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] DWC targets 120M by 2030, ultimately rising to 260M with five runways and 400 aircraft gates. TopLuxuryProperty.com
• [New] The small fixed-wing or multiple-rotor aircraft will become ubiquitous over the next decade. Assembly
• [New] As per the Royal United Services Institute, electronic attack capabilities are now considered mandatory for any aircraft operating within high threat environments, leading to widespread procurement across NATO member states. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The conflict in Eastern Europe has starkly demonstrated the vulnerability of unprotected aircraft, prompting governments to accelerate procurement cycles for radar warning receivers and directional infrared countermeasures. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) includes technologies like radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems, electronic countermeasures, and flare / chaff dispensers that help aircraft detect and defeat hostile threats. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The weapons entering service between now and 2030 represent the biggest generational shift in military technology since stealth aircraft debuted in the 1980s. Military Machine
• [New] The Global Aviation Industry is undergoing a strong recovery as international travel, cargo transportation, and airline operations continue to expand following several years of disruption. openpr
• [New] New kinds of aircraft, sorts of flying cars that can take off and land with little space like helicopters but function like airplanes, will start operating in US airspace as early as June. Wired
• [New] The pilot projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next-generation aircraft in the world. Engineering and Technology Magazine
• [New] The skies over parts of the US could soon get busier, as the Federal Aviation Administration launches pilot projects spanning 26 states to test electric air taxis and other next-gen aircraft, with operations expected to begin by summer 2026. The Register
• [New] The arrival of the Boeing 777-9 will influence the long-term future of Lufthansa's largest aircraft types, particularly the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380. Aviation a2z
• North America is expected to remain the most mature and commercially active region for Level-4 (L4) autonomous vehicle deployment in 2026, supported by a strong innovation ecosystem, favorable state-level regulations, and continuous real-world pilot expansion. For Insights Consultancy
• If Tesla rolls out early robotaxi or ride-sharing pilots, owners could be offered the chance to enroll their vehicles, sharing revenue with Tesla. / USA TESMAG
• MOLIT has finalized the results of the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zone (AV POZ) Service Support Project open call and will provide a total of KRW 3 billion (approx. $2.14 million) to eight local governments: Seoul, Daegu, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongnam, and Jeju. Medium
• The Korean government is making efforts to provide opportunities to companies by expanding Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zones (AV POZ) nationwide. Medium
• Joby Aviation stands out as a pure-play eVTOL / air-mobility developer focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and aerial ridesharing, giving it a different risk / reward profile versus legacy carriers. MarketBeat
• Uber has slightly tempered its ambitions to 2030, although its partnership with Joby Aviation is set to bring flying taxis to Dubai already later in 2026. Metro
• The European Central Bank just confirmed digital euro legislation is coming in 2026 with a pilot in late 2027 and first issuance targeting 2029. TechBullion
• The implementation strategy for the NCBSF unfolds in a phased, pilot-driven rollout over 2026-2030, leveraging India's National One Health Mission infrastructure to embed chemical biomarkers into zoonotic early detection. Chemistry World
• An Australian-made hypersonic aircraft successfully completed its first flight from a NASA facility in the US, reaching five times the speed of sound in a test that scientists say will help forge the future of air travel. The Age
• The ageing fleet of aircraft and persistently low readiness rates pose significant risks, particularly as the U.S. Air Force's capabilities may decline in the event of a future conflict with China. eplaneai

Last updated: 15 March 2026