As a result of the growing threat from Russia, uncertainty surrounding the future of the war in Ukraine, and ambiguity from it’s long term defense guarantor across the Atlantic, European capitals have made decisive moves to bolster military capabilities.

As in so many other industries, AI has become the buzz word in aerospace. But the software is having real world implications for how the rapidly evolving industry does business. Aviation Week editors will unpack how the industry is starting to harness AI and how AI is reshaping the industry.

Commercial airlines are seeing record revenues, but profits are hard to come by. Global airlines are projected to bring in $1 trillion in revenue in 2025, but over 38% of that profit originates from the US alone. While some airlines are preforming well, others are struggling to be profitable, let alone stay in business. We’ll take a look at the most recent financial and operational results and cost pressures and expenses affecting airline profitability.

Much of the defense equipment focus in 2024 was about the U.S. Air Force and its next-generation fighter plans, NGAD. But the service's ambitions for aerial refueling and airlift are also in flux. Aviation Week editors Steve Trimble and Brian Everstine will dive into the current dynamics in that sector and what decisions the Trump Administration faces.