AeroTime
• Stephen Pope
The FAA has finalized its plan to eliminate 100LL avgas by 2030, but has not resolved which replacement fuel will be selected, how costs will be distributed, what aircraft modifications may be required or when operators must transition. The decisions will shape general aviation’s fuel and fleet planning.
Policy & Regulation
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Brazil has blocked Flybondi from expanding its operations and imposed restrictions on the carrier’s ticket sales, constraining the Argentine low-cost airline’s ability to grow in the Brazilian market. The measures add a significant regulatory limitation to Flybondi’s network and commercial plans.
The FAA has finalized its plan to eliminate 100LL avgas by 2030, but has not resolved which replacement fuel will be selected, how costs will be distributed, what aircraft modifications may be required or when operators must transition. The decisions will shape general aviation’s fuel and fleet planning.
Qatar Airways has secured regulatory approval to establish a branch in Libya, moving the Doha-based carrier closer to resuming flights from the country. The approval clears a key step toward restarting operations, although the airline has not disclosed a launch date or specific routes.
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Chris Rocheleau is stepping down as FAA deputy administrator after roughly 18 months at the agency, including a period as acting administrator. He will return to the National Business Aviation Association as chief operating officer after overseeing the FAA’s response to the 2025 Washington, D.C., midair collision and ongoing safety and airspace reforms.
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Air India has begun phased Boeing 787 modifications following an FAA airworthiness directive concerning a door issue, while the FAA proposes seat inspections on select 737 MAX variants. Separately, EASA is seeking broader ultrasonic fan-blade inspections for CFM56-7B engines powering the global 737NG fleet.
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Tesla is reportedly considering selling or spinning off its China operations as part of preparations for a potential merger with SpaceX. A separate China business could reduce regulatory complications tied to SpaceX’s U.S. defense work and possible scrutiny from Beijing, though Musk has denied plans to separate the unit.
As companies develop plans for data centers in orbit, experts are urging the industry to establish safety practices early. The emerging constellations raise unresolved questions about orbital coordination, traffic management and the long-term effects of adding significant infrastructure to an already contested space environment.
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