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] Working in partnership with TSA's International Operations, the C-MANPADS program is a key C-MANPADS player on the global aviation front, establishing a close partnership with the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to mitigate threats. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation Sec
• [New] In Sanand, Gujarat, pilot production has begun, and the first Made in India chip is expected in 2025. IASbaba
• [New] Proceeds will underwrite infrastructure upgrades, capacity enhancements, and sustainability initiatives at one of India's busiest aviation hubs. PracticeMock
• [New] While the central government has set 2050 as its target year to achieve carbon neutrality, the aviation industry envisages having SAF account for 10% of the fuel it uses in 2030. The Asahi Shimbun
• [New] Subsequently, the Andoya air station in Northern Norway will be revitalized as a strategic base for long-range surveillance drones and Allied aircraft. The Arctic Institute - Center for Circumpolar Security
• [New] For aviation, V2 sats might allow every passenger on a large jet to stream in 4K simultaneously (SpaceX is already bragging about full-plane streaming on current gen; V2 could make it trivial even on long-haul flights over ocean). Bez Kabli
• [New] By 2034, Valour Consultancy projects Starlink could equip nearly 40% of the world's airline fleet (7,000+ aircraft) if current momentum continues ts2. Bez Kabli
• [New] Viasat's newer Ka-band satellites and Inmarsat's Global Xpress network can deliver 100+ Mbps to a single aircraft, and Viasat's brand-new ViaSat-3 generation is expected to exceed 500 Mbps per aircraft in practice ts2. Bez Kabli
• [New] Amazon's Project Kuiper LEO constellation (launching in 2025) is expected to target aviation connectivity as well payloadspace.com. Bez Kabli
• [New] In 2025, Nordic and Baltic nations - including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - have repeatedly warned about greater electronic interference from Russia disrupting communications with planes, ships and drones. Military.com
• [New] Despite the global push for renewable energy, oil is expected to remain a key part of the energy mix for many years to come, particularly in industries like aviation, shipping, and petrochemicals. OilGasZ.com | Energy Intelligence Hub
• [New] By 2050, aviation and shipping could account for ~40% of global CO2 emissions unless curbed, making AI critical for meeting climate goals. The Intellify -
• [New] Air India has signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation to secure SAF as part of India's target to achieve 5% SAF blending by 2030 and the aviation industry's net-zero goal by 2050. Beyond Horizons by Hui Ling
• [New] At the beginning of 2025, the EU aviation blending mandate entered into force, requiring the gradual increase of renewable fuel use in aviation through 2050. HydrogenWire
• [New] TOULOUSE-Blue Spirit Aero is pressing on with ground testing of a dedicated prototype of its Dragonfly hydrogen-powered light aircraft, gearing up for flight trials in 2026. Aviation Week Network
• [New] We assume a global scale-up of SAF shares in the aviation sector as defined by the ReFuelEU Aviation (2% in 2025 up to 70% in 2050). Nature
• [New] The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation mandates SAF blending targets beginning at 2% in 2025 and ramping up to 70% by 2050. LanzaJet
• [New] By bridging proven ethanol infrastructure with next-generation jet fuel technology, LanzaJet exemplifies the type of commercially viable, scalable SAF solution that can drive the aviation industry toward its 2050 net-zero commitments. LanzaJet
• [New] Sustainability targets for aviation are dying a death, with the sector set to miss both 2030 targets for sustainable aviation fuel and a 2050 net zero mandate. BBC News
• [New] Looking ahead, 2025 promises more: expect AI swarms, hybrid fly-swim drones, and electric VTOL aircraft from companies like Adcock Industries. Loyalty Drones
• The SBTi is inviting businesses to participate in pilot testing the draft Automotive Net-Zero Standard - a new framework tailored for automakers and auto parts manufacturers to set science-based targets aligned with keeping global heating below catastrophic levels and reaching net-zero by 2050. Science Based Targets Initiative
• Korean Air plans to buy more than 100 Boeing aircraftKorean Air announced plans to purchase over 100 Boeing aircraft, a deal valued at billions, to modernize its fleet. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• Hydrogen has already been used to power aircraft in multiple demonstration flights, and the global aviation industry has pledged to achieve net zero by 2050. Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Ev

Last updated: 07 September 2025