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] As the world seeks cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, SAF emerges as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future in aviation. NineSigma
• [New] As numerous autonomous taxi companies launch pilots in China and the U.S., more vehicles and fleets will see broader testing and promotion from the second half of 2026 through the first half of next. Gasgoo Auto News
• [New] The aviation industry entered 2026 expecting continued recovery, but rising geopolitical instability and fuel volatility are reshaping the outlook for the remainder of the year. CAPA - Centre for Aviation
• [New] Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, were forced to suspend, reroute or cancel Middle East services, while India's Civil Aviation Authority designated several Gulf and regional airspaces as high risk. DFNI
• [New] Air Canada has pulled its full-year 2026 financial guidance, signaling that the surge in jet fuel prices tied to the war in Iran could be becoming a major pressure point for commercial aviation. Yahoo Finance
• [New] North America alone will need 120,000 new pilots in the next 20 years. Simple Flying
• [New] By 2050, at least half of all sustainable aviation fuel must consist of RFNBOs: Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin. EurekAlert!
• [New] Thousands of new plants will be needed globally to meet the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuels in the coming decades. EurekAlert!
• [New] The Pratt & Whitney PT6A family - by far the most-used turboprop engine in business aviation, with over fifty thousand units produced - is certified to operate on 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blends today, with 100% SAF certification expected by 2028. SmartPrivateJet
• [New] Airlines face tightening emissions mandates - the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, EASA environmental requirements, and CORSIA offsetting obligations - that will require either SAF at volumes far beyond current production, radical improvements in airframe and engine efficiency, or both. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] Elections Canada will continue implementing its Indigenous Inclusion Program Pilot to strengthen reconciliation efforts with First Nations, Inuit and Metis and foster greater trust in, and understanding of, Canada's electoral process. Elections Canada
• [New] Japan Airlines launched a humanoid robot trial at Haneda Airport for baggage handling, aircraft towing, and cabin cleaning through 2028. / Japan LinkedIn
• [New] AI is moving from pilots to platforms, with governance frameworks scaling to manage risk and drive real value. Michelin Key Hotels
• [New] As New York's drone pilot progresses, officials will closely monitor not only operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also the impact on patient care and community sentiment. eplaneai

Last updated: 24 May 2026