Global aviation is entering what may be one of the most consequential periods in its history. Passenger demand has rebounded with force following the pandemic, technology is advancing faster than ever and geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping how and where aircraft operate. At the same time, the industry is being asked to do more than ever before: operate safely, efficiently, sustainably and resiliently, all while delivering an experience travelers increasingly value on a personal level.
This edition of Jetstream takes a closer look at the forces reshaping aviation today, from air traffic modernisation and pilot training to drones, litigation risk, geopolitics and the subtle human rituals that make air travel more than just transportation. Together, these themes paint a picture of an industry balancing rapid innovation with complex real-world constraints.
Balancing In-Air Advancements With On-the-Ground Realities
Global air traffic has skyrocketed since the 1970s. While aircraft have become more capable, efficient and technologically sophisticated, the systems supporting them, particularly air traffic management and infrastructure, have struggled to keep pace.
Congested airspace, aging systems, workforce shortages and fragmented regulatory frameworks are placing strain on operations worldwide. Modernisation efforts are underway, from performance-based navigation to digital tower concepts and next-generation air traffic management systems, but progress faces roadblocks and is often slowed by funding, governance and interoperability challenges.
The result is a widening gap between what aircraft can do in the air and what infrastructure can reliably support on the ground. Closing that gap will require sustained investment, cross-border coordination and a renewed focus on safety as the foundation for growth.
How Operators and Insurers Navigate Rising Geopolitical Risks
Geopolitics has always influenced aviation, but recent years have intensified the impact. Armed conflicts and regional instability are forcing airlines to reroute flights, which drives up fuel burn, crew duty times and operational complexity. At the same time, protracted aircraft delivery delays are limiting fleet flexibility just as demand returns.
For operators, this means navigating a constantly shifting risk environment. For insurers, it means reassessing exposure across war risk, political risk, supply chain disruption and business interruption. The way these issues overlap is creating new pressure points across the aviation ecosystem.
Managing geopolitical risk today requires scenario planning, data-driven decision-making and closer collaboration between airlines, lessors, manufacturers, insurers and regulators, all operating in an environment where the landscape is constantly shifting.
The Value of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA)
As aircraft systems and operational environments become more complex, traditional training models are no longer sufficient on their own. Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) offers a more adaptive approach, focusing on real-world performance rather than simply checking off flight hour requirements.
Successful CBTA implementation requires integration into an operator’s Safety Management System (SMS). When aligned with SMS principles, CBTA becomes a powerful risk mitigation tool by identifying skill gaps, reinforcing decision-making and improving resilience in non-standard or high-workload scenarios.
Rather than treating training as a regulatory obligation, leading organizations are embedding CBTA into their safety culture, using data and feedback loops to continuously improve performance and reduce operational risk.
The Increasing Role of Drones in Industry
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, have gone mainstream. They are becoming integral to a wide range of industries. From agriculture and energy to construction and infrastructure inspection, drones are improving efficiency, reducing risk to human workers and enabling data collection that was previously impractical or impossible.
In aviation specifically, drones are being used for runway inspections, aircraft maintenance checks, wildlife management and emergency response. As beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and integration into controlled airspace advance, the operational and regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
The challenge ahead lies in safely integrating drones into shared airspace while maintaining public trust, cybersecurity resilience and clear accountability frameworks.
Litigation Funding: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?
Litigation funding, where third parties finance legal action in exchange for a share of the proceeds, has grown rapidly across multiple sectors, including aviation. While proponents argue it increases access to justice, critics warn it may skew legal incentives and prolong disputes.
In aviation, where claims can be complex, high-value and cross-jurisdictional, litigation funding introduces new risk considerations for operators, insurers and manufacturers. Concerns include reduced transparency, increased claim frequency and pressure to settle cases that might otherwise be resolved differently.
Understanding how litigation funding works, where it is permitted and how it may influence claims strategy is becoming an essential part of risk management in today’s legal environment.
The Future Is Now: How AI Is Reshaping Your Journey Through the Airport
Artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, but it is already transforming the passenger experience, particularly within airports. From biometric check-in and predictive security screening to real-time crowd management and personalized wayfinding, AI is helping airports move people more efficiently while enhancing security.
For travelers, this means shorter queues, fewer friction points and a more seamless journey from curb to gate. For operators, it means better use of data, improved resource allocation and the ability to anticipate disruptions before they escalate.
As AI adoption grows, questions around data privacy, ethics and system resilience remain front of mind, but its role in shaping the future airport experience is no longer a theory. It is already here.
A Personal Reflection on Life in the Air
Beyond technology, policy and risk models lies the human side of aviation. The quiet camaraderie of frequent flyers, the shared rituals of boarding and disembarking, the small comforts (a glass of champagne, a familiar seat) and a hard-earned status tier all contribute to why people continue to love flying.
Yet true luxury in air travel often has little to do with comfort or prestige. It lies in connection, perspective and the privilege of movement—the ability to cross borders, reunite with loved ones and see the world from 35,000 feet.
In an industry driven by metrics and margins, it’s worth remembering that aviation is, at its core, a human experience.
Enjoy the Latest Edition of Jetstream
From safety and training to AI and geopolitics, aviation’s future will be shaped by how well innovation is balanced with responsibility. The forces explored here are not isolated trends. They are interconnected signals of an industry in transformation, navigating complexity while continuing to connect the world.
We hope our Jetstream articles provide valuable background and context for conversations about some of the most significant issues and innovations affecting our industry.
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About Global Aerospace
Global Aerospace has a century of experience and powerful passion for providing aviation insurance solutions that protect industry stakeholders and empower the industry to thrive. With financial stability from a pool of the world’s foremost capital, we leverage innovative ideas, advanced technology and a powerful synergy among diverse team members to underwrite and process claims for the many risks our clients face. Headquartered in the UK, we have offices in Canada, France, Germany and throughout the United States. Learn more at https://www.global-aero.com/
Global Aerospace Media Contact
Suzanne Keneally
Vice President, Group Head of Communications
+1 973-490-8588
