The big stories:
NEW MERGER
American Airlines and US Airways officially tied the knot in December, creating the world's largest airline. It was a bumpy road, as the carriers faced a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department and the attorneys general for several states and the District of Columbia that claimed this latest mega-merger would stymie competition and possibly push up fares.
But the carriers reached a settlement, agreeing to give up dozens of takeoff and landing slots at New York City's LaGuardia and Washington's Reagan National airports. They also committed to keeping their various hubs for three years. In 2014, the full-scale integration of the two carriers will begin, as they take on the task of melding flight schedules, frequent-flier programs and reservations systems.
ASIANA CRASH
On July 6, an Asiana Airlines flight crashed in San Francisco, killing three passengers, the first passenger airline fatalities in the U.S. in 4½ years.
In December, a report from the investigator leading the crash inquiry for the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the flight's trainee pilot believed the autothrottle was working before the jet hit a sea wall, broke apart and burst into flames.
NEW CO-PILOT REQUIREMENTS
It was another crash, of a regional carrier plane near Buffalo four years ago, that led to a significant change in co-pilot training in 2013.
In July, the Federal Aviation Administration boosted to 1,500 hours the amount of time co-pilots must have in the air to be certified to helm passenger and cargo aircraft, the same amount as required for pilots.
Previously, co-pilots, also known as first officers, needed only 250 hours of flight ! time. The rule change came after the Colgan Air crash in February 2009 that killed 50 people.
DREAMLINER GETS BACK IN THE AIR
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first commercial jet to be made mostly of lightweight carbon composites rather than aluminum and steel, started the year grounded across the globe. But by May, the innovative Boeing plane was flying again in U.S. skies.
The plane was heralded because its unique design would enable airlines to pare costs while adding more long-distance routes. But when the jet finally began flying after numerous delays, it was hindered by a faulty battery system.
In January, a battery caught fire in a 787 on the ground at Boston's Logan Airport. Another 787 had to make an emergency landing in Japan because of a smoldering battery. On Jan. 16, the entire Dreamliner fleet flying worldwide was grounded.
Boeing responded by creating a new battery design that will make a blaze less likely and easier to douse if one is sparked.
PORTABLE ELECTRONICS
In October, fliers learned that they would be able to keep their portable electronics powered up from the time they take their seat until their flight touches down. The FAA decided to allow passengers to watch movies or read e-books for the duration of their flight as long as the carrier showed that the plane wouldn't be at risk because of possible interference from the gadgets.
IN-FLIGHT PHONE CALLS
Next up? The Federal Communications Commission decided in December to let the public weigh in on whether to scrap a 22-year-old ban on cellular service in flight. The Department of Transportation will separately look at its own prohibition on voice calls, texts and data. Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson has said that whatever the agencies decide, Delta won't allow phone chatter in flight.
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