News In Brief

World's airlines may make profits by mid-'80s

The world's major airlines will continue to face severe financial problems next year but could begin making profits again by the mid-1980s if the world economy recovers, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The airline industry lost $1.8 billion last year and a deficit of $1.2 billion is expected this year, IATA said in its 1983 annual report. Losses are projected as declining, however, to $750 million in 1984 and $250 million in 1985.