Global Scans · Aviation · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: More than half of the expected new passengers over the next two decades will originate from China, which will displace the US as the world's largest aviation market by around 2029. More than half of the expected new passengers over the next two decades will originate from China, which will displace the US as the world's largest aviation market by around 2029. Sales of consumer and prosumer drones are soaring and the Federal Aviation Authority forecasts there will be more than 1.3 million licensed drone pilots by 2020 in the U.S. alone.

• [New] The UK Civil Aviation Authority is working towards certifying passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft from the end of 2028. Travel Tomorrow
• [New] ReFuelEU Aviation sets a clear path: from 2025, kerosene must incorporate 2% SAF, with progressive increases until reaching 70% in 2050, including a specific sub-target for synthetic fuels. Moeve Global
• [New] The International Energy Agency emphasizes that, without SAF, commercial aviation does not have a credible pathway to align with climate objectives in 2050. Moeve Global
• [New] Flights from Prague will use a 2% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend under the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, supporting STARLUX's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Luxury Travel Expert
• [New] Lufthansa Group has launched free high-speed Starlink WiFi, with an ambitious rollout planned across around 850 aircraft by 2029 to deliver a consistent, high-quality connectivity experience across its airlines and travel classes. Future Travel Experience
• [New] Canada is similarly investing through the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, which received CAD 1.9 Bn in government funding for aviation security technology upgrades through 2027. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Power-to-Liquid sustainable aviation fuel is no longer a technology waiting beyond 2030. Twelve | A World Made from Air
• [New] China's EHang holds the world's first commercial eVTOL type certificate, issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and has been running revenue passenger flights in Guangzhou and Hefei since 2023, with paid service now added in Shenzhen and a Shanghai launch underway through 2027. PickDrones
• [New] The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to industry partners to help shore up its defences against quantum threats. Technology Solutions That Drive Government
• Drone-based infrastructure inspection is projected to reduce inspection costs by 30-40% while improving safety and data quality, per published pilot programs by TUV Rheinland and DNV. Persistence Market Research
• Russian strikes on UK manufacturing nodes could create production bottlenecks affecting engines, seekers, guidance systems, warheads, certification, financing, and launch aircraft. Hudson Institute

Last updated: 13 September 2026