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] Quarterhorse Mk 2.2 is the next iteration and is expected to become the world's fastest unmanned aircraft. Spaceport America
• [New] Drones are estimated to account for about 70% of Russian casualties, enabling strikes to be carried out remotely and reducing the risk to pilots and aircrews. Reuters
• [New] The business jet segment is expected to expand, driven by rising global demand for private aviation. eplaneai
• [New] As the global aviation industry moves beyond the immediate post-pandemic recovery, it confronts a more complex operating environment characterized by persistent cost inflation, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory demands. eplaneai
• [New] Supersonic aircraft could become a staple of US coast-to-coast air travel following a landmark vote in the House of Representatives to lift a decades-old ban on faster-than-sound overland flying. Simple Flying
• [New] Between unstable weather and lingering airspace disruptions, UAE aviation is in a transition phase, where flights are running but predictability is low and flexibility is essential. The Times Of India
• [New] UAE aviation is still in a gradual recovery phase following earlier disruptions in March caused by regional instability and airspace restrictions amid Iran vs US-Israel war. The Times Of India
• [New] Europe is pursuing a near-term autonomous combat aircraft capability that bypasses the cost and timeline of indigenous airframe development, likely accelerating the fielding of affordable unmanned mass within European defence structures by 2029. Drone Warfare
• [New] The U.S. Air Force is advancing toward stealthy, radar-silent kill chains for Collaborative Combat Aircraft that could substantially complicate adversary electronic warfare and emissions-detection strategies in contested airspace. Drone Warfare
• [New] Utah's project will span four states across the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, and Oklahoma, testing multiple aircraft types and operating concepts with Ampaire, Beta, Joby, and other partners. Student News Daily
• [New] As Boeing moves from its current cap of 42 aircraft per month toward a target of 53 by the end of 2026, engine demand will surge, providing a reliable tailwind for GE's services and original equipment business. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] France reportedly will send Ukraine the newest version of the SAMP/T NG anti-aircraft missile system for battlefield testing against Russian ballistic missiles. Critical Threats
• [New] The new SES-Emirates Airlines deal will deliver 100 Mbps to every aircraft - enough for 4K streaming at 30,000 feet. OnOff.gr
• [New] US regulators have recently introduced new rules for powered-lift aircraft, creating a regulatory framework that could eventually allow air taxi services to operate commercially. Elite Traveler
• [New] Under the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program, Joby will begin early flight operations across ten U.S. states in 2026, marking a watershed moment for the nascent electric aviation industry. BriefGlance
• [New] L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI successfully demonstrated a first-of-its-kind integration where unmanned aircraft systems detected and responded to electromagnetic threats in real-time without human intervention. devFlokers
• [New] The conflict with Iran has resulted in vast swathes of airspace being closed off and a huge disruption to passengers travelling in and out of the UAE, one of the world's busiest aviation corridors. Skift

Last updated: 29 March 2026