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] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] The Korean government is making efforts to provide opportunities to companies by expanding Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zones (AV POZ) nationwide. Medium
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] By the end of 2026, 80% of enterprises will have moved from AI pilots to full operational deployment, essentially baking intelligence into the way software is made from day one. Sigma Infosolutions
• [New] Opportunities lie in sustainable aviation fuel innovation, supply chain resilience, and expanding infrastructure, with North America leading but Asia-Pacific growing rapidly. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The UK will deploy a carrier task force to the North Atlantic in late 2026 based around the new Prince of Wales aircraft carrier and including ships from the US, Norway and Denmark. Friends of Europe
• [New] The arrival of the USS Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days will be a key factor in the timing of a possible military campaign against Iran. Just Security
• China Unveils Flying Aircraft Carrier China released a concept video outlining plans for a futuristic airborne space aircraft carrier, known as Luanniao, that state media claim could deploy unmanned fighter jets capable of operating near the edge of Earth's atmosphere. JD Supra
• The extensive aviation infrastructure and mature logistics operations across North America create substantial opportunities for eVTOL integration, leveraging established facilities, customer relationships, and operational expertise, accelerating commercialization timelines. Persistence Market Research
• Through accelerating the development and adoption of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System X, a safety-enhancing upgrade to existing technologies, the ROTOR Act will play a significant role in preventing future mid-air collisions and maintaining United States leadership in aviation safety. U.S. Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, & Transportation
• By integrating maintenance, supply, and operational data, the Marine Corps expects to increase aircraft availability and enhance combat effectiveness. CDO Magazine
• The Future Combat Aircraft System project was launched in 2017 to replace France's Rafale jet and the Eurofighters used by Germany and Spain, to come into service around 2040. Space Daily
• The US president has ordered a massive buildup of naval forces in the Middle East, including repositioning aircraft carriers and other warships, leading to fears of an imminent war. The Guardian
• Regulatory frameworks such as ReFuelEU Aviation are creating firm, long-term demand signals, while the ASTM accreditation process for the methanol-to-jet pathway is advancing toward completion, with approval expected in early 2026. Hydrogen Central

Last updated: 08 March 2026