The devs haven't mentioned anything about passenger missions since the game has been released (at least that I've seen), other than to note that the Dropship and the Orca are a bit useless because of the lack of passenger missions. So I'm 95% certain that we're not getting them in 1.2. They have talked about overhauling the mission system so I think we won't see passenger missions until that happens.
For 1.2 I agree with those saying Corvette. Newsletter #61 seemed to be saying that was it.
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I actually agree with you 100%. The high point in Elite, for me, will be the day I can take out the Dropship and take passengers planet-side. Perhaps even science team to further increase my exploration rewards.
Sadly, I don't think that's going to happen just yet. 1.2 is two new ships and an expansion on multiplayer interaction. No outright new mechanics for us yet
I'm looking forward to passenger mechanics too. Your idea about a science team for exploration is an excellent one.
Agree 1.2 is Fer De Lance, Corvette, and wings only.
1.3 might be mission overhaul they've said is coming in a big update, and that might include passenger missions and the other passenger ships. Or the passenger missions and ships might come later.