2026 Aviation Outlook

2025 was a big year for aviation and it looks like 2026 will be another exciting year too. In this blog post, I will take a look at some of the key events and milestones for the aviation industry that are scheduled to happen in 2026. This includes: multiple airshows, possible certification and entry into service for new aircraft types as well as a growing emphasis on sustainability and the environment along with much more. Read on to find out more.

Before we dive in to what 2026 is expected to bring for aviation, refresh your memory of some of the key aviation events from 2025 here: https://www.avgeekblog.co.uk/post/2025-aviation-year-review

Please not that the events and milestones listed here are only some of the things scheduled to happen this year and it is not a complete list. Also, the things mentioned in this post are scheduled to happen at the time of writing but it is important to note that things can change throughout the year.

Airshows

2026 has quite the line up of airshows for aviation enthusiasts.

The Singapore Airshow is scheduled to take place from the 3rd - 6th February. The Singapore Airshow takes place every two years and is held at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The airshow will feature exhibits, static aircraft, flying demonstrations and more.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is scheduled to take place from 17th - 19th July and it is the world's largest military airshow. The event will include both aerobatic and static displays.

The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is scheduled to take place from 20th - 24th July 2026. The FIA takes place every two years and it is scheduled to include exhibitions, conferences and flying displays. We could also se some new aircraft orders placed here as well.

The Bahrain International Airshow is scheduled to take place from 18th - 20th November. The biennial event combines high-level trade programs with flying displays and public days. This airshow has a particular focus on Gulf and Middle East aviation and defense opportunities.

New aircraft

In 2026 there are new aircraft that are scheduled to be certified and hopefully enter service.

It is expected that the Boeing 737 MAX 7 will be certified in the summer of 2026 although the aircraft may not enter service until early 2027 depending on regulatory approval.

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is also expected to be certified in 2026. The aircraft is expected to enter service in late 2026 or early 2027 depending on regulatory approval.

electric vertical take-off/landing (eVTOL) aircraft are expected to be hitting certification milestones in 2026. However, it is not expected that full FAA approval or commercial operations will start this year.

Many anticipated aircraft types are not expected to reach broad certification until the late 2020s. The Boeing 777X certification and delivery, had, in 2025, been targeted for 2026. However, Boeing has postponed first deliveries to 2027. While we may not see the 777X enter service this year, we will likely see key steps to certification being completed.

Sustainability and the environment

2026 will also likely be heavily focused on sustainability and the environment.

A new UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill to implement a revenue certainty mechanism in supporting SAF production investment is currently progressing through Parliament. The government intends to have all legislation in place by the end of 2026.

Singapore has introduced a SAF levy and set up a SAF fund. The SAF levy will be introduced in 2026.

Indonesia is also considering a requirement for international flights departing Jakarta and Bali to use at least 1% SAF starting in 2026. However, this is still an emerging idea.

Other aviation areas

Throughout 2026, Airbus and Boeing will continue to deliver hundreds of aircraft with narrowbody production expected to dominate the market. Aircraft like the A321XLR will continue to ramp up and enter service which will influence longer, point-to-point flights and network strategies.

While fully electric or hydrogen aircraft will likely not be mainstream in 2026, research and demonstration activities will continue. Airbus and others are currently laying the ground work for hydrogen solutions by the mid 2030s.

Longer ultra-long-haul flights such as Qantas's Project Sunrise will gear up for launch around 2027 so a lot of planning will take place throughout 2026.

In the US, there is a proposed extension through 2026 of limited arrivals and departures at Newar Liberty International Airport.

Russian, Ukrainian and parts of Middle Eastern airspace are likely to still be restricted in 2026. This will cause extended flight times and increased fuel burn for passengers and airline, especially on routes between Europe and Asia.

It is clear that there is a lot in store for aviation in 2026 and these are just some of the things that are scheduled to happen.

But what do you think? Do you think these things will happen or will delays push these milestones and events back? Is there anything you would like to see happen in aviation in 2026? Let us know by leaving a comment below, on the group page, on social media or contact us to share your thoughts.

Thanks for reading.

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