Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL Test Flights in Abu Dhabi Advance UAE Air Taxi Deployment

CDNetworks and Petrolimex Aviation Partnership CDNetworks, the APAC-leading network to deliver edge as a service, announced that Petrolimex Aviation, a major provider of aviation fuel services in Vietnam, has selected CDNetworks' AI-powered cloud security platform to strengthen its digital defenses and ensure the reliable delivery of its web-based services. The strategic partnership marks a significant shift in Petrolimex Aviation's security strategy, empowering the company to address emerging threats in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape proactively. It also allows Petrolimex Aviation to optimize both the speed and safety of its service delivery, supporting its commitment to operational excellence and customer trust. Key Results: - **Reliable performance** and service delivery throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia. - **Adaptive, AI-powered defense** that continuously evolves to counter new threats. - **Comprehensive protection** that touches every key phase of its defense journey. - **Professional, responsive technical assistance** from a dedicated local expert team. Mr. Tran Minh Thang, CIO at Petrolimex Aviation, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration: "CDNetworks has proven to be a partner we can count on across the board, from solutions and services to local presence."

Alaska Airlines Expands Long-Haul Operations Alaska Airlines is moving ahead with plans to expand long-haul flying from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with an order for five more Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The Seattle-based Oneworld alliance carrier has exercised purchase rights for five additional 787-9s from the Hawaiian Airlines orderbook, said Larry Payne, chair of the Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council at the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), on the Alaska Pilots Podcast on Wednesday. That brings Alaska's total firm commitments for the long-haul jet to 13 aircraft, plus four already in the fleet, based on its last fleet plan at the end of March. In addition, Alaska plans to open a Hawaiian 787 pilot base in Seattle in March 2026, and exercised options for 12 additional Boeing 737 MAX 10s, Payne said. Strategic Growth Post-Merger "The more you know: The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare," said Will McQuillen, chair of the Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council at ALPA, on the podcast with Payne. An Alaska spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Expanding Global Connections The orders confirm what Alaska management has indicated since the airline closed its merger with Hawaiian in September 2024: that Hawaiian's 787 fleet would eventually connect Seattle to the world. The airline launched its first long-haul flight from Seattle operated by Hawaiian — Alaska cannot operate Hawaiian's planes itself until the airlines merge operations on a single certificate — to Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) with an Airbus A330 in May. Flights from Seattle to Seoul's Incheon International Airport (ICN) begin Sept. 12, and to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) — Alaska and Hawaiian's first European destination — in May 2026. Hawaiian will operate Seoul with an A330 and Rome with a 787, the latter doubling as the launch of Alaska's all-new flagship international experience. Competitive Landscape Alaska plans at least 12 long-haul intercontinental routes from Seattle by the end of the decade, executives have said. Delta, Alaska's biggest competitor in Seattle, is not sitting idly by. Shortly after Alaska unveiled its Italian plans, the SkyTeam Alliance carrier announced its own nonstop from the Emerald City to Rome beginning May 6, 2026, and to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) later that month. Delta has the benefit of a large existing long-haul base in Seattle with flights to both Asia and Europe, whereas Alaska is a beloved hometown brand and larger overall in the Puget Sound region.

Foxconn's Expansion into AI and Electric Vehicles with Nvidia Taiwan’s Foxconn has announced its intention to construct artificial intelligence (AI) data factories, leveraging technology from the American semiconductor leader Nvidia. This move is part of Foxconn's strategic efforts to position itself as a significant player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. The announcement was made by Foxconn Chairman Young Liu and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during an event in Taipei on Wednesday. They detailed that the integration of Nvidia’s chips and software into the new facilities would enhance Foxconn's capabilities in applying AI to its EV technologies. Jensen Huang expressed his enthusiasm about the venture, stating, “We are at the beginning of a new computing revolution. This is the beginning of a brand new way of doing software — using computers to write software that no humans can.” He emphasized the potential of large computing systems, powered by advanced chips, to develop next-generation software platforms for EVs through learning from daily interactions. Young Liu highlighted the transformation of Foxconn from a manufacturing service company to a platform solution company, noting, “In three short years, Foxconn has displayed a remarkable range of high-end sedan, passenger crossover, SUV, compact pick-up, commercial bus and commercial van.” Foxconn's Role in the EV Market Foxconn, globally recognized as the primary assembler of Apple’s iPhones, envisions adopting a similar model for the manufacturing of electric vehicles. Rather than selling EVs under its own brand, Foxconn plans to manufacture the vehicles for various clients both in Taiwan and internationally. In 2021, Foxconn publicly showcased three EV models, including two passenger cars and a bus. This lineup expanded with additional models in the following year and the recent introduction of two new models—Model N, a cargo van, and Model B, a compact SUV—during Foxconn’s tech day. The company’s electric buses began operations in Kaohsiung, a southern city in Taiwan, last year. Moreover, Foxconn's first electric car, marketed under the N7 brand by Taiwanese automaker Luxgen, is anticipated to start deliveries in Taiwan from January 2024. Industry Context and Challenges Foxconn is venturing into a highly competitive field. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, global sales of EVs, including purely battery-powered vehicles and hybrids, surpassed 10 million units last year, marking a 55% increase from 2021. Sales are projected to reach nearly 14 million electric cars in 2023. Beyond its core business of manufacturing iPhones, Foxconn, officially known as the Hon Hai Technology Group, is diversifying into new sectors such as EVs, digital health, and robotics. Analysts view this move into the EV market as a strategic diversification. Kylie Huang, a Taipei-based analyst at Daiwa, commented on the saturation of the smartphone market and the potential growth in the EV sector, stating, “If they can really tap into the EV business, I do think that [they] could become influential in the next couple of years.” During last year’s tech day, Liu shared Foxconn’s ambitious goal to build 5% of the world’s electric cars by 2025, with aspirations to increase this figure to 40% to 45% eventually. However, the transition has not been without its challenges. Last year, Foxconn acquired a factory from Lordstown Motors in Ohio, which previously manufactured small cars for the automotive market.

Economic Climate and Big Tech Earnings In an unstable economic climate marked by geopolitical unrest, concerns about the Federal Reserve and soaring Treasury yields, investors are closely watching this week’s Big Tech earnings for clues about where the volatile stock market may head next. The world’s biggest multinational companies could offer Wall Street some insight about how the global economy is faring. Key Earnings Releases **What’s happening:** On Tuesday, Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet -— two of the so-called Magnificent Seven tech companies that have driven the market’s gains this year — released strong third-quarter earnings. Still, there’s more to come from Amazon and Meta this week. Nvidia and Apple will report later this month. Impact on the S&P 500 The top tech companies — Apple, Amazon, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Alphabet — combine to make up a quarter of the S&P 500’s value, giving them an outsized impact on investors’ portfolios. That means investors are watching their earnings particularly closely for prognostications about where the market is headed next. Recent Performance Highlights - **Alphabet** reported quarterly sales of $76.69 billion, up 11% from the same period in the prior year. The company also posted profits of $19.69 billion for the quarter. - **Microsoft** posted revenue of $56.5 billion, representing 13% year-over-year sales growth, also beating expectations. Microsoft’s quarterly profits hit $22.3 billion, up 27% from the year-ago period. Microsoft shares gained nearly 4% in premarket trading as traders breathed a sigh of relief. - **Alphabet shares** fell by about 6% — the company beat analyst expectations on revenue and earnings per share, but fell short in its cloud business, sending the stock lower. Broader Market Influence **Big tech controls the market:** Excluding Big Tech, the average earnings for S&P 500 companies would drop by 5% this quarter, according to Bloomberg Intelligence data. With them, the S&P 500’s earnings are expected to be flat. Nvidia in particular is expected to be the largest contributor to earnings growth for the entire S&P 500 this quarter, according to FactSet data. If the company were excluded, the earnings decline for the S&P 500 for the quarter would increase to 1.8% from 0.4%, the company estimated. Risks and Market Sentiment But in a market where techs are so overweight problems can arise. “Big Tech valuations pose risks for the broader markets, as Big Tech has contributed to almost all of the stock market’s year-to-date gains,” said David Bahnsen, chief investment officer of the Bahnsen Group. “This lack of market breadth suggests that investors are still highly prone to chasing momentum and getting overly excited about different market themes and stories, such as artificial intelligence.” Investor Outlook It also suggests that there’s not a lot of room for any Big Tech earnings missteps. Until all the Big Techs report, investors will remain on tenterhooks. “The movement of the Magnificent Seven after earnings will be very telling,” said Louis Navellier, chairman of Navellier & Associates. International Efforts Against Hamas US and Gulf nations target ‘secret’ Hamas investment portfolio worth up to $1 billion The United States along with some Middle Eastern nations are stepping up efforts to target a “secret” Hamas investment portfolio.

IndiGo and Air India Express Expand Operations, Driving Passenger Growth at Hindon Airport Surge in Passenger Traffic and Airline Activity Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is experiencing a significant increase in passenger traffic and airline operations, fueled by recent expansions from major carriers IndiGo and Air India Express. Data from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reveals that aircraft movements at Hindon rose by 137.9% in the fiscal year 2024, reaching 3,080, while departing passengers surged 184.6% to 83,964. This growth marks a notable shift in the airport’s profile, which was previously dominated by regional carriers such as FlyBig and Star Air under the government’s UDAN scheme. The transformation accelerated in March 2025 when Air India Express, owned by Tata Sons, became the first airline to operate from both airports in the National Capital Region. The carrier now offers connections from Hindon to major cities including Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Patna. An Air India Express spokesperson highlighted the expansion to over 60 weekly departures and the recent addition of flights to Jaipur, Varanasi, and Patna. The airline’s growing presence at Hindon reflects confidence in the rising demand for air travel in Uttar Pradesh, making Hindon its fourth major airport in the state. IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, is poised to commence over 70 weekly departures to nine destinations starting July 20. These include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Varanasi, and Goa. Vinay Malhotra, head of global sales at IndiGo, described the move as a strategic effort to provide an additional gateway for millions in the surrounding region. He emphasized that the ongoing development of airport infrastructure across India enables the airline to offer more convenient flight options and improved connectivity. Cost Advantages and Market Position Hindon Airport’s appeal to airlines and passengers is partly rooted in its cost advantages. As a UDAN airport, it offers aeronautical charges such as landing and parking fees at rates 20 to 25 percent lower than those at Delhi Airport. Airlines benefit from savings of up to ₹6,000 per flight, while the user development fee (UDF) at Hindon is waived, reducing costs for travelers. A comparison by Skyscanner found that flights departing from Hindon are 20 to 30 percent cheaper, with ticket prices lower by ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 compared to Delhi. Despite these benefits, Hindon remains considerably smaller than Delhi Airport, which handled 57.7 million domestic passengers in fiscal year 2025, compared to Hindon’s 83,964. In April and May 2025, Delhi recorded 4.8 million and 4.5 million domestic passengers respectively, while Hindon saw 58,058 and 43,741 passengers during the same months. Challenges and Competitive Dynamics The rapid expansion at Hindon Airport presents several challenges. IndiGo and Air India Express must navigate regulatory constraints related to airport capacity and noise restrictions. The intensifying competition among airlines operating at Hindon could lead to fare wars, potentially squeezing profit margins. Rival carriers may respond by expanding their own route networks or enhancing service offerings to maintain market share. Industry experts observe that Hindon’s growth helps alleviate slot constraints at Delhi Airport. Aviation analyst Ameya Joshi noted that Hindon’s proximity to Delhi, closer than Jewar Airport, could divert traffic from Jewar if airlines witness strong passenger demand and revenue. Ajay Prakash, president of the Travel Agents Federation of India, emphasized the importance of low-cost airports like Hindon in supporting budget airlines, suggesting that the development of similar facilities would benefit both carriers and passengers. However, the global aviation sector in 2025 continues to face operational disruptions and economic pressures, factors that may influence the long-term viability of these new routes. As airlines and airports adapt to evolving market conditions, Hindon’s development will be closely monitored as a potential model for regional airport growth in India.

Impact of AI on Tech Industry Jobs Many have raised alarms about the potential for artificial intelligence to displace jobs in the years ahead, but it’s already causing upheaval in one industry where workers once seemed invincible: tech. A small but growing number of tech firms have cited AI as a reason for laying off workers and rethinking new hires in recent months, as Silicon Valley races to adapt to rapid advances in the technology being developed in its own backyard. Chegg, an education technology company, disclosed in a regulatory filing last month that it was cutting 4% of its workforce, or about 80 employees, “to better position the Company to execute against its AI strategy and to create long-term, sustainable value for its students and investors.” IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said in an interview with Bloomberg in May that the company expects to pause hiring for roles it thinks could be replaced with AI in the coming years. (In a subsequent interview with Barrons, however, Krishna said that he felt his earlier comments were taken out of context and stressed that “AI is going to create more jobs than it takes away.”) And in late April, file-storage service Dropbox said that it was cutting about 16% of its workforce, or about 500 people, also citing AI. In its most-recent layoffs report, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said 3,900 people were laid off in May due to AI, marking its first time breaking out job cuts based on that factor. All of those cuts occurred in the tech sector, according to the firm. With these moves, Silicon Valley may not only be leading the charge in developing AI but also offering an early glimpse into how businesses may adapt to those tools. Rather than render entire skill sets obsolete overnight, as some might fear, the more immediate impact of a new crop of AI tools appears to be forcing companies to shift resources to better take advantage of the technology — and placing a premium on workers with AI expertise. AI's Broader Influence “Over the last few months, AI has captured the world’s collective imagination, expanding the potential market for our next generation of AI-powered products more rapidly than any of us could have anticipated,” Dropbox CEO Drew Houston wrote in a note to staff announcing the job cuts. “Our next stage of growth requires a different mix of skill sets, particularly in AI and early-stage product development.” In response to a request for comment on how its realignment around AI is playing out, Dropbox directed CNN to its careers page, where it is currently hiring for multiple roles focused on “New AI Initiatives.” Dan Wang, a professor at Columbia Business School, told CNN that AI “will cause organizations to restructure,” but also doesn’t see it playing out as machines replacing humans just yet. “AI, as far as I see it, doesn’t necessarily replace humans, but rather enhances the work of humans,” Wang said. “I think that the kind of competition that we all should be thinking more about

Mallaghan Mallaghan, headquartered in Northern Ireland, stands as a global leader in the design and manufacture of aviation ground support equipment (GSE). As one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in its sector, Mallaghan has expanded its footprint with an assembly facility in Atlanta and a newly opened factory at its Dungannon site—key milestones in its ongoing growth strategy. With a client base spanning leading airlines, airports, catering companies, and ground handling providers worldwide, Mallaghan is dedicated to advancing airport ground operations. Its comprehensive product portfolio includes high-lift trucks, lavatory and water service vehicles, passenger stairs, aircraft belt loaders, and de-icers. Notably, Mallaghan is recognized as the world’s largest manufacturer of high-lift trucks, serving critical functions such as catering, cabin operations, and medical transport. **Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability** “Innovation and quality are at the core of our business,” says Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer. Employing around 500 people globally, Mallaghan has demonstrated consistent growth, particularly as demand for environmentally friendly GSE accelerates. While Europe currently leads in electric GSE adoption, North American cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are rapidly advancing decarbonization efforts through grants and policy support, opening new opportunities for clean-power ground support equipment. Mallaghan’s vertically integrated manufacturing process—from raw steel through laser cutting, welding, painting, and final assembly—enables complete control over quality and rapid innovation. This approach ensures the consistent production of high-quality, customized products and allows the company to swiftly respond to evolving industry needs. Operating in over 120 countries and producing more than 1,000 units annually, Mallaghan is not only a dominant force in its sector but also a pioneer in electric and sustainable GSE solutions. The company has embedded environmentally conscious practices throughout its value chain, from monitoring energy usage in manufacturing to developing fully electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. All five core product categories—high lifts, lavatory/water trucks, stairs, belt loaders, and de-icers—now include electric or alternative-fuel variants. **Navigating Industry Challenges** As Mallaghan continues to innovate, it faces challenges familiar to many in the sector, such as scaling up manufacturing, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving market acceptance for new technologies. The commercial launch of advanced products, like the award-winning all-electric Mallaghan SkyBelt and the Electric Self-Propelled Toilet Service Truck, requires careful navigation of regulatory landscapes and close attention to customer feedback. Market reactions are influenced by the efficacy, safety, and reliability of these new solutions compared to competitors, who may respond by enhancing their own offerings or adapting strategies to shifting regulatory and market dynamics. **Leading the Change** Among Mallaghan’s recent achievements is the launch of North America’s first fully electric, refrigerated, wide-body capable catering truck, developed in partnership with Delta Air Lines. Innovations like the SkyBelt, featuring an advanced aircraft-controlled approach system, are designed to minimize ground handling risks, reduce downtime, and lower environmental costs—demonstrating Mallaghan’s commitment to safer, more efficient, and sustainable airport operations. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Mallaghan’s focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability positions it at the forefront of ground support equipment manufacturing worldwide.

Subscription Required **Estonia Sells Former Flag Carrier Nordica’s Fleet To U.S. Buyer** is published in *Aviation Daily*, an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing and is included with your AWIN membership. Already a member of AWIN or subscribe to *Aviation Daily* through your company? Login with your existing email and password. Not a member? Learn how to access the market intelligence and data you need to stay abreast of what's happening in the air transport community.

Rethinking Assurance Models in Aerospace Aerospace platforms are experiencing a profound transformation, increasingly characterized by software integration, automation, and enhanced connectivity. At this year’s Paris Air Show, the focus notably shifted away from traditional airframes and propulsion systems toward the digital technologies that are reshaping modern aircraft. Discussions centered on AI-driven design tools, live demonstrations of digital thread implementations, and simulation-based validation environments, underscoring a broader industry movement toward digitalization. This shift introduces significant complexities throughout the development lifecycle. Jeff Hoyle, Executive Vice President of Aero, Space and Defence at Expleo, highlights a critical challenge facing the sector: ensuring safety and reliability within systems that are adaptive, data-driven, and often opaque. Conventional assurance models, which were designed for linear and deterministic processes, are increasingly inadequate. The aerospace industry is therefore advocating for a new assurance paradigm—one that incorporates artificial intelligence, facilitates real-time traceability, and supports continuous compliance with rigorous regulatory frameworks. From Static Testing to Predictive Assurance Traditionally, aerospace validation has relied on static testing schedules and predefined fault models. However, as aircraft systems grow more automated and data-intensive, assurance practices are evolving toward real-time anomaly detection and predictive risk management. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are central to this transition. Advanced algorithms can detect subtle deviations in system behavior, identifying weak signals that might otherwise be lost within vast operational datasets. Research conducted by NASA illustrates the advantages of combining statistical methods with AI to identify early warning signs in aviation data. This approach enables engineers to intervene earlier in the validation process, thereby reducing the likelihood of failures during later stages. Deep learning techniques, such as autoencoders, are employed to analyze multivariate sensor data from aero-engines, detecting outlier behaviors without requiring exhaustive definitions of every potential failure mode. Studies indicate that unsupervised learning methods can maintain high accuracy even when confronted with noisy or incomplete data, offering promising applications for flight testing and certification planning. The implications of these technologies extend beyond mere efficiency improvements. By allowing engineers to detect faults within virtual environments, AI compresses development timelines while maintaining, or even enhancing, safety standards. Navigating New Risks and Market Pressures As aerospace systems become increasingly integrated and software-dependent, maintaining lifecycle traceability and data visibility is paramount. Companies must continuously monitor component performance and track software modifications throughout the product lifecycle to ensure ongoing compliance and safety. This imperative for new assurance models arises amid broader industry challenges. The Aerospace Industries Association, representing major corporations such as Boeing, Airbus, RTX, and GE Aerospace, has cautioned that potential new US tariffs could disrupt air safety and supply chains. The association has called for a 180-day suspension of additional tariffs to avoid operational disturbances. In response, companies may be compelled to diversify supply chains or invest in domestic production capabilities, strategies that could elevate costs and intensify regulatory scrutiny on compliance and safety protocols. The convergence of digital transformation and evolving global trade dynamics is fundamentally reshaping how aerospace companies approach assurance. Integrating AI-driven validation with comprehensive lifecycle traceability is essential not only to meet advancing safety standards but also to navigate the uncertainties of a shifting market landscape. As the industry adapts, the capacity to guarantee safety and reliability in increasingly complex systems will remain central to aerospace innovation.

Subscription Required: Embraer Total Deliveries Rise In Q2 2025 **Published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing** This article is included with your AWIN membership. If you are already a member of AWIN or subscribe to Aerospace Daily & Defense Report through your company, you can login with your existing email and password. Not a member? You can learn how you can access the market intelligence and data you need to stay abreast of what's happening in the aerospace and defense community.