Global Scans · Aviation · Weekly Summary

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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] As the UK prepares for its busiest Christmas in aviation history, both business and leisure travelers will need to navigate high passenger volumes and winter weather. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Momentum in the telco-satellite convergence story is now shifting from pilots to commercial launches, some of which have already happened, although most of which will come online in 2025 and in the 2-3 years following. MWC Shanghai
• [New] The ECB Governing Council has confirmed that - assuming the EU co-legislators adopt the required Regulation during 2026 - a pilot phase could begin in mid 2027, with readiness for a possible first issuance by 2029. www.hoganlovells.com
• [New] Airbus projects global demand for 2,510 new freighters by 2043, including 900 large widebody aircraft. Aviation a2z
• [New] The flight test campaign is set for the second half of 2026, with Airbus using instrumented aircraft and established A350 data to shorten the certification process. Aviation a2z
• [New] Hyundai confirmed that its first customer-focused V2G pilot programme in Korea will go live by the end of 2025, beginning on Jeju Island, a region known for its high renewable-energy adoption. EVMechanica
• [New] An Airbus directive that ordered the immediate software update for 6,000 A320 planes has lead to flight disruptions around the world. Engadget
• [New] BRICS Pay pilots through 2027, followed perhaps by a settlement unit for intra-BRICS trade by 2028-2030. Braumiller Law Group
• [New] Joby Aviation has made considerable progress toward launching air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. eplaneai
• [New] If the Austin pilot, with the controlled, engineer-tested, and close-to-home sandbox for Robotaxi, is struggling to scale past 60 vehicles by the end of 2025, the aggressive timelines for a cross-US and global rollout in 2026 and 2027, respectively, might be a bit too aggressive. Not a Tesla App
• [New] The initial pilot is small, but France's transport ministry aims to electrify 9,000 kilometers of highways by 2035. DLA Piper
• [New] The European Commission on behalf of the EU has announced plans to launch a pilot ISOS (In-Space Operations and Services) mission by 2030, which is expected to test docking with cooperative prepared and non-prepared targets. Innovation News Network
• [New] Dubai airline Emirates has ordered 65 new Boeing 777-9 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show, with the expectation of taking delivery from Q2 2027. Emirates NBD Research
• [New] A new pilot project will test whether artificial intelligence and drone technology can strengthen malaria prevention efforts in Mozambique. iAfrica.com
• [New] By 2026, agentic AI - systems that act, decide and adapt autonomously - will move from pilots to the core of how organizations operate and serve customers. Inside Telecom
• [New] The AI for Climate Action Innovation Factory and the AI Innovation Grand Challenge will foster new AI-driven solutions, leading to pilot projects, especially in developing countries, supported by the newly launched AI Climate Institute. The Daily Press
• [New] The Federal Aviation Administration announced it will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports beginning Friday morning, marking one of the most significant air traffic restrictions in recent history. Trawick International
• [New] Innovations in stratospheric internet technologies, such as satellite-beaming planes and airships, could present future competition to SpaceX's Starlink. KeepTrack
• [New] Dubai's 4-hub eVTOL vertiport network is scheduled for Phase 1 launch in Q2 2026, operated by Joby Aviation in partnership with Dubai's RTA. PrivateCharterX - Luxury Aviation & Web3 Travel Solutio
• [New] Public pilots are being fast-tracked: for example, Uber plans to trial Level 4, driverless electric taxis beginning in spring 2026 in the UK, following the regulatory changes. Currently, by AT&T
• [New] Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines have placed additional orders for the A350 - 900, while Air Europa is reportedly evaluating a fleet renewal plan that could include up to 40 A350 - 900 aircraft. eplaneai
• [New] Airbus has confirmed the A350 will be 100% compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030. Simple Flying
• [New] The deal, valued at a staggering US$ 41.4 billion, brings Emirates' total wide-body aircraft orders to 375, with deliveries set to continue through 2038. Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 07 December 2025