If the European airline industry in 2017 was defined by upheava-a string of bankruptcies as well as major strikes and operational and staffing issues-2018 may well be a year defined by uncertainty, as the consolidation already underway continues against a backdrop of political upheaval.Stronger operators are already poised to take advantage of the opportunities these bankruptcies and collapses have presented.At least when it comes to demand itself, the signs are good, with bookings on an upward trajectory, and travelers seemingly undeterred by a spate of terrorist attacks, air traffic control (ATC) strikes and cancellations.Even if the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that the European aviation market will post some of the slowest growth of the world's regions in its latest 20-year forecast, it still expects an average annual increase of 2.3%. IATA forecasts airlines in Europe will deliver a net profit of $11.5 billion in 2018, up from $8.3 billion in 2017, with announced capacity increases of 5.5%, below the expected growth of 6%.
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