World Aviation in 2002

After a number of years of secrecy, the American plane maker Boeing reveals its Bird of Prey stealth technology demonstrator, which has conducted a number of flights during the period 1996 to 1999. The company also completes the first flight of its X45A unmanned combat vehicle (UCAV) from NASA Dryden Flight Centre at Edwards Air Force Base in California. On the air transport side of operations, the company announces proposals for two new projects, the Boeing Sonic Cruiser (which it later cancels and replaces with the super-efficient 7E7) and its high capacity long range cargo aircraft concept dubbed 'Pelican', or ultra-large transport aircraft (ULTRA).

European Transport ministers approved the creation of the Galileo satellite navigation system to ensure technical independence from the dominant US Global Positioning System (GPS).

A depression in North American commercial aviation begins in the aftermath of economic recession and the September 11 attacks.

March 4
Ansett (Mark II) permanently ceases operations.

March 31
Swiss International Air Lines begins operations, taking over many routes from bankrupt Swissair.

July 29
Vanguard Airlines ceases operations. The next day it files for reorganization under Chapter 11 of US bankruptcy law.

July 17
Midway Airlines suspends operations.

August 10
US Airways files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

August 13
Midway Airlines files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

October 18
Boeing reveals its Bird of Prey stealth technology demonstrator, which has conducted a number of flights during the period 1996 to 1999.

November 6
National Airlines, already operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, permanently ceases operations.

November 18
American Airlines and British Airways announce plans to code-share some transatlantic flights, but the partnership is heavily restricted by US regulators.

December 9
United Airlines files for Chapter 11 reorganization, the largest airline bankruptcy in US history.

First flights
Airbus A318

February 11
Airbus A340-500

July 1
Pilatus PC-21

July 11
Adam A500

Entered service
Airbus A340-600 with Virgin Atlantic Airways

March 18
HAL Dhruv with the Indian Coast Guard