Provides a comprehensive analysis of aviation industry trends in 2008 and their impact on aviation system performance, and demand and capacity for domestic and international flights. Unprecedented fuel prices in the first 3 quarters of 2008 followed by a worsening global economic recession drastically impacted the airline industry, with $5.8 billion in operating losses for the year and multiple bankruptcies. Airlines responded to the dramatic shift in their operating environment by cutting flights, raising airfares, and tapping into ancillary sources of revenue. Domestic passenger traffic declined by 10% in the 4th quarter of 2008, compared to the 4th quarter of 2007. Tables and graphs.