Hydrogen & electrification push: Rolls-Royce hit full take-off power on a jet engine running on 100% hydrogen, supported by UK safety-led research, while Strathclyde researchers demonstrated a 100kW fully superconducting aviation motor aimed at lighter, higher-power-density propulsion for future electric and hydrogen aircraft. UK passenger rights overhaul: The UK’s Civil Aviation Bill would strengthen compensation and disruption support, improve access for disabled travellers, and give the Civil Aviation Authority tougher enforcement powers, including fines for non-compliance. Disruption and demand snapshot: IATA data shows global passenger demand down 3.4% in April, but Africa up 2.2% as Middle East war-driven capacity cuts drag overall numbers. Caribbean-Europe connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline single-ticket link to Paris-Orly for Caribbean islands, enabling through-checked baggage and simpler connections. Route and capacity moves: Iberia suspends Madrid–Havana flights June 1–Oct 24 amid Cuba’s fuel blockade fallout, and American Airlines plans to suspend multiple US domestic routes from Aug 5 citing higher jet fuel costs. Tech for safer skies: PNG is set to deploy space-based air traffic management via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, targeting improved monitoring in remote and mountainous areas. Airline product upgrades: easyJet will roll out lighter “pre-reclined” seats on new A320neo/A321neo aircraft for extra legroom on Spain routes. Airport and lounge growth: Alaska Airlines unveiled plans for a major new Seattle lounge opening in late 2027, and Southend Airport reported a 247% traffic jump in early 2026.