Aviation Week & Space Technology has always been forward looking, each year publishing detailing a ‘look ahead’ of the challenges and opportunities presented to the industry. Even in the early days, when the magazine (then called Aviation & Aeronautical Engineering) was less than a year old, the editors were focused on the future.

NASA’s electric-propulsion X-plane program shows signs the agency is getting back to its aeronautical research roots in “learning by doing”.

A look at some major technological accomplishments that propelled the growth of commercial air transport.

While major disruptions have been avoided during the A350’s first year in service, Airbus and airlines continue to put a lot of effort into improving dispatch reliability.

From better inflight entertainment to consistently branded cabins, interior modifications focus on the passenger experience.

Copa Airlines has some core strengths, but currency conflicts of many of its prime destinations are taking a toll on the airline’s bottom line.

Chinese demand for training helicopters probably explains much of Avic’s specific interest in the Mil Mi-34. Chinese helicopter operations are expanding fast, challenging schools to train enough pilots.

The world’s leading turboprop manufacturer saw a bumper year in 2015. But with softening markets in Asia and Latin America, and fuel prices hovering around $30 per barrel, Franco-Italian joint venture ATR is seeking new opportunities