A Look at What’s in Store for Business and Workers : It won’t be dull, that’s for sure. The new year will see dramatic changes for U.S. industry and the American worker. Business writers at The Times polled experts on what is likely to happen in 1989. Here is their report. : AIRLINES

After an extremely prosperous 1988, the airline industry is looking ahead to a banner 1989. Strong earnings momentum should continue at least into the second half of the year. However, if there are signs of an economic downturn, travel for both pleasure and business will decline quickly.

If there is a slowdown in the growth rate of the gross national product, the industry’s profits are expected to rise only 10%. Triple mileage on frequent-flier programs ended Dec. 31, and airline executives are waiting to see just how much their business was helped by the popular gimmick.

Average fare levels are expected to rise only about 2% but much less than they did in 1988. There will be more capacity growth in 1989, about 6.5% over 1988 as compared to a growth of only 4.5% in 1988. With more seats to fill, there might be pressure on fares. And there have been louder calls for re-regulation as airline fares have risen. Analysts don’t expect route or fare re-regulation will occur, but more intense consumer legislation and safety surveillance can be expected.

Labor unrest at many carriers adds operational and cost uncertainty for next year.