US Firm and Abu Dhabi Collaborate on Successful Flying Taxi Test

SpiceJet Advances Fleet Revival with Engine Overhauls SpiceJet announced a vital progression in its fleet revival efforts on Thursday, confirming the receipt of the first two overhauled engines from global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider StandardAero. The engines received include a CFM LEAP-1B engine, which powers the airline's Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and was overhauled at StandardAero's facility in Houston, USA. Additionally, a Q400 engine was received from StandardAero's Singapore facility. Ongoing Recovery Efforts In a further sign of its ongoing recovery efforts, SpiceJet also successfully brought another Boeing 737 NG aircraft back into active service last month, having previously been grounded. This initiative is part of a broader fleet revival plan by SpiceJet, under which a total of 17 engines were sent for overhaul. The airline anticipates a steady influx of additional engines in the coming months following the delivery of these first two. Details of the Overhaul Specifically, six CFM LEAP-1B engines were dispatched to StandardAero's Houston facility, while seven Q400 engines were sent to its Singapore facility for overhaul. Furthermore, four engines have been sent to Carlyle Aviation to facilitate the revival of more grounded Boeing 737 NG aircraft. Fleet and Services SpiceJet, an IATA-IOSA certified airline, operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s. It stands as one of India's largest regional carriers, operating numerous daily flights under the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme. The airline highlights that the majority of its fleet offers SpiceMax, recognized as one of the most spacious economy-class seating options in India.

Big Tech Companies Show Strong Sales Amid Challenges Big tech companies are continuing a turnaround from last year, as Alphabet, Microsoft and Snap kicked off earnings season with strong sales results for the quarter ended in September. Google parent company Alphabet on Tuesday 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. Meanwhile, Microsoft posted 13% year-on-year sales growth to $56.5 billion, also beating expectations. Microsoft’s quarterly profits hit $22.3 billion, up 27% from the year-ago period. Snapchat parent Snap on Tuesday reported a return to sales growth in the September quarter, after two consecutive quarters of declining sales. The company reported revenue of nearly $1.2 billion, an increase of 5% from the same period in the prior year and ahead of analysts’ projections. The company reported a net loss of $368 million. The strong results come after Microsoft, Alphabet, Snap and other tech companies carried out mass layoffs and other cost-cutting moves over the past year following a difficult 2022 when advertisers and other clients cut back on their spending due to concerns over the macroeconomic environment. Despite beating Wall Street’s sales expectations, shares of both Alphabet (GOOGL) and Snap (SNAP) each dipped around 5% in after-hours trading following the reports, although Snap’s quickly regained some ground. Microsoft (MSFT) shares gained around 4% in after-hours trading. Analyst Perspectives “Q3 tech season has been quite strong thus far,” Tejas Dessai, research analyst at investment fund GlobalX said in a statement. “These numbers clearly defy concerns of near term economic weakness looming.” Google Earnings Details Google’s advertising business generated quarterly revenue of $59.6 billion, up from $54.5 billion in the prior year. YouTube ads, meanwhile, garnered some $7.9 billion in revenue, up roughly 12% year-over-year. YouTube Shorts, the company’s TikTok competitor, hit a milestone 70 billion daily views last quarter, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said on a call with analysts Tuesday afternoon. Google’s cloud business, however, reported revenue of $8.41 billion — missing analysts’ estimates. Jesse Cohen, a senior analyst at Investing.com, attributed Alphabet’s after-hours stock fall to the “relatively weak performance in its Google cloud platform, which is at risk of falling further behind Microsoft’s Azure and Amazon’s AWS.” Stock Performance and Antitrust Concerns Still, despite taking a hit in 2022 amid a broader tech sector downturn, shares for Alphabet have climbed roughly 56% since the start of 2023, beating the tech-heavy Nasdaq index. Google’s report comes as the tech giant is in the antitrust hot seat. US prosecutors officially opened a landmark antitrust trial against Google last month with sweeping allegations that the company engaged in anticompetitive behavior to maintain its dominance over search. (As the legal showdown rages on, Google has continued to deny allegations that it operated illegally.) Layoffs and Cost Cutting Google also confirmed last month plans to lay off hundreds of staffers in its recruiting division, as it continues cost cutting efforts in some areas. These more targeted layoffs came after Alphabet in January cut around 12,000 jobs — about 6% of its workforce. Still, Google is focusing on streamlining operations and maintaining profitability through these challenging times.

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.

PRESS RELEASE The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has announced a major milestone in the restoration of its iconic B-29 Superfortress FIFI, bringing the aircraft significantly closer to resuming flight. This update follows months of meticulous repair work and widespread public support that has propelled the historic bomber toward an eagerly anticipated return to the skies. Earlier this year, a pre-flight inspection uncovered a critical fault involving the supercharger system—specifically, the impeller spinner discharge valve—on engines #2 and #4. The discovery grounded FIFI and prompted swift action. Both engines were removed and sent to Vintage Radials in Tehachapi, California, where noted radial engine expert Mike Nixon and his team conducted extensive repairs and rigorous test bench runs. Those tests concluded successfully, and on June 16, the restored engines were delivered back to Dallas by Doug Platten and Pat Clayton. The CAF’s dedicated maintenance team quickly set to work reinstalling the powerplants and reattaching the propellers. Initial ground run-ups are scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 21, at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center at Dallas Executive Airport. Revised Tour Schedule as Testing Continues Although FIFI’s return is drawing near, additional time is needed for post-maintenance evaluations and aircrew refresher training. Consequently, two early summer tour stops—Lexington, Kentucky (June 28–29), and Evansville, Indiana (July 2–6)—have been cancelled. The aircraft is now expected to rejoin the CAF’s AirPower History Tour in Mansfield, Ohio (July 9–13), before making a highly anticipated appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh later in the month. Updates on the tour schedule are available at airpowersquadron.org. Fundraising Success To offset the unexpected maintenance expenses, the CAF launched a $50,000 fundraising campaign earlier this month. That target was met in just a few days thanks to a groundswell of support from aviation fans nationwide. In response, the CAF has increased its goal to $100,000, with the additional funds helping ensure FIFI remains airworthy well into the future. Donations can still be made at https://fundrazr.com/FIFI_Flies. Squadron Leader Jeremy Lashbrook expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support: “The generosity and personal messages from supporters across the country have been incredibly moving. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep connection people have with FIFI and her mission.” As one of only two B-29 bombers in flying condition, FIFI serves not only as a rare piece of aviation history but also as a moving tribute to those who built and flew these aircraft during the Second World War. Every stop on her national tour offers visitors a chance to see, hear, and even fly aboard a living piece of American heritage—an experience that continues to inspire both veterans and newcomers alike. To learn more about FIFI’s history, upcoming appearances, or to book a ride, visit airpowersquadron.org.

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

Using AI to Save on Summer Travel The Challenge of Flight Shopping If you're planning a summer vacation, you've probably thought about using an artificial intelligence chatbot to help save money on flights. Hunting for flights is all part of the summer travel adventure, but it can quickly take a turn for the worse when I feel like I'm playing cat and mouse with Google's algorithm. Log out. Turn the VPN on. Use an incognito browser window. Switch between my MacBook and iPhone. These days, any strategies often fall short when you try to "trick" the algorithm so that it doesn't hike up the cost of the flight after seeing your repeated interest in that route and those dates. Google Flights is my favorite booking platform, so I wondered if I could use Google's AI, Gemini, be the new most underrated travel hack for 2025? With the price of flights these days, I sure hoped so. Introducing Gemini Gemini was released in March 2023 (when it was known, briefly, as Bard) and is one of the biggest AI models on the market. It's free to use if you have a Google or Workspace account with admin-enabled access to Gemini. There's also a paid version, which is $20 a month, with a two-month free trial. The Cost of Flying For me, an Australian who lives in the US, the cost of flying home and back is in the thousands. Any savings AI can find would make a world of difference to my bank account. How to Use AI to Find Cheap Flights With a dedicated Google Flights extension, I had expected Gemini to transport me to the best deals. I followed the prompts to enable extensions, but I couldn't get it to work -- even after poking around in my Google admin console all afternoon. A CNET editor was able to use this tool as expected (see screenshot below), so it's worth testing out to see if it works for you. Discovering Alternatives Annoyed by the lack of ease, I ran a quick search for AI tools that could save me money on plane tickets, and in my "travels" I discovered Karma, an AI coupon code extension that I could easily install. I saw Expedia on its list of affiliated brands, so I used that travel platform to search for flights. I picked dates four months away for a hypothetical trip home to Australia. The cheapest return flight was $1,443. Not bad, but Karma pinged me with a coupon. I clicked "apply coupons." Coupon Challenges See also: Worried About Expensive Holiday Airfare? 5 Easy Tips to Save Money on Plane Tickets I copied the code and continued in Expedia, assuming it would automatically apply at the checkout page, but there was no area to apply a code. Turns out Karma coupons can't be applied to all Expedia purchases; maybe I could have found a way to use one somehow, but it wasn't working for this flight option. But for me, it's strike number two. Back to Gemini, I decided to give it another shot, persevering through the setup difficulties to hopefully uncover those elusive travel deals.

American Airlines Joins Vertical Aerospace to Launch VX4 Electric Air Taxi by 2028 Globally Here’s What You Need to Know What is now science-fiction content is another step closer to reality, and the globe can equally soon anticipate it to transform the method of travel in the world’s most populous cities. At the forefront of the revolution is Vertical Aerospace—a U.K.-based aerospace company set out to transform short-distance air travel in the world’s most populous cities with its revolutionary eVTOL airplane, the VX4. With the endorsement of the industrial big guns including American Airlines, Rolls-Royce, and Honeywell, Vertical is paving the way to an era of aero mobility previously unheard of. Founded in 2016 with the goal of advancing sustainable aviation, Vertical Aerospace has been working on a zero-emission aircraft that is both energy-efficient and commercially viable. The company’s flagship model, the VX4, is designed to cruise at speeds of up to 150 mph and cover distances exceeding 100 miles on a single charge. If all goes according to plan, these aircraft will be available for passenger services in the United Kingdom by 2028, with the U.S. rollout expected shortly after. A Clear Vision and a Strong Business Model Under the leadership of Stuart Simpson—who stepped into the CEO role in May 2024 after company founder Stephen Fitzpatrick—Vertical Aerospace has embraced a focused, capital-efficient business model. Rather than trying to build every component internally, the company collaborates with some of the world’s top aerospace suppliers to bring the VX4 to life. This approach, Simpson asserts, not only reduces risk but also ensures quality and reliability. “I’m not cobbling together a supply chain with unknowns,” Simpson explained. “We’re working with the best minds in aerospace to assemble a sophisticated, safe, and sustainable aircraft.” That aircraft—the VX4—will initially be marketed as a premium transport solution aimed at business-class travelers. The current cost estimate stands at roughly $2 per seat per kilometer, comparable to luxury ride-sharing services. However, as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer), Vertical won’t set final fares. Instead, airline partners like American Airlines will determine pricing based on route and service model. Competitive Landscape and Timelines The eVTOL market is heating up, with several key players jostling for early advantage. U.S.-based Archer Aviation, for example, has teamed up with United Airlines and is preparing to introduce its own aircraft, Midnight, in Abu Dhabi later this year, followed by a New York City launch in 2026—subject to regulatory approval. Meanwhile, Joby Aviation is working alongside Delta Air Lines and Uber to debut its electric air taxis, with Dubai expected to be among its first markets. Like Vertical, both companies are eyeing commercial operations in the U.S. within the next few years, pending certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Despite the competition, Simpson remains confident in Vertical’s unique value proposition and measured approach. With a solid technological base, deep partnerships, and secured funding, he believes the company is on the right trajectory. Regulatory Path and Safety Protocols Before VX4 can transport paying customers, it must clear numerous regulatory hurdles and establish rigorous safety protocols.

Houston Firm Secures $150 Million NASA Contract for Advanced Simulation Software A Houston-based technology company has been awarded a $150 million contract by NASA to develop sophisticated simulation software for space systems. The five-year agreement, announced this week, highlights NASA’s continued reliance on private sector innovation to meet the complex demands of its missions. Scope and Challenges of the Contract Under the terms of the contract, the Houston firm will design and implement advanced simulation tools intended to support NASA’s research, testing, and mission planning activities. These tools are expected to enhance the agency’s capabilities in spacecraft design, mission analysis, and operational training, playing a pivotal role in upcoming space exploration efforts. The project presents considerable technical challenges, requiring the integration of cutting-edge technologies and adherence to NASA’s stringent standards. The company must maintain consistent, high-quality service delivery throughout the contract’s duration, navigating the complexities inherent in developing software for space applications. Industry Impact and Strategic Significance Industry analysts suggest that securing this major government contract could strengthen investor confidence in the Houston firm, potentially boosting its stock performance and market standing. The award is also anticipated to influence the broader aerospace and defense sector, prompting competitors to intensify efforts to win future NASA contracts through increased investment in research and development and more competitive pricing strategies. NASA officials underscored the critical role of advanced simulation capabilities in supporting the agency’s long-term objectives, including planned lunar and Mars missions. The selection of the Houston company followed a competitive bidding process and reflects the expanding role of private industry in advancing U.S. space exploration initiatives. The contract is effective immediately, with initial phases of software development slated for completion within the first year.

Flydubai's New Maintenance Hangar at Dubai South Flydubai has commenced building a new multi-bay maintenance hangar at Dubai South in a move aimed at increasing control and generating quicker turnaround times on its Boeing 737 aircraft fleet. The carrier, which has operated since 2009, broke ground at the site it described as a multi-million-dollar investment near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), located around 23 mi. southwest of the city, on July 1. The hangar will have capabilities to conduct line maintenance, technical services, materials, and workshops for specialist repairs. The airline first announced plans to invest $190 million in the 350,000 ft.2 hangar at the Dubai Airshow in November 2023. At the airshow, flydubai signed terms with the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), located near DWC, an area which is home to maintenance centers and training and education campuses. Flydubai said construction is due to be completed in the last quarter of 2026. DWC Airport Expansion The maintenance center at DWC coincides with the airport undergoing a $35 billion expansion to grow five times larger and eventually replace Dubai International Airport, currently the city’s main airport. Expanding DWC will be conducted in stages over several decades, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2032. This will see a new terminal built with a capacity of 150 million passengers annually, a second runway, and other infrastructure added. Fleet Expansion and Long-Term Commitment Growth of its maintenance footprint, the first designated aircraft hangar operated by the airline, will also coincide with expected fleet growth. Flydubai operates a fleet comprised of 28 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and more than 60 737 MAX aircraft. It is expected to receive more than 120 Boeing 737-8 and -9 aircraft over the next decade. Long-term, the airline is also set to take widebody aircraft into its fleet following an order nearly two years ago for 30 787 aircraft. “This is a strategic step towards supporting our growing maintenance requirement and capacity as we take delivery of more aircraft,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai. “It reaffirms our long-term commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and supporting Dubai’s position as a global leader in aviation and business excellence.”

Big Tech Companies Show Strong Quarterly Results Big tech companies are continuing a turnaround from last year, as Alphabet, Microsoft, and Snap kicked off earnings season with strong sales results for the quarter ended in September. Google parent company Alphabet on Tuesday 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. Meanwhile, Microsoft posted 13% year-on-year sales growth to $56.5 billion, also beating expectations. Microsoft’s quarterly profits hit $22.3 billion, up 27% from the year-ago period. Snapchat parent Snap on Tuesday reported a return to sales growth in the September quarter, after two consecutive quarters of declining sales. The company reported revenue of nearly $1.2 billion, an increase of 5% from the same period in the prior year and ahead of analysts’ projections. The company reported a net loss of $368 million. The strong results come after Microsoft, Alphabet, Snap and other tech companies carried out mass layoffs and other cost cutting moves over the past year following a difficult 2022 when advertisers and other clients cut back on their spending due to concerns over the macroeconomic environment. Despite beating Wall Street’s sales expectations, shares of both Alphabet (GOOGL) and Snap (SNAP) each dipped around 5% in after-hours trading following the reports, although Snap’s quickly regained some ground. Microsoft (MSFT) shares gained around 4% in after-hours trading. “Q3 tech season has been quite strong thus far,” Tejas Dessai, research analyst at investment fund GlobalX said in a statement. “These numbers clearly defy concerns of near term economic weakness looming.” Google Earnings Google’s advertising business generated quarterly revenue of $59.6 billion, up from $54.5 billion in the prior year. YouTube ads, meanwhile, garnered some $7.9 billion in revenue, up roughly 12% year-over-year. YouTube Shorts, the company’s TikTok competitor, hit a milestone 70 billion daily views last quarter, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said on a call with analysts Tuesday afternoon. Google’s cloud business, however, reported revenue of $8.41 billion — missing analysts’ estimates. Jesse Cohen, a senior analyst at Investing.com, attributed Alphabet’s after-hours stock fall to the “relatively weak performance in its Google cloud platform, which is at risk of falling further behind Microsoft’s Azure and Amazon’s AWS.” Still, despite taking a hit in 2022 amid a broader tech sector downturn, shares for Alphabet have climbed roughly 56% since the start of 2023, beating the tech-heavy Nasdaq index. Google’s report comes as the tech giant is in the antitrust hot seat. US prosecutors officially opened a landmark antitrust trial against Google last month with sweeping allegations that the company engaged in anticompetitive behavior to maintain its dominance over search. (As the legal showdown rages on, Google has continued to deny allegations that it operated illegally.) Google also confirmed last month plans to lay off hundreds of staffers in its recruiting division, as it continues cost cutting efforts in some areas. These more targeted layoffs came after Alphabet in January cut around 12,000 jobs — about 6% of its workforce. Still, Google