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] ReFuelEU Aviation sets a clear path: from 2025, kerosene must incorporate 2% SAF, with progressive increases until reaching 70% in 2050, including a specific sub-target for synthetic fuels. Moeve Global
• [New] The International Energy Agency emphasizes that, without SAF, commercial aviation does not have a credible pathway to align with climate objectives in 2050. Moeve Global
• [New] Flights from Prague will use a 2% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend under the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, supporting STARLUX's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Luxury Travel Expert
• [New] Lufthansa Group has launched free high-speed Starlink WiFi, with an ambitious rollout planned across around 850 aircraft by 2029 to deliver a consistent, high-quality connectivity experience across its airlines and travel classes. Future Travel Experience
• [New] Canada is similarly investing through the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, which received CAD 1.9 Bn in government funding for aviation security technology upgrades through 2027. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Power-to-Liquid sustainable aviation fuel is no longer a technology waiting beyond 2030. Twelve | A World Made from Air
• [New] China's EHang holds the world's first commercial eVTOL type certificate, issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and has been running revenue passenger flights in Guangzhou and Hefei since 2023, with paid service now added in Shenzhen and a Shanghai launch underway through 2027. PickDrones
• [New] The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to industry partners to help shore up its defences against quantum threats. Technology Solutions That Drive Government
• [New] Drone-based infrastructure inspection is projected to reduce inspection costs by 30-40% while improving safety and data quality, per published pilot programs by TUV Rheinland and DNV. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Russian strikes on UK manufacturing nodes could create production bottlenecks affecting engines, seekers, guidance systems, warheads, certification, financing, and launch aircraft. Hudson Institute
• [New] Aviation is the fastest-growing application segment, expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2034. Straits Research
• [New] The U.S. FAA projects the commercial drone fleet to reach about 1.18 million aircraft by 2029, supporting sustained demand for advanced imaging, navigation, communication, and intelligent payload technologies. Persistence Market Research
• [New] By 2035, Japan's strongest flying-car positions are unlikely to belong to aircraft manufacturers alone. openpr
• [New] By 2026, 75% of enterprises will have moved beyond isolated AI pilots to fully operationalized agentic systems. Site Title
• [New] Fuel from AirPlant One is expected to power an Alaska Airlines flight, helping move Power-to-Liquid SAF from first production toward regular commercial aviation use. Twelve | A World Made from Air
• [New] UK regional airline Loganair has signed a term sheet with Beta Technologies for five Alia CX300 electric conventional takeoff-and-landing aircraft to enter service in 2029, with options for five more. Aviation Week Network
• [New] Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs - where uncrewed platforms fly alongside crewed fighters, absorbing risk and extending sensor reach - are advancing from prototype to procurement across the U.S. and allied air forces. Defence Industries
• Asia-Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing defence spending, rapid military modernization, and expanding procurement of advanced fighter aircraft, UAVs, naval platforms, and missile systems across China, India, Japan, and South Korea. stratviewresearch.com
• Japan's SkyDrive has begun formal familiarization meetings with the U.S. FAA on certification validation for its SD-05 eVTOL air taxi, which is planned to be type certified with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for commercial service beginning in 2028. Aviation Week Network

Last updated: 06 September 2026