Obviously, the most challenging issue facing our industry in 2009 will be the scanning of freight on passenger aircraft and the myriad questions that will arise out of this decision; that is, who pays for what, will the equipment be ready, will the personnel be trained sufficiently, etc.?
There will be more mergers and acquisitions of airlines, particularly in the United States. Everyone will be watching the Delta-Northwest merger with great interest.
I would hesitate to speculate on what the new government will bring, and who could have predicted the financial chaos and subsequent bailouts of 2008.
2008 proved to be quite a challenge, and for us to come out basically unscathed is an accomplishment. 2009 will bring new challenges but it’s always fun to see what will be next.