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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, December 23, 2024

VOL. 186 NO. 50 December 23, 2024
Cover of Dec. 23, 2024, Digital Edition of AW&ST

Our editors provide analyses of what an uncertain world could mean for aerospace and defense in 2025. 

Credit: eWang Guoyun/China Military Online

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025

two chinese j-20 fighter aircraft banking in formation
article

Trump, Tariffs, Treaties And Targets: Aerospace’s Challenges In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Trump 2.0’s agenda will test the international bonds and boundaries that have shaped the aerospace industry.

What To Watch For In Aerospace And Defense In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Next-generation combat aircraft programs, progress toward sustainable aviation, networked space and Boeing’s effort to rebuild are all things to look out for.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | DEFENSE

article

Elevated Threat Picture Sustains Higher Defense Spending In 2020s

Dec 20, 2024
U.S. Foreign Military Sales have been booming, although the torrid pace may ease.
Lockheed Martin F-35B landing on JS Kaga carrier
article

Asia-Pacific Countries Adapt Their Military Modernization Plans

Dec 20, 2024
Concerns about China’s muscular foreign policy are driving its neighbors to strengthen their military arsenals.
aerial view of Artic ice shelf
article

Melting Ice Is Spurring Strategic Competition in the Arctic

Dec 18, 2024
Geopolitical and environmental challenges in the northern latitudes are prompting investments in satellite communications and infrastructure.
Eurofighter Typhoon
article

Neighbors Monitor Russia’s Rearming Of Iran

Dec 20, 2024
Syria returns to the headlines after a bloody year of conflict between Israel and Iranian proxies.
Sukhoi Su-57 takeoff
article

Russian Military Aerospace Throttles Up, Eyeing Export Opportunities

Dec 16, 2024
Can Moscow revive its military aircraft export business? It is ready to try.
Mehmet Demiroglu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries

Key People To Watch In The Defense Sector In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Potential defense headliners in the U.S. and abroad in 2025 feature military leaders and defense industry executives.
aircraft graphic
article

Defense Systems Data Center, 2025-29

Dec 18, 2024
Forecasts, snapshots and military aircraft to watch.
UAV and Army personnel
article

What Is In And What Is Out For Defense In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
A look at which trends are gaining which are losing steam in the defense sector.

2024 in Review: Defense

Dec 20, 2024
Modernization was in the forefront, with orders for advanced fighters, uncrewed combat aircraft development and a first appearance of China’s latest combat jet.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | DEFENSE SYSTEMS

F-35 in flight
article

The Heat Turns Up On F-35 Performance And Upgrade Plans

Dec 20, 2024
The 23-year-old fighter program will be revamped again for combat requirements in the 2030s, if it can overcome skepticism from new quarters.
Lockheed Martin fighter and tanker concept
article

Stalled U.S. Fighter Projects Seek Budget And Design Clarity

Dec 20, 2024
Indecision clouds the outlook for the Navy’s budget and the Air Force’s requirements for new crewed and autonomous tactical fighters.
fighter aircraft
article

Military Aircraft Competitions To Watch, 2025-34

Dec 17, 2024
The Aviation Week Intelligence Network is tracking $193 billion in open opportunities for military aircraft over the next decade.
IAI rocket taking off
article

New Threats Boost The Military Aircraft Market

Dec 20, 2024
Collaborative combat aircraft leave their mark on the outlook for defense equipment plans amid a new range of threats to airpower.
Lockheed Martin aircraft
article

The Changing Reality Of Global Defense Contracting

Dec 20, 2024
Europe’s need to catch up militarily becomes a driver of equipment purchases.
U.S. Air Force Boeing MQ-25 Stingray
article

U.S. Military Aerial Logistics Programs Face Decision Points

Dec 19, 2024
Milestones loom in the coming months for future refueler and airlifter programs amid funding uncertainty.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | SPACE

Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump
article

Musk In Trump’s Inner Circle Presents Rare Opportunity For Space

Dec 20, 2024
The nomination of entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA may prove to be a turning point.
Kennedy Space Center
article

U.S.-Led Artemis Program May Face Trump-Backed Reboot

Dec 20, 2024
The return of U.S. astronauts to the Moon won’t happen until at least mid-2027, says NASA.
planet Earth showing ow-Earth-orbit proliferated satellite constellations
article

U.S. Space Development Agency Data Transport Satellites Prep for Prime Time

Dec 20, 2024
The Pentagon’s five-year-old space agency will face its biggest test when it launches its first operational spacecraft in the spring of 2025.
article

Space Launch Vehicle Data Center, 2025-29

Dec 20, 2024
A look at data on light, medium and heavy space launchers to watch.
Josef Aschbacher, European Space Agency Director General

Key People To Watch In The Space Sector In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Potential space headliners in the U.S. and abroad in 2025 feature leaders at space agencies and executives with longstanding and upstart companies.
space compilation image
article

What Is In And What Is Out For Space In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
A look at which trends are gaining and losing popularity in the space sector.
Vulcan rocket launch

2024 in Review: Space

Dec 20, 2024
Among the space sector’s notable developments in 2024 were the flight of new launch vehicles and missions to the Moon and to Mars.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | BUSINESS

U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130J
article

Why The Defense Sector Is Globalizing So Quickly

Dec 20, 2024
A perilous threat environment has prompted increased defense spending outside the U.S. and the construction of new multinational supply chains.
Beoing strike sign
article

Aerospace Labor and Management Will Keep Adjusting Their Yokes In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
More union action is possible, but managers have their own playbooks, too.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | COMMERCIAL AVIATION

IndiGo aircraft flying through sky
article

Commercial Aviation In 2025: An Industry Facing Its Contradictions

Dec 18, 2024
Despite international contentions, production delays and unmet sustainability targets, the industry is set for growth.
aircraft and contrails
article

Industry Steps Up Efforts To Understand Non-CO2 Effects Better

Dec 16, 2024
Against the backdrop of efforts to reduce aviation CO2 emissions, the impact of contrails and other non-CO2 effects is increasingly in focus.
Lufthansa aircraft being deiced
article

Airline Industry Sees Manufacturers As Key Obstacle For 2025 Plans

Dec 18, 2024
Demand for air travel remains strong, but airlines’ battles with suppliers over delivery delays and engine limitations are about to escalate further.
aircraft cargo hold
article

Air Cargo Looks Forward To Another Strong Year

Dec 17, 2024
Geopolitical headwinds are a concern, but e-commerce demand is set to stay strong, and shipping woes should continue to benefit air cargo.
Michael Augello Airbus UpNext CEO

Key Commercial Aviation Executives To Watch In 2025

Dec 17, 2024
Figures to keep an eye on in the year ahead include leaders at Alaska Air Group, Pratt & Whitney and Airbus, Boeing and Embraer.
commercial aviation compilation image
article

What Is In And What Is Out For Commercial Aviation In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
A look at which trends are gaining popularity and which are losing steam in commercial aviation.
aircraft graphic
article

Commercial Aviation Data Center, 2025-29

Dec 19, 2024
Forecasts, snapshots and commercial aviation aircraft to watch.

2024 in Review: Commercial Aviation

Dec 20, 2024
The air transport industry saw a year of mixed results due to engine shortages, delivery delays, quality issues and labor unrest.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | PROPULSION

Hermeus Quarterhorse Mk. 1 at Edwards AFB, California
article

Hypersonic And Supersonic Tests Step Up In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Air-breathing systems for supersonic and hypersonic platforms edge closer to flight as scaled ground demonstrators and rig tests progress

2024 in Review: Propulsion

Dec 20, 2024
Startups are leading the way in propulsion technology development for multiple applications.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | BUSINESS AVIATION

Volocopter Volocity air taxi
article

Business Aviation And AAM Look Ahead To A Transitional Year

Dec 20, 2024
Business aviation will see lots of changes in 2025.
JoeBen Bevirt Joby Aviation Founder and CEO

Business Aviation People To Watch In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
These are some potential headliners to watch in the business aviation industry in the coming year.
aircraft illustration
article

Business Aviation Data Center, 2025-29

Dec 20, 2024
Forecasts, snapshots and business aircraft to watch.
U.S. Capitol
article

Sustainable Aviation Fuel's Fast Start Hits A Speed Bump

Dec 20, 2024
The change in U.S. leadership injects uncertainly into aviation’s climate progress.
aircraft lined up on tarmac

Business Aviation Predictions For 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Aviation Week editors forecast 10 things to keep an eye on in business aviation.
business aviation compilation image
article

What Is In and What Is Out For Business Aviation In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
A look at what’s trending—and what has lost popularity—in the business aviation aftermarket.

2024 in Review: Business and General Aviation

Dec 20, 2024
For business aircraft, it was first flights and type certifications, while general aviation saw significant progress with of sustainable propulsion.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | ROTORCRAFT

Helicopter flying against sunset
article

Despite Headwinds, Confidence Returns to the Rotorcraft Industry

Dec 20, 2024
New orders are rolling in, buoyed by upticks in defense spending and increased demand from the public safety, air ambulance and energy sectors.
U.S. Capitol
article

Sustainable Aviation Fuel's Fast Start Hits A Speed Bump

Dec 20, 2024
The change in U.S. leadership injects uncertainly into aviation’s climate progress.

2024 In Review: Rotorcraft

Dec 20, 2024
Vertical lift sees stunning reversals and major miliary orders.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

Beta Technologies aircraft
article

Diverging Prospects For European, U.S. eVTOL Startups

Dec 20, 2024
Europe’s air taxi startups have fallen behind their U.S. rivals, and the gap appears to be growing.
Range Aviation LE200 air taxi prototype
article

China’s AAM Startups Moving Fast To Establish Low-Altitude Economy

Dec 20, 2024
Advanced air mobility startups in China are advancing quickly as Beijing drives to establish a low-altitude economy.

2024 in Review: Advanced Air Mobility

Dec 20, 2024
Aviation Week revisits key events of the past year in the nascent advanced air mobility industry

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE 2025 | MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL

Aircraft undergoing maintenance
article

Forget Growth Figures—MRO Market Will Keep Rolling

Dec 20, 2024
As manufacturers continue to come up short, operators will keep leaning on older airframes and engines—and the maintenance providers that keep them in service.
aircraft engine on wing

Predicting What Lies In Store For The Commercial Aftermarket In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Here are 10 potential MRO headlines to watch in 2025.
Southwest Airlines aircraft taking off
article

Aftermarket Growth May Slow, But Demand Endures

Dec 20, 2024
MRO shops will continue to ensure the global fleet has as much capacity as possible as OEMs struggle to meet production and performance targets.
Eva Azoulay, Group CEO and board member, ITP Aero

Key MRO Executives To Watch In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Here are potential MRO headliners in 2025.
World map with MRO demand pie charts
article

Projected Global Engine MRO Demand For 2025

Dec 20, 2024
Demand for engine MRO is forecast to be highest in North America, followed closely by the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China and India).
MRO compilation image
article

What Is In And What Is Out For MRO In 2025

Dec 20, 2024
A look at what is trending—and what has lost popularity—in the aviation aftermarket.

SECOND TAKE

article

2024: Year In Review

Dec 20, 2024
Major events in aerospace and defense during 2024.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Boeing 737 MAX fuselages
article

Post-Strike, Boeing Shifts Focus To Production Output

Dec 18, 2024
Boeing did not rush its production restart following the strike, and the climb to needed rates—notably for the 737—will not come quickly.
Michael Whitaker at podium
article

FAA Faces Transition As Whitaker Steps Down

Dec 18, 2024
The agency administrator has timed his resignation to coincide with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration day.
Daher’s TBM demonstrator
article

EcoPulse Strengthens Europe’s Technology Basis For Future Aircraft

Dec 13, 2024
Daher’s strategic plan calls for the potential launch by 2027 of a hybrid-electric turboprop in the small business or utility aircraft category.

MILITARY SPACE

Two satellites in orbit over Earth
article

U.S. Space Force Plans Moves To Avoid On-Orbit Surprise In 2025

Dec 18, 2024
The service is teeing up 2025 as the year of space domain awareness as threats from China loom.
Concept art of Iris2 satellites around Earth
article

Europe Is Investing $11 Billion Into IRIS² Global Satcom Constellation

Dec 20, 2024
It is not quite Starlink, but Europe aims to have its own commercial satellite communication mega-ish constellation ready starting in 2030.

DEFENSE

article

AFWERX Says Agility Prime eVTOLs Lack Range, Shifts To Hybrid

Dec 16, 2024
AFWERX does not have any specific requirements, a program of record, or impending contracts for hybrid eVTOLs.
U.S. Air Force tanker refueling other aircraft
article

Stopgap Boeing Defense Head Pushes Changes To Culture And Programs

Dec 19, 2024
Steve Parker says the manufacturer needs to focus on execution amid cost overruns and address the root causes of issues on production lines.
757 taking off
article

757 Testbed Modified To Validate GCAP Sensors

Dec 17, 2024
The trinational development of a next-generation fighter is using a less expensive airliner to test airborne systems.

TECHNOLOGY

lower shell of the Fraunhofer fuselage demonstrator at the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research in Hamburg, Germany
article

Airbus Future Fuselage Shows Weight Benefits

Dec 17, 2024
The thermoplastic fuselage demonstrator and advanced composite wing provide technology platforms for Airbus’ next-generation narrowbody.
purple spherical quantum computing image
article

The Week In Technology, Dec. 16-20, 2024

Dec 17, 2024
Quantum computing challenge winners; Electric aircraft familiarization; Large cargo eVTOL; Zero-emission test arena.

COLUMNS AND OPINION

article

Opinion: Have Russia’s Woes Opened The Door For China?

Dec 20, 2024
China’s success as a defense exporter depends on its ability to convince customers that it is a power with which they want to be friends.
data network concept image
article

Software Is America’s Super Power

Dec 20, 2024
Startups embrace a software-defined aerospace strategy to aid the U.S. attempts to match China’s manufacturing might.

DEPARTMENTS

article

Letters From Our Readers, Dec. 23, 2024

Dec 20, 2024
Readers write about the supply chain, NASA’s Mars sample return mission, New York-San Francisco flight times and CFM Leap engines. Plus: Behind the Scenes on Check 6.
article

New Positions, Promotions, Honors And Elections, Dec. 23, 2024

Dec 20, 2024
Recent appointments, promotions and honors in the aviation and aerospace industry.
article

Aviation Week Events, Dec. 23, 2024

Dec 20, 2024
A roundup of upcoming conferences and exhibitions.