The “Big 4” US airlines—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines—account for 85% of the seats flown in the US and 88% of revenue generated by US airlines.

North of the 49th Parallel, they’ve figured out how to manage an air traffic control system safely and efficiently. South of the border, the US can still pride itself on the safety of its airspace management system, but few would now call it efficient.

Neither Sichuan Airlines nor Airbus has said the airline is buying A320neos, yet the airline is agreeing to buy engines for a fleet of A320neos. Hmm.

Today, when we look at a US national air transportation system that in many ways is still dependent upon mid-20th century era radars and other technologies, the same message applies: the system needs to modernize.

Predictions of an impending “bloodbath” among European airlines have become as much a feature of winter as the first Christmas decorations appearing in the shops.

Is there a pilot shortage in the US? It depends on whom you ask.

Here are five new routes on which airlines will boldly go where no one else is flying.

Do you feel like every flight you get on is packed? Blame the “inspection paradox”.