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] A new study has highlighted significant potential for Power-to-Liquids and Power-and-Biomass-to-Liquids (PBtL) aviation fuels in the Asia-Pacific region. GreenAir News
• [New] APAC, especially China and India, will be the scale engine, with state-led ATMS, smart highways, dense AV pilots, and V2X ecosystems. Resources
• [New] CAA will encourage aviation operators to conduct reviews following disruption caused by extreme weather events and will promote understanding of climate risks affecting airports and NATS, through targeted training and increased climate analysis. GOV.UK
• [New] Although certification of the 777 X by the Federal Aviation Administration is still pending, its approval is expected to catalyze a significant rebound in wide-body output, complementing the upward trajectory of 787 production. / Japan rebecca.gladen@trade.gov
• [New] Under current policies, estimates indicate a reduction in final demand for oil of roughly 46% (42% including international aviation) in 2050 compared to 2024. GOV.UK
• [New] Hydrogen-powered aircraft could play a key role in cutting aviation emissions while supporting future growth. TravelWires
• [New] British Airways has unveiled a new first-class suite, set to debut in 2026 on the A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft. Caliber.az
• [New] The integration of eVTOLs into the UK aviation sector is expected to ease congestion, reduce pollution and offer a new mode of transport that is efficient, affordable and sustainable. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Vertical Aerospace is targeting certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency by 2028. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Hydrogen-powered aviation could significantly reduce emissions while allowing global air travel to grow responsibly. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Joby Aviation plans to launch its passenger air taxi service in Dubai in 2026. Yahoo Finance
• [New] An investment of US$ 800 million will drive aviation modernization in El Salvador and consolidate a regional hub. BLP Legal
• [New] T & E, Greenpeace and twelve other organizations call on the EU to maintain the law promoting alternatives to short-haul flights - Article 20 of the EU Air Services Regulation plays a necessary role in avoiding projected emissions growth in the aviation sector. Geoharvey
• [New] Vertical aims to produce over 225 aircraft annually by 2030, moving toward a future where flying taxis are a commercially viable and scalable alternative to ground transport. oilprice.com
• [New] Vertical Aerospace unveiled Valo, a six-seat electric aircraft targeting fast, zero-emission airport-to-city routes by 2028. oilprice.com
• [New] Electric flying taxis will be in the skies by 2028, an aircraft manufacturer has claimed. AOL
• [New] Global production of sustainable aviation fuel is expected to reach approximately 1.9 million tons by 2025. EAN Networks
• [New] Sustainable aviation fuel capacity is projected to grow by about one third to 8 million metric tons in 2026, with more than half of global supply located in Asia. ESG News
• The DOD, under its PEO, Strategic Capabilities Office, is already pursuing microreactor pilots under Project Pele, expected online by 2026. JD Supra
• On the positive side, aircraft shortages mean load factors are forecast to set a record high with airlines expected to fill 83.8% of all seats over the year 2026. GreenAir News

Last updated: 21 December 2025