Policy & Regulation News

Via Satellite

Democratic control of Congress puts Trump’s space spending commitments under pressure

An editorial warns that Democrats’ control of Congress gives lawmakers both the authority and the appetite to challenge major spending commitments by President Trump, including those tied to preserving U.S. strategic advantage in space. The dispute raises the prospect of political gridlock shaping the direction and funding of national space priorities.

ch-aviation

US DOT seeks Essential Air Service carriers for Pueblo and Dodge City

The US Department of Transportation is seeking carriers to provide Essential Air Service at Pueblo, Colorado, and Dodge City, Kansas. The announcement puts service to both communities into a carrier-selection process; the available report does not specify proposed routes, schedules, or contract terms.

FlightGlobal

Lufthansa urges DOT to approve ITA’s entry into transatlantic A++ joint venture

Lufthansa has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete its review of a motion seeking to add ITA Airways to the A++ transatlantic joint venture. The request puts the focus on the remaining regulatory step for ITA’s proposed participation in the partnership.

FlightGlobal

Lufthansa urges US DOT to approve ITA’s entry into transatlantic joint venture

Reuters

High activity

Carbon-credit shortages threaten airlines’ ability to meet first global emissions scheme obligations

As the first global scheme requiring airlines to pay for their planet-warming emissions takes effect, a shortage of available carbon credits could make it difficult for carriers to settle their bills. Industry participants and analysts describe the credit supply crunch as a critical test for the program.

Reuters

First global airline emissions scheme faces 'a litmus test' as credits run short

eVTOL Insights

High activity

UK CAA grants Amazon world-first SAIL 4 approval, clearing Prime Air to expand drone delivery over denser parts of Darlington

The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s approval allows Amazon’s Prime Air drones to operate over more densely populated areas of Darlington, expanding the company’s delivery trial to thousands more customers. The SAIL 4 safety assessment is described as the first of its kind worldwide and among the most thorough for a drone system in the UK.

Reuters

Federal MOU aims to speed counter-drone deployments while protecting civilian aviation

A new federal agreement could reduce some FAA safety reviews for counter-UAS deployments to 24 hours as agencies coordinate responses to unauthorized drone incursions. The push spans operational readiness—from FEMA urging state and local agencies to use security grants to tentative plans for protective netting at Tyndall Air Force Base.