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 Federal Aviation Administration announced it will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports beginning Friday morning, marking one of the most significant air traffic restrictions in recent history. Trawick International
• [New] Innovations in stratospheric internet technologies, such as satellite-beaming planes and airships, could present future competition to SpaceX's Starlink. KeepTrack
• [New] Dubai's 4-hub eVTOL vertiport network is scheduled for Phase 1 launch in Q2 2026, operated by Joby Aviation in partnership with Dubai's RTA. PrivateCharterX - Luxury Aviation & Web3 Travel Solutio
• [New] Public pilots are being fast-tracked: for example, Uber plans to trial Level 4, driverless electric taxis beginning in spring 2026 in the UK, following the regulatory changes. Currently, by AT&T
• [New] Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines have placed additional orders for the A350 - 900, while Air Europa is reportedly evaluating a fleet renewal plan that could include up to 40 A350 - 900 aircraft. eplaneai
• [New] Airbus has confirmed the A350 will be 100% compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030. Simple Flying
• [New] The deal, valued at a staggering US$ 41.4 billion, brings Emirates' total wide-body aircraft orders to 375, with deliveries set to continue through 2038. Travel And Tour World
• [New] With clear policy alignment and accelerating demand, the U.S. has a generational opportunity to lead the world in sustainable aviation. Processing Journal
• [New] Bye Aerospace ordered batteries for the fully electric two-seater training aircraft, scheduled for its first flight in early 2026. Aviation Week Network
• [New] Kroger will pilot capital light, store-based automation in high volume geographies to improve fulfilment capabilities and elevate the in-store customer experience. Retail Technology Innovation Hub
• [New] New South Wales aviation continues to build real momentum, backed by Sydney Airport's strong performance, Newcastle Airport's expansion, and the countdown to Western Sydney International opening in 2026. www.sydneytimes.net.au
• [New] Labour unrest has been significant, with a major flight attendant strike at Air Canada, a pilot strike at LATAM, and ongoing contract talks with U.S. flight attendant unions that could affect future labour costs. Skift
• [New] CORSIA is projected to cover at least 85% of international aviation emissions by 2027 and to generate $120 billion in climate finance between 2024 and 2035. TravelPulse
• [New] The current consensus within Rolls-Royce and the broader industry is that while hydrogen has immense potential, especially for zero-emission flight at the point of use, it will likely start as a complement to other solutions like SAFs, rather than an immediate replacement for all aviation. Simple Flying
• [New] Embraer's yet-to-fly aircraft will soar over traffic by 2027 and eventually be pilotless. AOL
• [New] Generative AI is rapidly moving from pilot projects to full-scale enterprise deployments, driving global AI spending to a projected compound annual growth rate of 29% from 2024 to 2028. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] The aviation industry is projected to require over 450 billion liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel annually by 2050 to meet net-zero carbon emissions targets. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Over the next decade, sustainable aviation fuel will evolve from a niche product to a mainstream energy source that fundamentally reshapes aviation economics and operations. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] SAF will account for at least 15-20% of global aviation fuel by 2035. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Backed by Sequoia, it aims for 2026 pilots with hyperscalers handling 100 PB datasets. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack

Last updated: 30 November 2025