What's Coming in Aviation
Upcoming aviation milestones in one place — aircraft certifications and deliveries (Boeing, Airbus, and more), new airline route launches, and regulatory deadlines for 2026 and beyond. Each entry is extracted and verified from our daily coverage, merged across articles, and updated twice a day.
Updated Oct 10, 2026 · 1550 milestones tracked
October 2026
Confirmed. Tishrei High Holiday travel season
Oct 11Confirmed. WSI Passenger Operations Launch
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Next phase of Emirates fleet retrofit program featuring Panasonic Astrova IFE
SlippedAircraft & FleetWas August 2026 — now October 2026
In July 2026, Emirates announced that the next phase of its retrofit program, featuring the Panasonic Astrova IFE, was delayed and will now begin in October 2026.
Confirmed. Launch of nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh
Route NetworkConfirmed. Etihad Airways inaugural flight to Calgary
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Launch of daily Airbus A380 flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Launch of London Southend to Edinburgh route
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Suspension of 6 domestic routes
Route NetworkConfirmed. Conclusion of the CAAC Summer-Autumn 2026 aviation season
RegulationOct 24Confirmed. End of Star Alliance mileage earning on Asiana-operated flights
Oct 15Confirmed. Launch of Birmingham (BHX) to Cairo (CAI) route
Route NetworkOct 27Confirmed. Darwin-Singapore route operations pause begins
Route NetworkLateConfirmed. JetBlue ends twice-daily EWR-LAX service
Route NetworkOct 14Confirmed. United Airlines launches ORD to Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Route NetworkOct 24Confirmed. FAA ORD Flight Cap Expiration
RegulationOct 24Confirmed. Commencement of commercial passenger operations at Western Sydney International Airport
InfrastructureOct 25Confirmed. Inaugural Air Canada flight from Montreal (YUL) to Tenerife South (TFS)
Route NetworkOct 31Confirmed. Launch of Emirates A380 and Premium Economy services on the Dubai-Delhi route
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Introduction of Airbus A350 on the Kolkata-Dubai route
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Implementation of 2026 Gate Reallocation at ORD
InfrastructureConfirmed. Launch of direct flights between Lisbon and Orlando
Route NetworkOct 29Confirmed. Launch of direct flights between Lisbon and São Luís do Maranhão
Route NetworkOct 26Confirmed. Submission of CIABOC progress report on the Airbus bribery probe to the Colombo Magistrate's Court
Oct 13Confirmed. Commencement of initial commercial passenger flights at WSI
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Conclusion of Boeing 787 damp lease operations
Aircraft & FleetOct 31Confirmed. Suspension of IndiGo widebody operations and transition to A321XLR on select routes
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Formal conclusion of the Norse Atlantic Airways damp lease agreement
Aircraft & FleetOct 31Confirmed. IndiGo transitions Mumbai-Amsterdam route to Airbus A321XLR
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Termination of the damp lease agreement between IndiGo and Norse Atlantic Airways
Aircraft & FleetOct 31Confirmed. Conclusion of Tanker 138's initial 60-day Exclusive Use contract
LateConfirmed. Discontinuation of IndiGo's wide-body damp lease operations
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Inaugural Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Riyadh
Route NetworkOct 23Confirmed. Commencement of United Airlines daily nonstop service between CVG and SFO
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Conclusion of IndiGo's damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic
Aircraft & FleetOct 31Confirmed. Inaugural flight of the Luanda–Dakar–Praia route
Route NetworkOct 31Confirmed. Delivery of the first leased Boeing 777F to Saudia
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Inaugural Jazeera Airways flight from Kuwait to Aswan
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Next Supreme Court hearing on the petitions seeking an independent inquiry
RegulationOct 13Confirmed. Commencement of daily PIA flights to London (5 from Islamabad, 2 from Lahore)
Route NetworkOct 27Confirmed. First Commercial Passenger Flight (Jetstar JQ362 to Gold Coast)
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Resumption of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Copenhagen to Tel Aviv route with four weekly flights
Route NetworkOct 26Confirmed. Western Sydney Airport Commercial Passenger Launch
InfrastructureOct 25Confirmed. Deadline for public comments on the FAA NPRM (Docket No. FAA-2026-8800)
RegulationOct 26Confirmed. Resumption of daily flights to Zanzibar
Route NetworkOct 25Confirmed. Inaugural Volaris flight from Guadalajara (GDL) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)
Route NetworkOct 16Confirmed. Effective date of the final rule Airworthiness Directive (FAA-2026-4663) for the Falcon 2000EX
RegulationOct 16Confirmed. Effective Date of FAA Final Rule AD for Trent 700 LPC Blades
RegulationOct 16Confirmed. Effective date for the new DOT rule implementing Section 511(b) delay reporting categories
RegulationOct 19Confirmed. SWISS A350-900 deployment on Zurich-Shanghai and Zurich-Johannesburg routes
Route NetworkConfirmed. Boeing Q3 2026 Earnings and Deliveries Report
Confirmed. Deadline for public comments on the FAA's proposed airworthiness directive (NPRM) for A220 fuel lines
RegulationOct 19Confirmed. Emirates A350 deployment to Larnaca, Malta, Nairobi, and Hamburg
Route NetworkLateConfirmed. SPEEA Contract Ratification Vote Window
Oct 24Confirmed. Issuance of Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for VNAV disengagement
RegulationConfirmed. Issuance of Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for 737 MAX software
RegulationConfirmed. First commercial passenger flight to Toronto (YYZ)
Route NetworkOct 30Expected. Peak safari tourism season
Expected. JetSmart's Argentine fleet reaches 17 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Final Investigation Report on Air India Flight 171
SlippedSafety & IncidentsWas Mid-2026 — now October 2026
Expected. Release of FAA Q3 2026 UAS Sightings Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Conclusion of the Summer 2026 flight schedule
Route NetworkLateExpected. Opening of the Elevate BUR replacement passenger terminal
InfrastructureOct 13Expected. Deposit of the remaining ₹95 crore balance
MidExpected. Air Canada planned resumption of Dubai and Tel Aviv flights
Route NetworkOct 25Expected. Expiration of Shin Bet landing ban for Israeli airlines in the UAE
RegulationOct 31Expected. Preparation of the draft final report for the AI-171 crash
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Issuance of aerodrome operational licenses
RegulationExpected. Commencement of commercial flight operations at Dholera
InfrastructureExpected. Release of the draft final investigation report for Air India Flight AI171
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Circulation of the draft report to international accredited participants (e.g., NTSB) for comments
Safety & IncidentsExpected. United Airlines Q3 2026 Earnings and Capacity Update
Expected. United Airlines Q3 2026 Earnings Report
Expected. Delivery of first A350-1000 (D-AIFA)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Entry into commercial service for the A350-1000
Route NetworkLateExpected. Finalize negotiations for 25 regional jets
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Full stabilization of the Lagos-Douala-Libreville and Lagos-Conakry-Bamako schedules for the IATA Winter 2026/2027 season
Route NetworkLateExpected. Completion of SFO Runway 1R/19L repaving and rehabilitation project
InfrastructureEarlyExpected. Expected return of A380 service to Washington Dulles and Houston
Route NetworkOct 25Expected. Release of NTSB Preliminary Report
Safety & IncidentsLateWas Late August to Early September 2026 — now Late September to October 2026
Expected. Final resolution of the French patent dispute with Lufthansa Technik
Expected. Submission of the final draft report in a sealed cover to the Supreme Court
Safety & IncidentsExpected. NTSB/FAA Preliminary Aviation Incident Report
Safety & IncidentsLateExpected. Completion of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) Program
InfrastructureExpected. Airbus Q3 2026 Financial and Delivery Update
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Preliminary FAA or NTSB Incident Report Publication
Safety & IncidentsExpected. NTSB Preliminary Report Publication
Safety & IncidentsLateExpected. Implementation of 10% guaranteed wage increase
Oct 16Expected. Delta Air Lines Inaugural ATL-RUH Flight
Route NetworkOct 23Expected. Bohai Leasing shareholder approval for Avolon's 250-aircraft order
LateExpected. Shareholder approval of the 250-aircraft order
Late
Late 2026
Confirmed. Delivery of the 700th Airbus aircraft to Lufthansa Group
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Retirement of Chief Strategy Officer Stephen L. Johnson
EndConfirmed. 1,000 Starlink-equipped aircraft in service
Aircraft & FleetEndConfirmed. 60 widebody aircraft equipped with Starlink
Aircraft & FleetEndConfirmed. Completion of AES100 engine deliveries for initial R6000 production batch
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Disbursement of government-backed loans to Indian carriers under ECLGS 5.0
RegulationConfirmed. Application of U.S. Navy livery and expanded envelope flight tests
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Retirement of Steve Johnson (Vice-chair and Chief Strategy Officer)
EndConfirmed. Updates to ICAO safety and risk assessment manuals for civil aircraft operations over or near conflict zones
RegulationConfirmed. Delivery of the remaining four Boeing 737-8 aircraft under the current mandate.
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Completion of the dismantling program for over 10 A320neo and 737 MAX aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA Type Certification for initial eVTOL models
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial Commercial Air Taxi Launch in the UAE
Route NetworkExpected. Final manufacturer selection and widebody order announcement
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Publication of final AAIB report for the April 2025 Ascend Airways Luton incident
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Finalization of revised Airbus and Boeing delivery schedules
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of the final accident investigation report for Flight AI 171
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of Boeing 787-8 Fleet Cabin Refurbishment
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of Final Accident Investigation Report for Flight AI 171
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Fourth release of declassified UAP files
Expected. Completion of FAA incident investigation
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Final Regulatory Decision on VMO Aero's PNCF
RegulationExpected. Criminal prosecution and sentencing of the disruptive passenger
Expected. Publication of Final Fire Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of Arkia Internal Safety Review
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of internal safety investigation into the communication loss
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Preliminary Incident Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Commencement of International Flight Operations
Route NetworkExpected. Achievement of 150+ daily departures from FLL
Route NetworkExpected. Release of Preliminary Accident Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Airbus 2026 Full-Year Delivery Target (870 aircraft)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Formal adoption of the updated air passenger rights framework
RegulationExpected. Commissioning of the new terminal building at Jammu Airport
InfrastructureExpected. Alaska Airlines operates first commercial domestic flight using AirPlant One E-Jet fuel
Route NetworkMidExpected. Completion of Long Thanh International Airport (Phase 1)
InfrastructureExpected. Publication of Final FAA Part 108 Rule for BVLOS Operations
RegulationExpected. FCC Decision on DJI Reconsideration Petition
RegulationExpected. Awarding of the 7,200-square-meter air cargo terminal concession
InfrastructureExpected. Archer Midnight Initial Commercial Operations in the U.S.
Route NetworkExpected. Relocation of regional flight operations to the MMA2 terminal
Route NetworkExpected. Delivery of Lufthansa's first Airbus A350-1000
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Issuance of Final Airworthiness Directive for GE CF34 Engines
RegulationExpected. Launch of scheduled passenger flights to the United States
Route NetworkExpected. Appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer for Uganda Airlines
SlippedWas July 2026 — now Late 2026
The appointment of a permanent CEO was delayed past the July 2026 target, with Acting CEO Girma Wake still in the role as of August 2026 and planning to submit a candidate shortlist in September.
Expected. Phased retirement and replacement of Blue Dart's Boeing 757-200 fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Suspension of seven overseas routes including Delhi-Chicago
Route NetworkExpected. Certification and activation of World Business Class cabins
RegulationExpected. Completion of Structural Repairs and Return to Service
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Launch of international commercial flight operations
Route NetworkExpected. Expansion of cargo network to Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe
Route NetworkExpected. Delivery of four additional aircraft to United Nigeria Airlines
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Tangier Airport Perimeter Security Audit and Corrective Action Plan
RegulationExpected. Second tranche of Boeing 737NG engineer training in Lagos
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Type certification of the A350-1000ULR rear center fuel tank
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of AI-171 Final Accident Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of FAA Phase 4 Type Certification testing for Midnight
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial U.S. air taxi operations under the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)
Route NetworkExpected. Investigation findings by the Central-North Metropolitan Area regional prosecutor's office regarding charter flight trafficking networks
Expected. FAA Certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Commencement of three weekly flights to Manchester, UK
Route NetworkExpected. Resumption of scheduled operations to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Guangzhou, China
Route NetworkExpected. Approval of landing permits for scheduled operations into Toronto and New York
RegulationExpected. Delivery of next batch of 'United Elevate' Boeing 787-9s
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Appointment of new Air India CEO
Expected. Final investigation report on the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Civil Aviation Consumer Protection & Regulatory Reform Bill Reading
RegulationExpected. Completion of Emirates A380 Fleet Retrofit Program
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. American Airlines Widebody Aircraft RFP Decision
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Enugu Air fleet expansion to 20 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of the second Twin Otter Classic 300-G to Ethiopian Airlines
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Expansion of Ethiopian Airlines domestic network to 26 destinations
Route NetworkExpected. Initial Midnight eVTOL test operations under the eIPP
Route NetworkExpected. United Airlines achieves 100% recovery of earlier fuel-cost spikes through pricing
EndExpected. Completion of NMIA Phase 9 Logistics Center
InfrastructureExpected. Bidding process for 11 new AAI airports under the National Monetisation Pipeline
InfrastructureExpected. Fleet expansion to 410 total aircraft
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. Issuance of detailed drone executive regulations and licensing conditions
RegulationExpected. Completion of SMS Investigation
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Return to Service of N436WN
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Appointment of new Air India CEO
Expected. Publication of the final investigation report on the AI171 crash
Safety & IncidentsMidExpected. Installation of Starlink on 300+ aircraft in Southwest's fleet
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. Execution of initial engine lease placements under the GEM-BeauTech framework
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Integration of leased GTF and LEAP spare engines into active fleet rotation
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Expansion of joint fare products to additional routes beyond SIN-KUL
Route NetworkExpected. Formal agreement or regulatory approval of Raymond's acquisition of Deharde
Expected. Conclusion of internal safety investigation regarding AI 479 airspace infringement
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Singapore Airlines Final Fleet Decision
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of the DGCA investigation report on the Ahmedabad taxiway incident
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Publication of preliminary safety incident report regarding the pilot incapacitation on Flight AC7664
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Alaska Airlines winter schedule implementation and capacity reallocation to Hawaii
Route NetworkExpected. Rollout of Air India's 'Easy Connect' to cities including Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Goa, Hyderabad, and Chennai
Route NetworkExpected. FAA Investigation Findings
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Chinese regulatory approval for the aircraft purchase agreement
RegulationExpected. Potential frequency increase for the Taipei-Washington D.C. route based on initial load factors
Route NetworkExpected. Completion of Royal Jordanian's current fleet upgrade program, including the integration of A321neos and 787-9s
Aircraft & FleetExpected. First commercial-scale production of the Chaparral aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. CAAC Type Certification for Lanying R6000
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Publication of more than 40 LPV approach procedures across Indian airports
InfrastructureEndExpected. Expansion of 'Easy Connect' services to 11 additional Indian cities (including Ahmedabad, Goa, and Hyderabad)
Route NetworkExpected. NTSB Final Accident Report on Delta Flight 56 (DCA25LA276)
Safety & IncidentsExpected. NASA X-59 community overflights to test public perception of 'sonic thumps'
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA Type Certification for Joby S4
RegulationExpected. Investigation into the technical failure or pilot error regarding the transponder malfunction
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of JetBlue Flight 948 drone strike investigation
Safety & IncidentsExpected. FAA Type Certification (Phase 4 Completion)
RegulationExpected. Completion of customs and immigration infrastructure for international flights
InfrastructureExpected. Launch of initial commercial air taxi service in Dubai
Route NetworkExpected. Full FAA Type Certification for commercial passenger service
RegulationExpected. Final Accident Report on UPS Flight 2976
Safety & IncidentsExpected. FAA decision on restoring a public-facing dose estimation calculator
RegulationExpected. Completion of FY2026 Airport Infrastructure Grant project initiations and construction starts
InfrastructureExpected. Publication of Takeoff and Landing Noise Standards NPRM
RegulationExpected. Execution of the $1.776 billion in FY2026 airport infrastructure and safety upgrade projects across 46 states.
InfrastructureExpected. X-59 Community Overflight Testing
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Air India Final Decision on Aircraft Order Deferrals
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Proposed rule for landing and takeoff noise standards for supersonic aircraft
RegulationExpected. Proposal of separate landing and takeoff (LTO) noise standards for supersonic aircraft
RegulationExpected. FAA enforcement action and civil penalty assessment against the passenger
RegulationExpected. Criminal trial or plea agreement in Marion County
Expected. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) final approval for the ₹52,000 crore procurements
RegulationExpected. Review of the Air Services Agreement between Vanuatu and Solomon Islands
RegulationExpected. Publication of the final incident investigation report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Resumption of normal Middle Eastern airspace routings
Route NetworkExpected. Conclusion of FAA investigation into the JetBlue Flight 948 drone encounter at JFK
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Awarding of the architectural and engineering contract for the Mohammed V Airport redesign
InfrastructureExpected. LATAM fleet reaches 410 total aircraft
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. Finalization of Embraer and Adani Defence Final Assembly Line (FAL) location and timeline
InfrastructureExpected. Arrival of GOL's own Airbus A330-900neo aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Preliminary Incident Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Regulatory and antitrust approval for the joint venture
RegulationExpected. Finalization of acquisition contract between NATO and Saab
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Preliminary Investigation Report on Runway Incursion
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Publication of preliminary investigation report on TezJet MD-83 landing gear failure
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Ruling on Delta Air Lines' Motion to Dismiss
Expected. Expansion of Airbus Standard 2.2.1 upgrades to other major global aviation training providers
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Type certification for the Boeing 737 MAX 7
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Boeing 737 MAX 10 Type Certification
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Demolition of the existing 1930s passenger terminal
InfrastructureExpected. Completion of the six-lane runway underpass at Varanasi Airport
InfrastructureExpected. Full Commercial Entry into Service for Offshore Operations
Aircraft & FleetMidExpected. TSB Preliminary Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Publication of a separate proposed rule establishing landing and takeoff noise standards for supersonic aircraft
RegulationExpected. Recovery of Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Entry into service (EIS) of the Boeing 787-9 on the Luanda-Lisbon route
Route NetworkExpected. Release of preliminary accident investigation report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Engine Selection for Boeing 787-10 Fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA type certification of the BETA ALIA CX300 (CTOL version)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Conclusion of Security Threat Assessment
Expected. Expansion of flight network to northern tourist destinations including Gilgit, Chitral, and Skardu
Route NetworkExpected. Release of the preliminary safety investigation report on the F-16 landing gear failure and subsequent fire
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Exceed 250,000 Panama Stopover visitors for the year
EndExpected. DGCA operational clearance for regular Airbus A380 flights at Hyderabad
RegulationExpected. Transition of agricultural spraying and dispensing operations from Part 137 to Part 108 compliance
RegulationExpected. Integration of the four newly ordered Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft into active commercial service
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA Enforcement Action or Pilot Certificate Review
RegulationExpected. Launch of commercial air taxi operations in Dubai
Route NetworkExpected. Implementation of AERA's revised UDF pre-funding guidelines
RegulationExpected. Final Tariff Order for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport's Fourth Control Period
RegulationExpected. First retrofitted A380 returns to commercial service
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Commercial Rollout of Kochi-Lakshadweep Seaplane Routes
Route NetworkExpected. Live aviation operational trial of Verve Motion exosuits for baggage handlers
Expected. Publication of the final AAIB investigation report on the British Airways A350 wheel detachment
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Closure of the 10.5 billion rupee equity and debt funding round
Expected. Commencement of ticket sales and official launch dates for Beijing and Shanghai routes
Route NetworkExpected. First Boeing 737-10 delivery from ACG to WestJet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Commencement of Phase 2 construction to scale NMIA's capacity towards an ultimate goal of 90 million annual passengers.
InfrastructureExpected. Delivery of the remaining four Boeing 737 MAX 8s from the 2026 allocation
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Conclusion of fleet evaluation and potential aircraft order announcement
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Aircraft Repair and Return to Service
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Induction and entry-into-service of ValueJet's first Boeing 737NG aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Launch of new international and regional African routes utilizing the Boeing 737 fleet
Route NetworkExpected. IATA Revised 2026 Profitability Report
Expected. Expiration of NATO SALIS An-124 Charter Contracts
EndExpected. Approval and launch of additional international and domestic routes under the Civil Aviation Policy 2025
Route NetworkExpected. Zero A220 aircraft grounded due to GTF engine availability
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of GOL's first in-house Airbus A330-900
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Finalization of commercial agreement for 16 Boeing aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of the 787-9 ecoDemonstrator test aircraft to Lufthansa
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) requirements
RegulationExpected. Decision on new widebody aircraft order (Boeing vs. Airbus)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Finalization of the firm order contract for 15 Boeing 787-10s
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Type Certification of the Boeing 777X
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Finalization of the remaining 17 Boeing 787 aircraft to officially reach 67 firm orders on Boeing's backlog.
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Launch of scheduled freighter flights to Lima (LIM) and Montevideo (MVD)
Route NetworkExpected. Decision on launching longer versions of the A220 and A350
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Formal USTR determination on EU loan compliance with the 2021 tariff truce
RegulationExpected. Delivery of initial converted E190F aircraft to Azorra's leasing customers
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Implementation of expanded codeshare and loyalty benefits
Route NetworkExpected. Delivery of fourth Boeing 777-200 Freighter
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Publication of Final Accident Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. DGCA Preliminary Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsWas Late August to September 2026 — now Late 2026
Expected. Release of preliminary incident investigation report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Release of preliminary incident report on KQ784 tyre failure
Safety & IncidentsExpected. First Boeing 737 MAX 7 Delivery to Southwest Airlines
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Finalization of FAA Airworthiness Directive concerning Diamond DA40/DA42 door separations (from NPRM FAA-2026-4633)
RegulationExpected. Delivery and operational introduction of the U030 Flexrotor to Voyageur Aviation
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of ORIX Aviation's acquisition of AerFin
EndExpected. Release of preliminary findings from the federal counterterrorism investigation regarding the drone's origin and explosive payload.
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Implementation of enhanced counter-drone detection and jamming measures at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
InfrastructureExpected. Publication of preliminary investigation findings into the AI2379 turbulence incident
Safety & IncidentsExpected. FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) reassessment audit of Nigeria
RegulationExpected. Completion of FAA Stage 5 Type Certification
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA ETOPS Certification Approval
RegulationExpected. Approval of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace waivers for expanded operations
RegulationExpected. Expansion of PeakJet's European route network to include Paris, Munich, and Milan
Route NetworkExpected. Release of preliminary findings on the ZMP telecommunications failure
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Closing of Archer's acquisition of Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid
Expected. Early commercial operations of Archer's piloted Midnight aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Reduction of active A220-300 fleet to approximately 36 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. Boeing 737 MAX Production Rate Target (42 per month)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Commencement of pan-European transplant air logistics operations
Route NetworkExpected. Delivery of two additional production aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. First passengers carried under the eIPP program
Route NetworkExpected. Closing of Toyota's $250 million direct equity investment
Expected. Procurement and deployment of specialized counter-UAV detection and neutralization systems at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
InfrastructureExpected. Final judgment in Torrance, California environmental remediation trial
RegulationExpected. Decision on potential Saab Gripen E acquisition for RCAF mixed fighter fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Conclusion of formal intelligence or law enforcement investigations into the origin and operators of the Williamtown drone swarms
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Resolution of final remaining civil suits against Boeing regarding the 737 MAX crashes.
Expected. Sentencing or final judicial approval regarding Boeing's DOJ criminal fraud plea deal.
RegulationExpected. Release of AAIB Preliminary Investigation Report on Flight AI2379
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Release of preliminary investigation findings regarding the bird strike and engine damage.
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Publication of the FAA CLEEN Phase III final report and data analysis for the Next Generation Inlet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Final Rule for Airworthiness Directive on CFM56-7B Fan Blades (Docket FAA-2026-7232)
RegulationExpected. Release of findings from the FAA investigation into the American Airlines call sign dispatch error
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Distribution of settlement funds to eligible class members
Expected. Aircraft Return to Service
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Return to commercial service of the grounded Airbus A330-300 (registration B-304L) following maintenance in Krasnoyarsk
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Full restoration of pre-conflict flight frequencies through the Iranian FIR by all GCC carriers
Route NetworkExpected. Addition of 9 new aircraft to the Vietravel Airlines fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Potential network expansion to destinations in Taiwan and South Korea
Route NetworkExpected. Publication of the final investigation report on the Boxing Day 2025 ground collision at MMIA
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of investigation into the accidental firearm discharge at Varanasi Airport
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Commencement of the remaining approved international freighter services at NMIA
Route NetworkExpected. Preliminary Incident Report on Bahamasair UP136 Landing Gear Failure
Safety & IncidentsExpected. SpiceJet Q3 Financial Results
Expected. Completion of Air India and Vistara operational merger
Expected. Appointment of a substantive Group Managing Director and CEO
Expected. Identification and onboarding of a strategic equity investor
EndExpected. Opening of new Lufthansa Technik Philippines facility and induction of first Emirates A380
InfrastructureExpected. FAA Decision on Boeing 777F Emissions Waiver (Docket FAA-2025-5699)
RegulationExpected. Distribution of the $87.3 million compensation to the 32 Kenyan families
Expected. Launch of an autonomous heavy-lift cargo service in the Shetland and Orkney islands
Route NetworkExpected. Merlin Pilot system integration and ground testing on C-130J
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Deployment of SAI at 44 additional airports
InfrastructureEndExpected. Implementation of the unified ICAO Global Crisis Management Framework for airspace and security
RegulationExpected. Air India Airbus A350-1000 Delivery
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of incident investigation and ground handling safety review at JFK
Safety & IncidentsExpected. AAIB Preliminary Report on Air India AI2379
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Delivery of two Airbus A321neo aircraft for regional deployment
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Publication of the official compliance verification report on the DHL Stadium flypast
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Potential regulatory update on flight crew psychoactive substance testing
RegulationExpected. Commencement of runway, taxiway, and terminal reconstruction projects funded by the $481M grants
InfrastructureExpected. Execution of Definitive Purchase Agreement
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Induction of two additional 737 freighters
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Resolution of SDR Group's $4.25 billion hybrid airship lawsuit against Lockheed Martin
Expected. Preliminary safety and incident report publication
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Approval for A330-300BDSF
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Preliminary investigation findings on the root cause of the engine compressor stall
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Implementation of updated regulatory guidelines for mandatory psychoactive substance screening for aviation personnel
RegulationExpected. Final aircraft selection and formal order announcement
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Tewolde Gebremariam formally assumes the role of Air India CEO and MD.
Expected. Closing of Bombardier's acquisition of MHI Canada Aerospace (MHICA)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Enforcement of secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions processing Iranian aviation transactions
RegulationExpected. Publication of full Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) transcript
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of Starlink Wi-Fi installation across the Boeing 787 fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of 50 Airbus A321LR aircraft
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. Regulatory approval for fifth-freedom traffic rights and route authorization
RegulationExpected. Launch of new Emirates passenger lounges in Manchester, Frankfurt, and Munich
InfrastructureExpected. Regulatory and antitrust approval for the LUG aircargo handling acquisition
Expected. Delivery of 50 Airbus A321LR aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Opening of the public investigation docket and full CVR transcript release
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Release of NTSB Preliminary Report on Flight 7598
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Initial Hearings for Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Expected. Department of Labor Tribunal Ruling on Karl Seuring Whistleblower Case
RegulationExpected. Increase of 787 Dreamliner production rate to meet annual delivery targets
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Revelation of the undisclosed customers for the 13 Boeing 787s
Aircraft & FleetExpected. NTSB to convene a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) group to review the accident flight recording and produce a written transcript
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Delivery of one leased Boeing 737-800 NG from Aergo Capital
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Awarding of the 25-year management concession for Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport to a private consortium.
InfrastructureExpected. Implementation of FAA airspace design changes and visual separation rules around DCA
RegulationExpected. Finalization of $1.5 billion equity infusion
Expected. Release of final AAIB investigation report on Flight AI171 crash
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Congressional vote on aviation safety reforms (ROTOR Act or compromise bill)
RegulationExpected. Publication of the final or updated interim accident investigation report for Air India Flight 171 (VT-ANB).
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Finalization of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines merger
RegulationExpected. A350F Maiden Flight
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA authorization for 777X ETOPS flight testing
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of the preliminary aviation incident report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Resumption of Flydubai flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv
Route NetworkExpected. Release of Preliminary Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Delivery of second A350-900 ('Girl with a Pearl Earring')
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of the UAE Attorney-General's investigation findings into the FZ1073 incident
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Publication of preliminary accident investigation report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Release of Preliminary Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Implementation of enhanced vetting rules for foreign crews flying to Israel
RegulationExpected. Preliminary Investigation Report on FZ1073
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Preliminary safety or incident report on BA295 technical issue
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Initial compliance threshold for 7,800-cycle LPT disc inspections across the active Trent 1000 fleet
RegulationExpected. Issuance of formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to aircraft manufacturers
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Implementation of related commercial and codeshare agreements between American Airlines and Azul
Route NetworkExpected. Publication of preliminary or final investigation findings into the FZ1073 security incident
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Final decision on 787 to 777X order conversion
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Southwest Airlines Board of Directors final decision on widebody aircraft order
Aircraft & FleetExpected. First Boeing 737 MAX 7 deliveries to Southwest Airlines
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Full implementation of NTSB's remaining safety recommendations regarding airspace design at DCA.
RegulationExpected. Passage of comprehensive aviation safety legislation resolving the ADS-B mandate standoff
RegulationRumored. Potential FAA lighting mitigation directive for White House events
RegulationRumored. Potential diplomatic agreement for Indian carriers to access Chinese military airspace over Xinjiang
RegulationRumored. Potential Emergency Airworthiness Directive Issuance
RegulationRumored. Emergency Airworthiness Directive for Fan Cowl Inspections
RegulationRumored. Potential Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) if systemic flaw is found
RegulationRumored. Potential Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) Review
RegulationRumored. Potential Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for CFM56 engine inspections
RegulationRumored. Delivery of 14 additional passenger aircraft to Iran via Emirati intermediaries
Aircraft & FleetRumored. Potential suspension of Russian routes by major Gulf or Turkish carriers due to escalating safety concerns
Route Network
Q4 2026
Confirmed. First E195-E2 Commercial Delivery
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Introduction of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to fleet
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Delivery of the first Boeing 777-200 freighter to Saudia Cargo
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. First commercial delivery of the Embraer E195-E2 to LATAM Airlines Brazil
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Implementation of late fourth-quarter capacity reductions to offset fuel costs.
Route NetworkLateExpected. Final Damage Assessment and Repair/Scrap Decision for TC-LKD
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Finalization and signing of the renegotiated JICA loan agreement
Expected. Entry into Commercial Service (EIS)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial production capability at Karman's new Salt Lake City facility
InfrastructureExpected. Potential capacity additions or network adjustments
Route NetworkExpected. Release of Final ATSB Investigation Report (AO-2026-074)
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Delivery of N705DN to Qatar Airways Cargo
SlippedAircraft & FleetWas Q3 2026 — now Q4 2026
Expected. Final $250 million funding tranche from Toyota
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Full-year 2026 executive aircraft delivery target of 160 to 170 jets
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Fulfillment of 2026 Delivery Guidance (80-85 Commercial, 160-170 Executive)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Formal firm offer announcement and shareholder vote
LateExpected. Ascend Airways Malaysia launch of commercial passenger flights
SlippedRoute NetworkWas Q3 2026 — now Q4 2026
Expected. Recovery of Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders
SlippedSafety & IncidentsWas Q3 2026 — now Q4 2026
Expected. Entry into service of three new Boeing 787-9s
Aircraft & FleetEarlyExpected. Publication of an AAIB preliminary report on the A320 nose-wheel steering failure
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Airbus Full-Year 2026 Delivery Target (approx. 870 aircraft)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Entry into service of LATAM's new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft equipped with SES multi-orbit Wi-Fi
Aircraft & FleetExpected. ATSB Final Investigation Report on VH-YQP Crash
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of Leonardo AW189 key component supply chain recovery
Aircraft & FleetExpected. ATSB Final Report on Qantas/QantasLink runway incursion (AO-2026-086)
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Release of Final Investigation Report for AO-2026-086 (July 27 Qantas incursion)
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Commencement of commercial operations for the third Airbus A220-300
Aircraft & FleetExpected. ATSB Final Report on Jetstar/Qatar proximity event (AO-2026-087)
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Commencement of 13 new international freighter services
Route NetworkLateExpected. Full run-rate production of the U.S. Army 4549/T radio test program
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of preliminary investigation findings on the engine incident
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Completion of DGCA preliminary investigation into the engine oil pressure loss on flight IX 415.
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Preliminary investigation report on the in-flight engine failure of MH156
Safety & Incidents
November 2026
Confirmed. Launch of MIA to Cap-Haitien (CAP) service
Route NetworkNov 1Confirmed. Launch of new daily JetBlue Mint service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and San Diego (SAN)
Route NetworkNov 19Confirmed. Launch of Manchester to Cairo Sphinx route
Route NetworkNov 9Confirmed. Expiration of the temporary ban on jet fuel exports
RegulationNov 30Confirmed. Launch of Concord to Orlando (MCO) nonstop service
Route NetworkNov 18Confirmed. Launch of Concord to Fort Myers (RSW) nonstop service
Route NetworkNov 19Confirmed. Launch of Concord to Tampa (TPA) nonstop service
Route NetworkNov 20Confirmed. Commencement of Dayton to Sarasota-Bradenton route
Route NetworkNov 6Confirmed. Discontinuation of Delta's daily service from Austin to Memphis
Route NetworkNov 1Confirmed. Delivery of remaining A320neo and A321neo aircraft
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Inaugural Avelo flight from Tweed-New Haven (HVN) to Aguadilla (BQN)
Route NetworkNov 19Confirmed. Inaugural Avelo flight from Lakeland (LAL) to Aguadilla (BQN)
Route NetworkNov 18Confirmed. Delta launches seasonal AUS-RSW service
Route NetworkNov 21Confirmed. Launch of Avelo's inaugural commercial flight from McKinney to Fort Myers (RSW)
Route NetworkNov 11Confirmed. Launch of Avelo's nonstop service from McKinney (DTX) to Las Vegas (LAS)
Route NetworkNov 12Confirmed. Opening of the new commercial passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport
InfrastructureConfirmed. American Airlines launches ORD to Charlottesville (CHO)
Route NetworkNov 2Confirmed. American Airlines launches ORD to Ontario (ONT)
Route NetworkNov 7Confirmed. Delivery of the first transferred A321neo aircraft to Avolon
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Opening of Wizz Air's Madrid operational base
Route NetworkNov 3Confirmed. Launch of American Airlines daily Boeing 737 service between Miami and Cap-Haitien, Haiti
Route NetworkNov 1Confirmed. End of ACMI cooperation and redelivery of remaining five Boeing 787 aircraft from IndiGo to Norse Atlantic
Aircraft & FleetNov 1Confirmed. First Embraer E195-E2 enters commercial service with LATAM Airlines Brazil
Route NetworkConfirmed. First commercial flight of LATAM's Embraer E2 fleet
Route NetworkNov 3Confirmed. Delivery of first Airbus A220-300 to Lufthansa City Airlines
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Delta Air Lines assumes the Vancouver to Los Angeles route previously operated by WestJet
Route NetworkNov 21Confirmed. Suspension of Vanuatu-Christchurch service
Route NetworkConfirmed. End of Flagship First sales on the Boeing 777-300ER
Route NetworkNov 19Confirmed. Phase-out of Flagship First ticket sales on 777-300ER flights
Aircraft & FleetNov 19Confirmed. Induction of 20 leased Boeing and Airbus aircraft into SpiceJet's fleet
Aircraft & FleetMidConfirmed. Phase 1 operations of LATAM's Embraer E195-E2 fleet
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Increase of Ho Chi Minh City services to 11 weekly flights
Route NetworkNov 7Confirmed. Discontinuation of Delta's Las Vegas (LAS) to San Diego (SAN) and Orange County (SNA) routes
Route NetworkNov 8Confirmed. Discontinuation of Delta's New York (LGA) to Tulsa (TUL) route
Route NetworkNov 9Confirmed. Avelo Airlines commercial service launch at McKinney National Airport
Route NetworkNov 11Confirmed. Emirates A350 deployment to Mauritius
Route NetworkConfirmed. EASA CZIB-2026-09 validity expiration or review
RegulationNov 16Expected. Resumption of Terminal 2 construction work
InfrastructureExpected. Cessation of SYD night freight exemptions (Gazettal Date)
RegulationNov 1Expected. US FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment of Indian DGCA
RegulationExpected. Redeployment of Ocean Infinity search vessels to the southern Indian Ocean
Expected. Public opening of the new 46,000-square-foot passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport
InfrastructureExpected. Preliminary Incident Report Publication
Awaiting verificationSafety & IncidentsLateWas Late August 2026 — now Late October to November 2026
Extensive searches yield no credible evidence of a specific, widely-predicted 'Preliminary FAA Incident Report Publication' milestone expected in late August 2026.
Expected. Target start date for the dry lease of an Airbus A330-900 between GOL and Etihad
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of land acquisition for Pune Airport expansion
InfrastructureExpected. United adds third daily Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv frequency
Route NetworkExpected. Finalization and announcement of the $4-5 billion leased aircraft order, including the selected manufacturer and lessors
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Release of Preliminary Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsLateExpected. Publication of the final NATS major incident investigation report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Finalization of mandatory inspection list and deadlines
RegulationMidExpected. Preliminary Investigation Report on BA295
Safety & IncidentsExpected. Release of preliminary investigation report
Safety & IncidentsLateExpected. Publication of Preliminary Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsLate
2026
Confirmed. Additional UAP File Tranches
Confirmed. ITA Airways officially begins operating within the Europe-Japan Joint Venture
Route NetworkConfirmed. Full Integration of Boeing 787-9 Fleet
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Embraer 2026 Commercial Aircraft Delivery Target
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Implementation of FAA Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan
RegulationConfirmed. Implementation of the AFCAC Solidarity Commitment funding and capacity-building initiative
RegulationConfirmed. Closure of JetBlue inflight base at Newark (EWR) and technical operations bases at EWR and LaGuardia (LGA)
InfrastructureConfirmed. Delivery of the remaining 186 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from Akasa Air's 226-aircraft order book
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Development of 100 new aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips
InfrastructureConfirmed. Construction and operationalization of 200 modern helipads
InfrastructureConfirmed. Implementation of 70 weekly flights between the UK and India
Route NetworkConfirmed. Launch of 130 new routes and opening of new bases in Rabat, Tirana, and Trapani
Route NetworkConfirmed. Delivery of the second leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Somon Air
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Conclusion of the $14.5 billion Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program
InfrastructureEndConfirmed. Induction of two new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Full deployment of the new La Première cabin across 19 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft serving 13 global destinations
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Delivery of 186 remaining Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the order pipeline
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Publication of Final Incident Investigation Report
Safety & IncidentsExpected. A321XLR Commercial Service Entry
Aircraft & FleetExpected. VC-25B Bridge delivery and operational rollout
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Certification of the CFM LEAP-1B LRD software update
Awaiting verificationAircraft & FleetExpected. Issuance of the formal Airworthiness Directive for the software fix
RegulationExpected. Target Production Rate of 47 Jets/Month
Aircraft & FleetMidExpected. Achieve stabilized production rate of 47 737 MAX jets per month
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of roughly 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft annually to Indian carriers
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Commencement of Sabena Technics heavy maintenance operations
InfrastructureExpected. Commercial launch of eVTOL passenger air-taxi service in Dubai [3.1.1]
Route NetworkExpected. Completion of FAA Stage 4 type certification for Joby S4 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Enugu Air commences commercial flight operations from the newly certified Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Route NetworkExpected. Release of the fourth tranche of UAP files under the PURSUE framework
RegulationExpected. Deployment of KKR's $1.4 billion equity commitment
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Full aeronautical study on the proposed arch's impact on DCA airspace
RegulationExpected. VC-25B Bridge aircraft operational rollout
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Proposed sale and disposal of the two grounded Boeing 777-200ER aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Full localized enforcement of the ECOWAS 25% passenger charge reduction mandate
RegulationExpected. United Nigeria Airlines launches international flights to New York, Canada, or Dubai
Route NetworkExpected. Reconstruction of Taxiway A to meet updated design standards
InfrastructureExpected. FAA Certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 7
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Award of the Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories (SMART) contract
InfrastructureExpected. Return to commercial service for Boeing 787-9 registration N61101
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial delivery of Airbus A321XLR aircraft to VietJet Air
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial delivery of Airbus A321XLR aircraft to Cebu Pacific
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of the remaining 187 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Embraer eVTOL (Eve) Entry into Service
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial Rollout of the SMART System
InfrastructureExpected. Bidding process launch for the construction of 10 to 12 new boarding gates
InfrastructureExpected. Deployment of $1.4 billion capital into aircraft assets
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Publication of expedited New Zealand aviation rule updates regarding foreign maintenance recognition
RegulationExpected. Certification of the first cohort of third-category cargo drone operators
RegulationExpected. Emirates Fleet Retrofit Program Completion
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial Operations of Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART) Tool
InfrastructureExpected. Completion of A319 and A320 fleet retrofits (180 aircraft)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of Starlink installation across Iberia's entire fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Initial deployment of SMART predictive traffic flow software
Expected. Entry into service of LOT's newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to reach the 31-aircraft fleet target
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Integration of additional Airbus A330-300s to support near-term capacity growth
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Deployment of the $1.4 billion equity commitment into new commercial aircraft acquisitions, lessor trades, and P2F conversions
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Integration of 12 leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft to support near-term network expansion
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA formal response to the National Academies' recommendations on regulating cosmic radiation
RegulationExpected. Operational readiness of Air India's base maintenance facilities in Bengaluru
InfrastructureExpected. Development of 100 unserved airstrips into operational airports under Modified UDAN
InfrastructureExpected. Selection of the C-130 Hercules replacement aircraft
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Issuance of Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) for Zinc Airlines
RegulationExpected. Conclusion of the sale of the six A319 airframes
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Potential major Indian airline order for Embraer E-Jets
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Development of site-specific term sheets for ultra-short access points
InfrastructureExpected. Delivery of 42,060 new commercial aircraft globally to meet forecasted demand
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Potential Class Certification for United Lawsuit
Expected. Official announcement of the 10-aircraft Boeing 787 order
Aircraft & FleetDec 20Expected. National Assembly vote on the Civil Aviation Act amendment bill
RegulationExpected. Entry into service of five used Boeing 787-8s
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 1 Contract Award
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Transfer flight of the first A350-1000 (D-AIFA) from Toulouse to Munich
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of Starlink installation on the Boeing 787-9 fleet
Aircraft & FleetExpected. United A321XLR entry into service on domestic flights
Route NetworkExpected. First pre-certification revenue flights for eVTOL aircraft in the United States
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Uruguay's accession to the ALAS agreement
RegulationExpected. Delivery of the remaining five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on lease from Griffin
Aircraft & FleetExpected. FAA certification of SURF-A on several Boeing aircraft models
RegulationExpected. Launch of reciprocal loyalty benefits and codeshare agreements
Route NetworkExpected. Certification and Mandate of Permanent ELAC Software Patch
RegulationExpected. Execution of the 50% stake acquisition and formal transition to a joint management structure
Expected. Settlement of passenger compensation claims
Expected. Commercial eVTOL Service Launch
Route NetworkExpected. Completion of FAA Stage 5 Type Certification for Joby's eVTOL
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Expected launch of DoorDash Air in-house commercial drone deliveries
Route NetworkExpected. Commencement of Air Peace direct flights to Brazil
Route NetworkExpected. Certification of pilotless passenger flights (Wisk technology)
RegulationExpected. Graduation and facility placement of the newly recruited 'gamer' ATC cohort
Expected. Contract Award and Signing for MTA Program
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Deployment of site-specific C-sUAS hardware and services across domestic military bases via the LAND 156 Standing Offer panel
InfrastructureExpected. FAA Type Certification for Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of first Boeing 737-10 to Luxair
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of Azul's remaining E195-E2 firm orders following its 2025 Chapter 11 restructuring agreement
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Boeing 777X and 737 MAX 10 Certifications
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of the remaining seven Airbus A220-300 aircraft from the 2021 firm order
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Scaling of SpiceJet's network to 200 daily flights
Route NetworkExpected. Final Investment Decision (FID) and commencement of construction for Project Ulysses
InfrastructureExpected. Delivery of the remaining seven Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Ibom Air
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of the remaining leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft to reach the planned fleet of 18
Aircraft & FleetExpected. First flight of Quarterhorse Mk 3 (designed for Mach 3+ speeds)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of TAROM's second Boeing 737-8 MAX from CDB Aviation
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of 42,000 new passenger and freighter aircraft globally, with 19,190 bound for the Asia-Pacific region.
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Congressional vote on the ROTOR Act (mandating ADS-B In)
RegulationExpected. Implementation of NTSB safety recommendations for DCA airspace separation
RegulationExpected. Delivery of 42,000 new commercial aircraft globally
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (seven 737-9 MAX and four 737-8 MAX)
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of 8,830 new passenger aircraft to the Chinese market
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of 33 COMAC C919 aircraft to Chinese airlines
Aircraft & FleetExpected. First Airbus Aircraft Delivery
Aircraft & FleetExpected. UAE Criminal Probe Findings and Potential Charges
Safety & Incidents
December 2026
Confirmed. Conclusion of the complimentary medical travel insurance initiative
Confirmed. Enforcement of delayed provisions in the 'Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs' rule
RegulationDec 31Confirmed. Launch of expanded 4x weekly MAN-BKK service
Route NetworkDec 5Confirmed. Resumption of seasonal Adelaide-Shanghai service
Route NetworkDec 18Confirmed. Launch of new international route from Buenos Aires to Maceió, Brazil
Route NetworkConfirmed. Asiana Airlines officially exits Star Alliance
Dec 16Confirmed. Asiana Airlines brand ceases and integrates into Korean Air
Dec 17Confirmed. Delta launches seasonal LGA-MLB service
Route NetworkDec 19Confirmed. Delivery of five additional factory Boeing 777Fs and one more 777-300ERSF to Emirates SkyCargo
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Launch of daily nonstop ONT-ORD service
Route NetworkDec 17Confirmed. Delivery of Aircalin's first Airbus A350-900
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Launch of daily seasonal service between Honolulu and Boise
Route NetworkDec 17Confirmed. Launch of weekly seasonal service between Honolulu and Spokane
Route NetworkDec 19Confirmed. Inaugural flight from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Guanacaste (LIR)
Route NetworkDec 17Confirmed. Delivery of two additional Airbus A321P2F freighters
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Launch of inaugural nonstop passenger flight BR367 from Taipei to Delhi
Route NetworkDec 1Confirmed. Delivery of the first 12 Embraer E2 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetConfirmed. Allegiant Investor Day
Dec 7Confirmed. Asiana Airlines officially exits the Star Alliance network.
Dec 16Confirmed. Corporate merger registration completed, launching the integrated airline and phasing out the Asiana brand.
RegulationDec 17Confirmed. WestJet launches its first non-stop service between Calgary and São Paulo
Route NetworkConfirmed. Selection of the preferred bidder and completion of the direct sale process
Dec 31Confirmed. Resumption of daily flights to Canberra via Melbourne
Route NetworkDec 9Confirmed. Discontinuation of Delta's New York (JFK) to Milwaukee (MKE) and Palm Springs (PSP) routes
Route NetworkDec 19Confirmed. Six additional Airbus A350 aircraft to be delivered
Aircraft & FleetEndConfirmed. Premium Economy rollout reaches 155 aircraft
Aircraft & FleetEndExpected. Inauguration of direct cargo flights from Guangzhou to Enugu
Route NetworkExpected. Completion and ground testing of the second certification-conforming e200X prototype
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Delivery of the first two deferred Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Completion of a new 3,000-meter third runway at Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) to support expanded long-haul operations
InfrastructureExpected. Airbus Full-Year 2026 Deliveries Target
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Commencement of Phase 1 commercial flight operations
InfrastructureDec 1Expected. Airbus 2026 Annual Aircraft Delivery Target (770 aircraft) Deadline
Aircraft & FleetDec 31Expected. Completion of remaining two Dash 8-400 aircraft sales
Aircraft & FleetExpected. Airbus full-year 2026 delivery target of approximately 870 commercial aircraft
Aircraft & FleetDec 31Expected. Airbus to meet its full-year 2026 delivery target of approximately 870 commercial aircraft.
Aircraft & FleetDec 31Expected. Achievement of 870 Commercial Aircraft Deliveries
Aircraft & FleetDec 31Expected. Clearance of flight backlog and repositioning of out-of-place aircraft/crews
Dec 9Expected. Airbus 2026 Delivery Target (870 aircraft)
Aircraft & FleetDec 31Expected. Boeing 2026 787 Delivery Target (90-100 aircraft)
Aircraft & FleetDec 31Expected. United resumes Chicago (ORD) and Washington (IAD) to Tel Aviv flights
Route NetworkDec 24Expected. Emirates to operate A350s to 36 cities globally
Route NetworkExpected. Expected completion of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines corporate merger
Expected. Completion of TAROM's European Commission-approved restructuring plan
Regulation