Right now, Barclays is waiving the AF for pretty much everyone who had the US Airways card so it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

I think due to the transition to the new Aviator card, they didn't want to lose any existing customers. Before, it normally would only be waived if you spend a lot with the card the previous year. Those type of offers would be attached to your account. Next year, they might revert back to their usual policy.