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] China Unveils Flying Aircraft Carrier China released a concept video outlining plans for a futuristic airborne space aircraft carrier, known as Luanniao, that state media claim could deploy unmanned fighter jets capable of operating near the edge of Earth's atmosphere. JD Supra
• [New] The extensive aviation infrastructure and mature logistics operations across North America create substantial opportunities for eVTOL integration, leveraging established facilities, customer relationships, and operational expertise, accelerating commercialization timelines. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Through accelerating the development and adoption of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System X, a safety-enhancing upgrade to existing technologies, the ROTOR Act will play a significant role in preventing future mid-air collisions and maintaining United States leadership in aviation safety. U.S. Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, & Transportation
• [New] By integrating maintenance, supply, and operational data, the Marine Corps expects to increase aircraft availability and enhance combat effectiveness. CDO Magazine
• [New] The Future Combat Aircraft System project was launched in 2017 to replace France's Rafale jet and the Eurofighters used by Germany and Spain, to come into service around 2040. Space Daily
• [New] The US president has ordered a massive buildup of naval forces in the Middle East, including repositioning aircraft carriers and other warships, leading to fears of an imminent war. The Guardian
• [New] Regulatory frameworks such as ReFuelEU Aviation are creating firm, long-term demand signals, while the ASTM accreditation process for the methanol-to-jet pathway is advancing toward completion, with approval expected in early 2026. Hydrogen Central
• [New] The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of United Airlines' maintenance practices is insufficient to oversee safety risks. Gizmodo
• [New] Streamlining FAA type certification processes for advanced aviation technologies like advanced air mobility will help to strengthen America's global leadership in aviation innovation. U.S. Senator for Kansas, Jerry Moran
• [New] The first eVTOL aircraft are expected to receive FAA certification within the next one to two years. St Pete Rising - Everything new and coming soon to St.
• [New] By the first half of 2026, we expect to see a catalog of validated AI use cases that have moved beyond the pilot phase. Traders Magazine
• [New] India is expected to require at least 500 aircraft in the 80-146 seat segment over the next 20 years. Economic Times
• [New] Archer Aviation, currently trailing Joby through the FAA's five-stage certification process, faces 2028 or later as the realistic target. Low Altitude Economy
• Organizations such as the U.S. Air Force and NASA are putting resources into research for supersonic jets, which could speed up technological advancements in the commercial supersonic aircraft sector. Precedence Research
• The military aircraft segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.4% from 2026 to 2034 due to heightened defence spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and NATO's call for members to allocate at least 2% of GDP to defence. Market Data Forecast
• Heathrow's main roadmap assumes three key developments: continued improvements in aircraft efficiency, introduction of zero-carbon aircraft from the mid-2030s, and large-scale replacement of fossil jet fuel with SAF. Carbon Credits
• Experts expect hydrogen aircraft to serve mainly short-haul routes by 2050. Carbon Credits

Last updated: 01 March 2026