2002 in aviation

This is a list of aviation-related events from 2002:

Events

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

First flights

• Airbus A340-500
• Airbus A318

July

• July 1 – Pilatus PC-21
• July 11 – Adam A500

Entered service

• Airbus A340–600 with Virgin Atlantic Airways

March

• March 18 – HAL Dhruv with the Indian Coast Guard