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] Sustainable aviation fuel consumption is expected to expand from 1 billion liters in 2024 to 9 billion liters in 2030, meeting 2% of total aviation fuel demand in the main case. IEA
• [New] While the Full Self-Driving system offered in its customer cars has not yet achieved full autonomy, company-owned Robotaxis are operating in pilot projects in Austin and the San Francisco Bay area and will roll out more cities before the end of the year. American Cars And Racing
• [New] Across Latin America and Asia, governments launched sandboxes and pilots for property tokens, exploring how fractional real estate could help citizens invest with small sums. Tokenizer.Estate Blog
• [New] Federal agencies are studying pilot models to extend mobility solutions nationwide by mid-2026. successfulparentingplan.com
• [New] Korean Air plans to purchase up to 100 Midnight aircraft as South Korea accelerates its urban air mobility ambitions. Zag Daily
• [New] Turkey has announced a record $214 million ( 8.73 billion) budget for space and aviation projects in 2026 - a nearly 75% increase from 2025 - to accelerate its National Space Program and expand domestic capacity in aerospace and defence. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• [New] Wright recently visited Commonwealth Fusion Systems' pilot plant, and the Special Competitive Studies Project estimates China's fusion investment at $6.5 billion, highlighting the international competitive dynamics driving U.S. fusion policy. The Fusion Report: The Business of Fusion Energy
• [New] By 2026, we will see the rise of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and air taxis. Travel And Tour World
• [New] IndiGo's order of 30 Airbus A350 aircraft stands as a transformative step that could redefine its operations and elevate its role within the global aviation industry. AeroXplorer
• [New] A dozen states will pilot Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program restrictions on soda and candy in 2026. Tufts Now
• [New] Expect pilot programs in California by early 2026, where the real test of reliability will play out on crowded streets. Future
• [New] New Horizon Aircraft is targeting markets including emergency services, defence and commercial operators, with plans to certify and produce the Cavorite X7 before 2030. CMC Markets
• [New] Archer Aviation is an early mover in eVTOLs with a distinctive approach: it plans not only to manufacture aircraft, but also to operate a global air taxi service. CMC Markets
• [New] High-net-worth investors target aviation equities amid geopolitical risks, focusing on eVTOL (37.2% CAGR) and SAF ($59.98 B 2034 projection) sectors. Ainvest
• The aviation and energy value chains will gather in Houston again next November to plan for the future of SAF in North America, and to safeguard the progress made, ensuring that SAF remains central to energy and climate strategy. SAF North America Congress
• The ultimate goal is to win Federal Aviation Administration certification for fully remote pilots by 2028. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• The Indonesian government is preparing regulations to mandate a 1% sustainable aviation fuel blend for international flights from Jakarta and Bali starting in 2026 and a 5% blend by 2035. Winssolutions
• Flying taxis could soon become a reality, as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft edge closer to commercial use in Dubai. Yahoo News
• Quality standards for bio-aviation fuels will be finalized by mid-2026, with additional incentives expected for next-generation synthetic SAFs produced through renewable energy and captured carbon. ESG News
• South Korea will require all international flights departing its airports to use sustainable aviation fuel from 2027, becoming one of Asia's first major air transport hubs to implement a binding SAF blending mandate. ESG News
• Joby Aviation is designing an eVTOL craft that could help alleviate traffic congestion in big cities. Yahoo Finance
• The European Investment Bank is expanding its portfolio of clean industrial assets, including a Wind Package and a pilot programme to share risks with companies that sign long-term contracts for clean energy. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank

Last updated: 26 October 2025