The European Commission has adopted new regulations to ensure pilots mental fitness and stability. Following Germanwings flight 9525 in early 2015, which was deemed to be pilot suicide by the investigating bodies, the EU has implemented the recommendations of the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) into its regulatory framework. As a result, pilots will need to undergo a psychological assessment prior to starting employment with European airlines, additional they will gain access to mental support programmes and be exposed to additional random drug and alcohol testing. Flight crews, including cabin crew members will also be screened for a range of banned substances including sedatives, psychostimulants and hallucinogens.

On 27th July, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) announced it would be reinstating SA Express' Air Operator Certificate (AOC) following the detailing of a recovery plan put forth by newly appointed airline officials. The airline has not yet confirmed a date for services to resume. The airline had previously been grounded by the SACAA following an audit of its internal operations and maintenance organisation which revealed several non-compliances and safety concerns.

Aircraft manufacturing giant, Boeing, has unveiled it’s concept for a hypersonic passenger carrying aircraft, that was originally announced over a year ago, however for military applications. Boeing officials announced plans for these aircraft types to enter mainstream commercial operation within the next two decades. Hypersonic, by definition is, an object/vehicle that can operate at speeds greater than or equal to Mach 5.0 (~6125km/h).