Predict Commercial Aviation Developments/Lack Of, thru 2038

[meadowrun]

That's 20 years.
No large commercial supersonic aircraft.
Possibly some corporate sized supersonics for the few.
More of the same twin engine, largish, long distance aircraft. Decline of 4 engines attached unless for heavy-lift.
Bean counters and "because we can" scientists exploring one engine transports as well as pilotless aircraft justified by and with statistical evidence or lack of.
More a la carte type bills for a ticket.
In-flight service? A creeping state of "always a bit less".
Point to point or hub? Who cares? A mix of both. They keep fiddling with combinations to find the holy grail of systems.
More crowds at every juncture getting stupider overall.
Increasing demands for airspace and airport space.
Possibly at least two really turbulent global aviation crises.


Looking for something exciting here, seeing little ...

[tartare]

Commercial BWBs on drawing board after successful introduction of blended wing body military transports/tankers.
Sabre-engined prototype flies SSTO.
Just joking...

[fltlt]

The Saudis will abandon their unmanned air taxis within a year of implementation, no amount of intoning Inshallah will keep them in the air.

[seafury45]

B737 and A320 still the major short haul airliners.
Another version of both A320 and B737 after Neo and Max.
B52 and other geriatrics still in service.
Commercial passenger space flights.
Drones replace helicopters for fire-fighting, pipeline/wire surveys.
Standing room only, ultra low cost flights in regular operation.
More Premium economy/business class only airlines on premium routes as a reaction to the whole cattle class experience.
Back-loading of corporate/executive aircraft becomes more common and accessible. An Uber of the air perhaps?

I would like to see practical scramjet and hypersonic airliners but 20 years is not long enough to develop them under existing economics/management.

[surely not]

Battery powered short haul 70-100 seat airliners becoming practicable
Battery powered PC-12/Caravan sized aircraft gaining popularity.
GA manufacturers producing more battery powered aircraft then other forms of power.

Boeing KC-46 Tanker to have almost completed its trials to service

[Nemrytter]

The Saudis will abandon their unmanned air taxis within a year of implementation

Maybe by 2038 you'll have gained some basic geography knowledge.

[Sallyann1234]

Originally Posted by surely not

Battery powered short haul 70-100 seat airliners becoming practicable
Battery powered PC-12/Caravan sized aircraft gaining popularity.
GA manufacturers producing more battery powered aircraft then other forms of power.

OLEC meeting agrees export restrictions to further increase lithium prices.

[racedo]

Originally Posted by Nemrytter

Maybe by 2038 you'll have gained some basic geography knowledge.

I'd settle for basic Humanity lessons................

[Jet II]

Even more security hassle at the airports - TSA the largest employer in the world.

[MG23]

20 years?

Small supersonics for those who have to travel. VR drones for those who don't.

Probably some short-range electric aircraft/helicopters with full automation.

I don't see much of a market for point-to-point ballistic rockets, but tourist spaceflight may be taking off (so to speak).

[fltlt]

Originally Posted by Nemrytter

Maybe by 2038 you'll have gained some basic geography knowledge.

And you some manners Nem, probably not.

[sea oxen]

LH premium class cabins will continue to improve - compare them now to 1997.

Direct SYD-LHR flights (shudder).

I think that alcohol will be banned, but hopefully I will not be flying by that time.

[Chuck Glider]

Originally Posted by fltlt

The Saudis will abandon their unmanned air taxis within a year of implementation, no amount of intoning Inshallah will keep them in the air.

Can't they just use magic carpets?

[IcePaq]

Re-regulation.

[ZFT]

Could we turn this around into a wish list for 2038 (which by my maths is 21 years)?

Minimum standard of dress in all cabins
Total ban on use of mobiles on board
Hat racks only a la 60s/70s
Cabin Crew provide service a la 60s/70s
...and dreaming on

[Nemrytter]

And you some manners Nem, probably not.

Yes, there's many self-improvements you could embark upon.