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] Airline commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 are fueling the demand for sustainable aviation fuel. Polaris
• [New] The global aviation sector's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as formalized by ICAO's Long-Term Aspirational Goal during the 41st Assembly, is propelling massive investments across the SAF value chain. Persistence Market Research
• [New] In the United States, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge aims to produce at least 3 billion gallons by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050, supported by federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act providing up to US$1.75 per gallon for qualifying SAF. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates progressive SAF blending requirements starting at 2% in 2025, rising to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and ultimately reaching 70% by 2050, with a specific sub-mandate for synthetic aviation fuels comprising 1.2% by 2030. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation in the European Union, requiring a minimum 2% SAF blend starting in 2025 and escalating to 6% by 2030, alongside aggressive targets in the United Kingdom mandating 9.5% SAF by 2030, are creating unprecedented demand for sustainable aviation fuels. Persistence Market Research
• [New] NASA plans to conduct community overflight studies to measure how people perceive the reduced noise signature of the X-59, with dozens of test flights scheduled through 2026 to determine if low-boom supersonic flight can be safely integrated into commercial aviation. Yahoo News
• [New] NASA's X-59 aircraft completed its second test flight, aiming to reshape high-speed travel by flying faster than the speed of sound with a soft sonic thump instead of a disruptive boom. Yahoo News
• [New] The US aviation industry is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to push to mid-2032 a deadline for updating thousands of radio altimeters to withstand interference from 5G cellular signals. FlightGlobal
• [New] CRJ-450 aircraft, which will include seven first-class seats, carry-on lockers for first-class passengers and Starlink Wi-Fi, are set to debut before the end of 2026. The Points Guy
• [New] A Relax Row lie-flat economy-class seat is coming to United Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft from 2027. The Points Guy
• [New] By the end of 2026, we expect to see the first truly viable Humanoid Assistants entering the pilot phase for domestic use. System Plus
• [New] The Federal Aviation Administration selected eight proposals - including two from Northern California startups - to participate in a nationwide pilot program that will determine if air taxis can be used as a short-range alternative in major metropolitan areas. Govtech
• [New] The emerging air taxi industry has the potential to generate new jobs, connect communities, and strengthen American leadership in aviation. Govtech
• [New] Joby Aviation will begin offering commercial air taxi service in 2026, before it is fully certified - but not in California. Monterey County NOW
• [New] Member nations advance CBDC integration research right now, with financial institutions expecting pilot programs by 2026 across various major sectors. BRICS
• [New] The ICAO CO2 emissions standard was made 10% more stringent today and is applicable to new aircraft type designs as of 2031. Asian Aviation
• [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

Last updated: 05 April 2026