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] A Russian milblogger claimed that Russia's remote piloting solutions through the Orbita system can reduce threats to Russian drone operators, but acknowledged that long-range drone piloting is not a new capability. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Boeing remains a wildcard due to regulatory scrutiny, and China's response to U.S. tariffs by refusing delivery of new aircraft. Middleton Private Capital
• [New] In a bold move to revolutionize the aviation industry, Airbus has set its sights on launching a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by the end of the 2030s. Rude Baguette
• [New] Caterpillar Inc., the global heavy equipment manufacturer headquartered in Illinois, used its business aviation fleet to fly critical engineers and parts to a remote mining site in northern Canada experiencing a mechanical failure that threatened to halt operations. Jetwhine
• [New] Airlines & General Aviation will need more than 30000 trained Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and technicians to meet the requirement which is bound to keep on increasing beyond 2040, considering the Aviation growth in India. Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering
• [New] Nigeria's aviation sector has immense potential with its over 200 million people, the largest economy in Africa, and significant diaspora communities worldwide. The Nation Newspaper
• [New] GKN Aerospace is carrying out an urgent review into the scale and timing of its hydrogen research and technology investments following Airbus's decision to delay service entry of its first ZEROe aircraft until 2040 at the earliest. Flight Global
• [New] Cheaper aircraft are important because of the likely losses which will be inflicted on air forces in the event of a conflict with Russia or China. The Conversation
• [New] Last year, IndiGo's parent company (InterGlobe Enterprises) and US-based Archer Aviation announced plans to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. ETV Bharat
• [New] The new 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon can target aerial threats like fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and drones, marking a huge milestone for India's defence technology. News18
• Ash dispersal from a significant eruption could affect air travel throughout Alaska and potentially reach parts of Canada, posing risks to aircraft engines and reducing visibility. DISA
• Lufthansa City Airlines expects to take delivery of five more new A320neos in 2025, plus two used A320neos, expanding its fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of the year. Aviation Week Network
• Source India Tests Laser Weapon on Drones India has successfully tested its domestically developed 30-kilowatt laser weapon system, the Laser-DEW Mark-II, designed to neutralize aerial threats such as drones, missiles, and aircraft. FPV Drone Pilots Forum
• In 2025, NFI plans to launch its first battery-electric fleet on the East Coast with private funding, pilot its first hydrogen fuel cell tractor, and complete the JETSI project. Trucking Info
• With complimentary inflight Wi-Fi available exclusively to members of the AAdvantage loyalty program, American will offer free inflight connectivity on more planes than any other domestic carrier, sponsored by AT&T. World Airline News
• American is on track to equip more than 500 regional aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2025, ensuring readiness for the complimentary service in 2026. Yahoo Life
• American Airlines plans to provide complimentary Wi-Fi on all aircraft featuring Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, covering approximately 90% of its fleet. Yahoo Life
• Companies like Joby Aviation and Archer are developing electric air taxis, which will change short-distance travel in major cities. Tri-Link FTZ
• Companies like Joby Aviation and Archer are developing electric air taxis, which could revolutionize short-distance travel. Tri-Link FTZ
• Enhances India's air-to-ground standoff strike capability, vital in contested airspaces like: Line of Control Line of Actual Control Reduces risk to pilots and aircraft by allowing long-range attacks without breaching hostile airspace. Legacy IAS Academy
• The Netherlands plans to supply a Hawkeye air defence system and an airborne early warning aircraft. New York Post
• On the widebody side, Airbus began 2025 with plans to raise A350 production to nine aircraft per month, followed by increases to ten in 2026 and twelve by 2028. Flight Plan

Last updated: 27 April 2025