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Aeroflot Group reported a 2016 net income of RUB38.8b (US$640m), reversing a RUB6.5b net loss in 2015. Full-year revenue rose 19.4% to RUB496b year-over-year, producing an operating profit of RUB63.3b, up 43.4% YOY. Total operating costs for the year grew 16.6% to RUB432.6b. Aeroflot deputy CE Shamil Kurmashov said the results were "due to growth and development of the business, a net positive foreign exchange effect on revenues and costs while maintaining tight control of operating expenses". Group passenger traffic grew 10.3% to 43.4m passengers as a result of sustained high demand for domestic flights and the launch of new international routes and increased frequency of flights amidst a gradual recovery in demand in the international segment.<br/>

Korean Air has been grappling with a series of maintenance lapses in recent weeks, which have forced some of its planes to return to airports after take-off. These incidents have greatly inconvenienced passengers and raised public concern over the carrier's operational safety, dealing a blow to company president Walter Cho who took control of the carrier Jan 11. Korean Air's aging fleet has become more prone to various safety-related malfunctions, according to analysts, who said poor maintenance makes things go from bad to worse. One airline industry official, said: "The carriers these days are beginning to deal with a growing number of maintenance-related problems in line with the aging of their airplanes." However, analysts also said Korean Air and other airlines have become more sensitive toward safety-related issues.<br/>