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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!