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] German startup Vaeridion has selected Garmin G600 TXi flight displays to equip test aircraft for its Microliner nine-passenger battery-electric regional aircraft, planned to enter service in 2030. Aviation Week Network
• [New] Publicly listed Canadian startup Horizon Aircraft has agreed to sell shares to institutional investors in a deal that is expected to raise gross proceeds of $20 million to fund development of its Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft. Aviation Week Network
• [New] The United States could feasibly produce enough sustainable aviation fuel to meet roughly two-thirds of its 2030 federal target, but getting there will require overcoming major hurdles. WSU Insider
• [New] While domestic production is expanding quickly, the United States remains unlikely to meet its goal of producing 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030 without additional support and continued industry investment. WSU Insider
• [New] Commercial robotaxi pilots are expanding under government-backed deployment programs targeting wider adoption by 2027. / UK DataM Intelligence
• [New] The year 2026 is expected to represent a major commercialization milestone as several companies expand beyond pilot operations into large-scale autonomous ride-hailing deployments. DataM Intelligence
• [New] Waymo is operating at nearly hundreds of thousands of rides per week, Zoox is still in early public testing / free pilot phase, Tesla operates with small fleets of cautiously tested vehicles and Chinese firms are expanding but are at high risk of systemic failure / outages. DataM Intelligence
• [New] The conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States is already placing pressure on Europe's aviation sector, with jet fuel availability emerging as the most immediate threat to summer travel. On Call International Blog
• [New] The Singapore Aviation Academy, the training arm of CAAS, and France's Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile will launch a joint Advanced Master in Air Transport Management to grow aviation leadership, regulatory capabilities and safety outcomes in Pacific Small Island Developing States. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
• [New] Singapore and ICAO will sign an agreement to jointly develop and deliver a new global leadership programme on air navigation services for Directors-General of Civil Aviation. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
• [New] CAAS will sign four MOUs to develop and trial game-changing technologies and establish Singapore as a hub for aviation innovation. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
• [New] The wireless internet upgrade will come to more than 500 narrowbody aircraft starting early 2027. 9to5Mac
• [New] The U.S. Air Force plans to invest more than $500 million through 2031 to develop a new aircraft defence capability known as Large Aircraft Survivability Systems. National Defense Transportation Association
• [New] As the world seeks cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, SAF emerges as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future in aviation. NineSigma
• [New] As numerous autonomous taxi companies launch pilots in China and the U.S., more vehicles and fleets will see broader testing and promotion from the second half of 2026 through the first half of next. Gasgoo Auto News
• [New] The aviation industry entered 2026 expecting continued recovery, but rising geopolitical instability and fuel volatility are reshaping the outlook for the remainder of the year. CAPA - Centre for Aviation

Last updated: 31 May 2026