Don´t know if you are aware, but in current build of the game, you don´t have to scan your way to the other side of the globe. When you have the resources after research of “Phoenix Archives” (I think it is, that reveals all Phoenix bases) you can remote activate the one closest to your desired destination and then recruit soldiers to that location and place a newly accuried aircraft there …
That way you can go anywhere in the time takes to get a new aircraft …
Edit: Not sure if I play to slow, but by day 10 I have started to activate my 2nd base on a continent I can´t yet reach with my original Manticore but where there is a second red mist developing, trying to protect nearby heavens.