In this economy, airlines have been under tremendous pressure to cut costs and improve revenues. Spiking fuel costs, narrower RASM increases, uncertain demand in mature economies and intense competition have become constant struggles. In addition, Oliver Wyman’s 2012 analysis of airlines in the U.S. found a disheartening trend: With breakeven load factors above 80% for most carriers, there is little room for more load factor growth. In other words, future profits will depend on yield increases or cost improvements.

Metron Aviation , Dulles, Va., appointed Jim Gaughan president and CEO, succeeding Dave Ellison.

Royal Jordanian Airlines , Amman, Jordan, named Amer Hadidi president and CEO.

FlightSafety International , LaGuardia, N.Y., promoted Doug Gill to director of engineering of its visual simulation facility in St. Louis, Mo., and named Woody McClendon sales manager-rotorcraft training.

The FAA on Friday proposed fining Boeing $13.57 million for allegedly failing to meet deadlines for providing guidance to comply with the agency’s fuel tank flammability reduction rule. The rule, issued in July 2008, gave Boeing and Airbus until Dec. 27, 2010, to provide the regulator with aircraft-specific service instructions on replacing oxygen in fuel tanks with nitrogen. The FAA alleges that Boeing was 301 days late with 747 instructions and 406 days late with 757 instructions. Airbus met the deadline for all of its models.

Rolls-Royce (R-R) has expanded its TotalCare support package for British Airways (BA) with the addition of Aircelle and Goodrich Corp. to provide nacelle maintenance services for the Airbus A380s and Boeing 787s due to enter the carrier’s fleet.

The retirement age of commercial aircraft is decreasing as the global fleet renews, which is causing teardowns at younger ages.

Aftermarket parts suppliers and distributors face convergent effects in the market that have not existed in previous economic cycles.