The new year is less than a week away, and with it will come a new decade. Before we take a stroll back down memory, we decided to take a look at 20 things to watch out for in 2020!

1. Royal Air Maroc joins oneworld

Around a year ago it was announced that Royal Air Maroc would join the oneworld alliance. However, this was just an announcement. The alliance's first African partner is expected to complete its joining process with the alliance in mid-2020. Meanwhile...

Royal Air Maroc, oneworld, 2020
Royal Air Marco should join oneworld in 2020. Photo: Boeing

2. LATAM to leave oneworld

While gaining its first African airline, things aren't looking so peachy for the alliance in South America. Following an acquisition by Delta (member of SkyTeam), LATAM will be leaving the oneworld alliance. The South American airline is due to leave the alliance in October, but is exploring steps to leave sooner.

LATAM, oneworld, 2020
Meanwhile, LATAM will depart oneworld. Photo: Oliver Holzbauer via Wikimedia

3. Aeroflot's First Airbus A350

Let's head back to Europe and take a look at Russia's flag carrier, Aeroflot. The airline is set to receive its first Airbus A350 in 2020, which will begin to serve London from summer onwards.

Aeroflot, Airbus A350, London
Aeroflot is set to fly its Airbus A350 to London from June. Photo: Pixabay

4. British Airways in America

2020 will be a big year for British Airways in America. From February 25th (unconfirmed and subject to change), the airline will begin operating its first Boeing 787-10 to Atlanta. A few months later, the British Flag carrier will operate its first Airbus A350 services to the United States, targeting cities such as Austin. Finally, when the IATA summer schedule 'takes off', the airline will begin operating San Jose's first-ever scheduled Boeing 747 service.

British Airways, Boeing 747, San Jose
A British Airways 747 had to temporarily fly on one engine back in 1982. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

5. Qantas Project Sunrise

2019 has seen plenty of new from Qantas' proposed Project Sunrise which looks to connect London and Sydney with non-stop flights. Expect this news to continue into 2020, with the Australian airline's board set to vote on the project in March.

qantas-final-project-sunrise-flight
The A350-1000 order has been pushed back to December. Photo: Qantas

6. Boeing 737 MAX

Of course, this one goes without saying. If 2019 is anything to go by, the Boeing 737 MAX grounding will continue to be a major story running into 2020. Mid-March will mark 1 year since the grounding of the aircraft started, with some airlines planning well beyond this.

Boeing, 737 MAX, Court Case
Boeing's 737 MAX may have a significant milestone in its return process in June. Photo: Getty Images

7. Boeing 777X

Alongside the Boeing 737 MAX, the 777X project has also taken some hits during 2019. The aircraft was due to take its maiden flight in time to be displayed at the 2019 Paris Airshow. However, it is still yet to take its first flight due to GE9X engine troubles. Hopefully, it will undertake its first flight in 2020!

Lufthansa, Boeing, 777X Delivery Delay
The first Boeing 777X aircraft are assembled and awaiting their first flights. Photo: Lufthansa

8. Farnborough 2020

We mentioned the Paris Air Show just now, however, as it is an even-numbered year, this year's summer air show will take place on the other side of the English Channel. The Farnborough Air Show will take place from Monday the 20th of July until Friday the 24th of July. Expect to see plenty of aircraft orders and announcements.

Dubai Airshow, 2019, Airbus, Boeing
2020 will see Farnborough host its bi-annual airshow. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

9. ANA's Last Airbus A380

ANA is set to receive the last of three Airbus A380 aircraft which it has ordered during 2020. As a result, once the aircraft has been delivered Emirates will be the only customer awaiting new A380s. The end of the A380 project was announced earlier this year by Airbus, breaking many aviation enthusiasts' hearts on Valentine's Day.

ANA Blue Airbus A380
ANA's first Airbus A380 was delivered to the carrier in March. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

10. airBaltic's all A220 fleet

Last but not least, airBaltic will retire its final Boeing 737 aircraft in 2020. This will mark the start of a new era for the carrier who will become the world's first airline to only operate Airbus' latest narrow-body offering. Earlier in December, we reported that the airline would be interested in a stretched Airbus A220.

airBaltic, Airbus A220, Engine Replacement
airBaltic was the launch operator of the Airbus A220-300. Photo: airBaltic

Of course, plenty more is set to happen in the aviation industry in 2020! What are you looking forward to most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!