the Welsh capital—have fallen by half. Passenger numbers for 2012 were expected to barely break the 1-million mark.