The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Air Space Intelligence (ASI) a 12-year, US$875 million contract to deploy advanced artificial intelligence technology designed to transform how flights are managed across the National Airspace System. The new Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) platform will use predictive analytics to assess airline schedules, weather, airport capacity and airspace constraints before aircraft depart, enabling congestion to be managed proactively rather than reactively. The initiative is expected to reduce delays and cancellations, improve on-time performance, lower fuel consumption and increase the overall efficiency of U.S. airspace. The contract forms part of the FAA's wider multi-billion-dollar modernisation programme aimed at replacing ageing air traffic management technology and creating a more resilient, data-driven aviation system capable of supporting future growth.

On 24 June 2026, EASA issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring inspections of wing mid-spar structures on 16 Airbus A380 aircraft following the identification of cracks that could affect wing structural integrity. Five aircraft, all operated by Emirates, are required to undergo inspection before their next flight, while the remaining aircraft, including one operated by Qantas, must be inspected within 25 flight cycles. EASA has classified the directive as an interim measure pending further investigation. Although the issue is currently limited to a small subset of the global A380 fleet, operators may experience short-term maintenance-related disruptions while inspections are completed. No incidents related to the identified condition have been reported.

Jet fuel prices have declined significantly in recent weeks as crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz resume and global supply conditions improve. Increased refinery production and strong import volumes into Europe have eased concerns regarding fuel availability, resulting in a more favourable cost environment for airlines. Market sentiment has shifted from supply concerns to expectations of adequate fuel availability through the peak summer travel season, with much of the geopolitical risk premium now removed from pricing. Similar downward trends have been observed in Asia and North America as regional fuel markets stabilize. While jet fuel prices remain above pre-conflict levels and some supply chain risks persist, particularly around the gradual normalization of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the overall outlook is positive. Lower fuel prices are expected to provide cost relief to airlines and support operating margins over the near term.