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Global Airline Industry Set To Hit $1 Trillion By 2025 Despite Supply Chain Turbulence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 11, 2024

The global airline industry is on track to achieve record revenues of $1 trillion by 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While passenger numbers continue to rise, the sector faces persistent challenges, including aircraft supply chain disruptions and operational delays.

Record Revenue and Profit Growth

IATA projects a net profit of $36.6 billion for the airline sector in 2025, a rise from the $31.5 billion expected in 2024. Passenger traffic remains strong, with a record 5.2 billion passengers travelling in 2024. Although growth in 2025 is forecasted to be more moderate, it will still contribute to a sustained recovery following the COVID-19-induced collapse of 2020, which saw industry losses of $140 billion.

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Lower fuel prices are providing some relief for airlines. Brent crude oil prices have declined by 20% over the past year, easing operating costs. The outlook is further supported by expectations of looser fiscal policies worldwide, which could bolster consumer purchasing power and drive global economic growth.

Supply Chain Disruptions Hamper Expansion

Despite positive financial projections, airlines face significant operational challenges. Strikes and technical issues at major aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have delayed deliveries of new, more fuel-efficient planes. These delays are problematic for airlines seeking to modernise their fleets and reduce fuel costs.

Boeing’s production of the 737 MAX aircraft was disrupted after a seven-week strike involving more than 70,000 employees. Following a new labour agreement that includes a 38% wage increase over four years, production has resumed. However, the backlog of more than 4,000 pending orders poses a logistical hurdle for Boeing as it seeks to meet growing airline demand.

A Look Ahead

As the airline industry edges closer to the $1 trillion revenue milestone, it must navigate both opportunities and obstacles. Rising passenger numbers and easing fuel costs are key growth drivers. However, production delays at Boeing and Airbus highlight the fragile nature of the sector’s supply chain.

The coming years will be defined by how well the industry adapts to these challenges. Airlines reliant on timely fleet upgrades may face operational setbacks, but the overall outlook remains positive. With strong global demand, increased profits, and declining fuel costs, the sector is poised for continued growth—though not without turbulence along the way.

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Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

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States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.