Private Equity Expands Role as US Airlines Outsource Aircraft Maintenance

STARFLYER Inc. Partners with IBS Software to Upgrade STAR LINK Loyalty Platform TOKYO, July 22, 2025 — STARFLYER Inc., Japan’s premium airline, has announced the successful modernization of its STAR LINK loyalty platform through a strategic partnership with IBS Software. By adopting IBS Software’s iLoyal solution, STARFLYER aims to enhance customer engagement and provide a more seamless, personalized travel experience for its members. Modernizing Customer Engagement and Digital Transformation The upgrade marks a significant milestone in STARFLYER’s ongoing digital transformation, transitioning from its legacy in-house system to a cloud-native, scalable loyalty platform. This new infrastructure allows for tighter integration with both domestic and international Passenger Service Systems (PSS), positioning STAR LINK for sustained growth and innovation. Enhancements include improved functionality across mobile and web platforms, real-time flight updates, digital membership cards, and exclusive tier-based rewards. The platform also features a completely redesigned mobile app and member portal, offering a unified, self-service experience that simplifies loyalty status management and access to personalized services. A key feature of the iLoyal platform is its Partner Integration Hub, which enables STARFLYER to expand its earn ecosystem by forming new partnerships, thereby offering members broader benefits. Powered by IBS Software’s advanced customer-centric engine, the platform delivers actionable insights that facilitate personalized communications and targeted engagement. Its flexibility allows STARFLYER to dynamically adapt loyalty offerings, enhancing both passenger experience and partner business opportunities. Challenges and Industry Implications Despite the benefits, the transition presents several challenges. Ensuring seamless integration with existing systems, addressing potential resistance from customers accustomed to the previous platform, and complying with stringent regulatory and security requirements remain critical considerations. Initial market reactions may include skepticism from customers and investors; however, successful implementation could foster positive feedback and increased loyalty. Competitors in the industry may respond by upgrading their own loyalty programs, potentially accelerating a broader shift toward more advanced platforms across the sector. Hiroshi Goto, Senior Vice President of Innovation Promotion at STARFLYER Inc., emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Partnering with IBS Software to upgrade our STAR LINK platform is a major step in enhancing the customer experience. This transformation not only strengthens how we engage with members but also sets the foundation for modernizing other legacy systems across our business. It’s the first move in a broader digital overhaul that will elevate every stage of the passenger journey.” Marcus Puffer, Vice President and Head of Loyalty Solutions at IBS Software, added, “This collaboration with STARFLYER highlights iLoyal’s adaptability for mid-size carriers as well as larger airlines. We’re proud to support STARFLYER’s vision for modernization and delighted to expand our footprint in the Japanese and broader Asia-Pacific market.” About IBS Software IBS Software is a global SaaS solutions provider serving the travel industry, offering mission-critical platforms across aviation, hospitality, tour and cruise, and energy sectors. Its portfolio includes solutions for fleet and crew operations, passenger services, loyalty programs, and more, supporting digital transformation throughout the travel ecosystem.

Singapore Airlines Partners with Qualtrics to Enhance Customer Insights Using AI Singapore Airlines has embarked on a three-year collaboration with Qualtrics to advance its customer feedback analysis through sophisticated data analytics and artificial intelligence. This partnership will enable the airline to harness Qualtrics’ technology to gather, process, and interpret passenger feedback from multiple channels, with the objective of gaining a more detailed understanding of customer preferences and concerns throughout the travel experience. Integrating Advanced Analytics into Customer Experience Melvin Ng, Vice President of Customer Experience at Singapore Airlines, emphasized the airline’s commitment to embedding advanced analytics within its customer experience framework. Ng stated that this integration will allow the airline to better comprehend evolving customer expectations, respond more effectively to their needs, and enhance the overall journey with Singapore Airlines. The initiative aims to deliver more responsive service improvements and tailored product offerings by leveraging data-driven insights. A significant element of the partnership involves the use of Qualtrics’ generative AI (GenAI) capabilities to analyse open-ended passenger feedback, including written comments and suggestions. This approach is intended to extract richer insights from unstructured data, enabling the airline to fine-tune its services and address customer requirements with greater precision. The Role of AI in Transforming Customer Feedback Brad Anderson, President of Qualtrics, highlighted the increasing importance of comprehensive experience management within the aviation industry. He noted that as consumer feedback methods evolve, the ability to capture and analyse omnichannel data is becoming essential for organisations aiming to enhance customer experience. Anderson pointed out that numerous leading companies worldwide, including Singapore Airlines, are leveraging Qualtrics’ platform to gain a holistic view of customer interactions across the entire journey. This partnership aligns with broader industry trends where airlines are increasingly adopting technology-driven insights to offer more personalised content and services. The deployment of GenAI to interpret open-ended feedback marks a notable shift towards utilising artificial intelligence to decode complex customer sentiments. Challenges and Considerations in AI Adoption Despite the promising potential of AI and advanced analytics, Singapore Airlines faces several challenges in implementing these technologies. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated data remains critical, as does the seamless integration of new tools with existing systems. Additionally, the airline must address cybersecurity risks, particularly in light of rising threats such as AI-driven impersonation scams. Market responses may include scepticism regarding AI’s capacity to fully capture the intricacies of customer needs. Meanwhile, competitors are expected to intensify their investments in AI-powered customer insight solutions to maintain competitive advantage. Through this partnership, Singapore Airlines will expand its data collection to include both structured survey responses and open-ended feedback from diverse channels. The application of machine learning and GenAI is anticipated to identify key themes and actionable opportunities for improvement on a large scale. By actively analysing and responding to passenger feedback, the airline aims to enhance touchpoints across the travel cycle—from booking and pre-departure to in-flight service and post-travel follow-up—ensuring that customer perspectives are integral to future product and service developments.

Who Manufactures Boeing’s Jet Engines—and Are They Used by Airbus? American aerospace giant Boeing has faced significant scrutiny in recent years, particularly following a series of fatal crashes and technical issues involving its 737 Max aircraft. Despite these challenges, the aircraft’s engines have remained largely uncontroversial. While Boeing designs and manufactures the 737’s distinctive flat-bottomed nacelles—the casings that enclose the engines—the turbofan engines themselves are produced by specialized global manufacturers. The Role of CFM International and Engine Usage Across Manufacturers The leading supplier of jet engines for commercial aircraft is CFM International, a joint venture between the United States’ General Electric (GE) and France’s Safran. CFM’s fuel-efficient LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines power every Boeing 737 Max currently in operation, securing the company a commanding 39% share of the global jet engine market. Importantly, these LEAP engines are not exclusive to Boeing; they also equip certain Airbus A320 models, which directly compete with the 737 and are primarily assembled in Europe. This cross-manufacturer usage underscores the interconnected nature of the aerospace supply chain. Beyond the 737, Boeing’s commercial aircraft portfolio includes widebody jets such as the 777 and the technologically advanced 787 Dreamliner, both of which serve long-haul and high-capacity routes. The engines for these larger aircraft are sourced from other major manufacturers, including GE and Rolls-Royce, reflecting a diversified approach to propulsion systems within Boeing’s fleet. GE Aerospace’s Expanding Global Influence GE Aerospace’s influence extends well beyond its partnerships with Boeing and Airbus. In a notable development amid easing U.S.-China trade tensions, the U.S. government has authorized GE Aerospace to resume shipments of jet engines to China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). COMAC aims to challenge the dominance of Boeing and Airbus in the global market. Under these licenses, GE will supply LEAP-1C engines for COMAC’s C919 single-aisle aircraft and CF34 engines for the C909 regional jet, reinforcing GE’s pivotal role in the international aerospace industry. Meanwhile, production delays at Boeing, coupled with rising demand for aftermarket maintenance, have led GE Aerospace to raise its profit forecast for 2025. As airlines worldwide strive to maintain and upgrade their fleets amid ongoing supply chain disruptions, engine manufacturers such as GE and CFM are positioned to benefit from both new orders and expanded service contracts. In essence, while Boeing assembles its aircraft and certain components, the engines powering its jets—and those of its competitors—are the product of a complex, global network of manufacturers. CFM International and GE Aerospace remain central players in this dynamic and highly competitive industry.

Sen. Markey and Democrats Question FAA Administrator on Staff Cuts and AI in Aviation Safety Concerns Over Staffing Reductions and Safety Oversight Senator Edward Markey, alongside 11 Democratic colleagues, has formally challenged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding recent workforce reductions and the agency’s increasing reliance on artificial intelligence in aviation safety oversight. In a letter addressed to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the senators voiced apprehension that cuts to staffing levels could weaken regulatory oversight and jeopardize passenger safety, particularly as the FAA integrates new technologies into its operational framework. Markey highlighted the recent crash of American Airlines flight 5342 as a critical example exposing “serious gaps in our aviation safety system.” The letter requests comprehensive information on current and projected FAA employee numbers, any existing hiring freezes, and safety impact assessments related to the staff reductions. The FAA has been asked to provide a response by August 11, 2025. Industry Scrutiny and the Role of Artificial Intelligence This inquiry arrives amid intensified scrutiny of the FAA’s operational capacity. Industry experts caution that reductions in personnel, combined with the rapid deployment of AI for safety analysis, risk creating regulatory fragmentation and complicating efforts to maintain consistent oversight. While AI has the potential to enhance efficiency, there are concerns that its integration may introduce unforeseen risks if not carefully managed. Market reactions reflect these uncertainties, with investors expressing anxiety over the FAA’s ability to uphold stringent safety standards amid resource constraints. The broader aviation sector’s reputation and reliability are perceived to be at stake. Meanwhile, industry stakeholders are divided in their responses: some advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks to safeguard safety, while others support AI-driven innovations that seek to balance technological progress with rigorous oversight. Senator Markey has long been an advocate for aviation safety, previously urging greater transparency in staffing decisions and promoting legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of major aerospace companies. His efforts underscore a wider legislative push to ensure that advancements in aviation technology do not compromise public safety. As the FAA prepares its reply, the ongoing debate over balancing efficiency, innovation, and safety in U.S. aviation is expected to intensify, carrying significant implications for regulators, industry participants, and the traveling public.

Multiple Aircraft Incidents Raise Safety Concerns in India’s Aviation Sector On Monday, three separate incidents involving commercial aircraft have intensified scrutiny over airline safety and operational reliability within India’s aviation industry. The most notable event involved an Air India flight bound for Kochi that veered off the runway while landing at Mumbai airport amid heavy rainfall. Concurrently, an IndiGo aircraft traveling from Goa to Indore was compelled to make an emergency landing in Indore due to a technical malfunction. Additionally, an Air India flight destined for Kolkata aborted its takeoff at Delhi airport, also citing technical difficulties. Details of the Incidents An Air India spokesperson confirmed that flight AI2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai, encountered severe weather conditions during its approach, resulting in a runway excursion shortly after touchdown. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members aboard the flight were unharmed. In a separate incident, the IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore detected a technical issue mid-flight, prompting the crew to execute a precautionary emergency landing at Indore airport. No injuries were reported in either case. The third incident involved an Air India aircraft scheduled for Kolkata, which aborted its takeoff at Delhi airport due to technical concerns, with no adverse outcomes reported. Response and Industry Implications In response to these events, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has called for patience as it undertakes comprehensive investigations to ascertain the root causes of the incidents. The bureau stressed the necessity of thorough safety reviews to prevent recurrence and enhance operational protocols. These occurrences have sparked increased attention from regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public, prompting a reevaluation of safety standards across airlines. Some competitors have used the opportunity to highlight their own safety records and operational resilience. Industry analysts suggest that such incidents may impact consumer confidence and influence market dynamics, compelling airlines to reinforce safety measures and reassure passengers. As investigations proceed, both airlines and regulatory authorities are expected to intensify efforts to strengthen safety frameworks, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining operational reliability in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.

Engine Shutdowns by Pilots Linked to Deadly Crashes in South Korea and India Recent investigations have identified manual engine shutdowns by pilots as the primary cause behind two of the deadliest air disasters of the past decade. The tragedies, involving Jeju Air in South Korea and Air India, resulted in a combined death toll of 420, raising urgent concerns about pilot error, training standards, and cockpit safety protocols. The Jeju Air Crash: A Fatal Mistake The Jeju Air disaster occurred in December when a Boeing 737-800 crashed and caught fire at Muan International Airport, claiming 179 lives. Investigators uncovered clear evidence that the pilots mistakenly shut down the wrong engine following a bird strike. Instead of disabling the more severely damaged engine, the crew cut power to the less-affected one, leaving the aircraft with only a single operational engine. This critical error forced an emergency landing, during which the plane collided with a concrete wall and erupted in flames. The Air India Disaster: Intentional Shutdown Raises Questions In June, an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 241 fatalities. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India revealed that the pilot manually switched both guarded fuel controls to the “cut-off” position. Aviation experts have noted that such an action could only have been deliberate. Cockpit voice recordings captured the co-pilot’s panicked question regarding the shutdown, underscoring the confusion in the final moments before the crash. Expert Analysis and Industry Implications Former airline pilot and author Terry Tozer offered insight into the cockpit dynamics that may have contributed to these fatal decisions. He explained that the handling pilot, identified as the First Officer in both cases, would have been fully engaged with the controls, while the monitoring pilot had hands free. Tozer emphasized that there is no standard procedure or logical justification for shutting down both engines immediately after takeoff, describing such an action as a glaring error or potential sabotage. Tozer further noted that engine switches are latched and require deliberate effort to operate, making accidental shutdowns highly unlikely. However, he acknowledged that one pilot could potentially shut down the engines without the other noticing, as the switches are positioned outside the natural line of sight. Industry Response and Calls for Transparency These revelations have intensified scrutiny of pilot training and emergency procedures within the aviation sector. Airlines are reassessing safety protocols, with competitors reinforcing crew training and emergency response measures to prevent similar incidents. The disasters have also prompted demands for greater transparency from investigative authorities, including the release of critical cockpit evidence to clarify the sequence of events. As the aviation industry confronts the aftermath of these tragedies, the focus remains on minimizing pilot error and ensuring robust safeguards are in place to protect passengers during critical situations.

CDB Aviation to Lease Six A321neos to Loong Airlines CDB Aviation, the Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, has entered into lease agreements to supply six Airbus A321neo aircraft to Zhejiang Loong Airlines. The Hangzhou-based carrier is expected to take delivery of the new jets in 2027, according to a statement issued by CDB Aviation on July 20, 2025. Strengthening a Decade-Long Partnership This transaction represents a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between CDB Aviation and Loong Air, which has spanned over ten years. Qihong Liu, Chairman of Loong Air, emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting that it not only reinforces their longstanding collaboration but also opens avenues for future cooperative ventures aimed at fostering innovative development within the aviation sector. The Airbus A321neo, the largest variant in the A320neo family, is anticipated to enhance Loong Air’s operational efficiency and sustainability objectives. Jie Chen, CEO of CDB Aviation, highlighted the aircraft’s superior economic performance and passenger comfort, which align closely with Loong Air’s ambitions to expand its domestic, international, and regional network. The addition of these aircraft will allow the airline to increase capacity on high-demand routes while maintaining a focus on cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Operational and Market Challenges Ahead Despite the promising outlook, both companies face several challenges in implementing the agreement. Integrating the A321neos into Loong Air’s existing fleet will require meticulous operational planning, particularly in areas such as crew training and maintenance protocols. Compliance with China’s regulatory framework for aviation remains a critical consideration, alongside potential supply chain disruptions that could impact the delivery schedule of the aircraft. The expansion is also expected to influence the competitive landscape within China’s low-cost airline sector. The introduction of additional A321neos may intensify competition, compelling rival carriers to reevaluate their fleet strategies. This could lead to adjustments in fleet composition or new lease negotiations as competitors seek to safeguard their market positions. Background on Loong Air and CDB Leasing Founded in 2011, Loong Air operates a fleet exceeding 70 Airbus A320 family aircraft, serving major cities across China as well as select international destinations. CDB Leasing, the parent company of CDB Aviation, functions as the exclusive leasing arm of China Development Bank. It is a prominent entity within China’s leasing industry, with diversified activities encompassing aircraft, infrastructure, shipping, commercial vehicles, and construction machinery leasing.

GE Aerospace Shares Reach 25-Year High Following Strong Earnings Report GE Aerospace’s stock surged to its highest level in 25 years last week, driven by a robust second-quarter earnings report that surpassed Wall Street expectations and led the company to raise its full-year guidance. The aerospace division reported a 21.2% increase in total revenue, reaching $11.02 billion, largely propelled by a 30.3% rise in commercial engine and services revenue, which climbed to $7.99 billion. Orders grew 27% year-over-year to $14.2 billion, while net income rose sharply by 60.2% to $2.03 billion. Adjusted earnings per share stood at $1.66, significantly exceeding analysts’ forecasts of $1.43. Free cash flow nearly doubled, increasing 91.7% to $2.11 billion. Drivers of Growth and Market Response The company attributed its strong financial performance to a notable increase in jet engine deliveries alongside enhanced supply chain efficiencies. Additionally, GE Aerospace has capitalized on rising demand for aftermarket maintenance services. Delays in aircraft deliveries from major manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have compelled airlines to extend the operational life of existing fleets, thereby boosting demand for engine maintenance and replacement parts. This trend has contributed substantially to the company’s revenue growth. Investor sentiment has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting confidence in GE Aerospace’s ability to manage ongoing supply chain challenges while leveraging favorable industry dynamics. Nevertheless, analysts have issued cautionary notes regarding potential competitive pressures. Rivals such as Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney may respond with cost-reduction strategies or technological advancements aimed at reclaiming market share. Outlook and Industry Challenges Despite the optimistic outlook, industry observers highlight potential risks stemming from persistent supply chain disruptions and possible regulatory changes within the aerospace sector. These factors could impact GE Aerospace’s performance in the coming quarters. Investors are advised to closely monitor these developments as the competitive landscape continues to evolve. GE Aerospace’s record-setting stock performance underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing market, reinforcing its position as a leading force in the global aerospace industry.

Ant International and Citi Launch AI Model to Stabilize Airline Fares and Support Tourism On a busy July morning at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, a significant technological advancement is quietly taking shape—one that promises to transform the global tourism industry. Ant International, in collaboration with Citi and several leading airlines, has introduced the Falcon Time-Series Transformer (TST) Model, an artificial intelligence innovation designed to address a longstanding challenge in the airline sector: foreign exchange (FX) risk. The Falcon TST Model and Citi’s Fixed FX Rates The Falcon TST is a transformer-based AI forecasting model that utilizes the same underlying technology as contemporary large language models. By processing extensive historical time-series data—including ticket sales, fuel prices, and macroeconomic indicators—the model can predict future foreign exchange trends with up to 90% accuracy in initial trials. Equipped with nearly two billion parameters, Falcon TST represents a highly advanced approach to forecasting currency fluctuations. When combined with Citi’s Fixed FX Rates solution, which enables corporate clients to lock in foreign exchange rates for predetermined periods, this technology offers airlines a new level of financial certainty. This integration significantly reduces the uncertainty associated with currency management, allowing airlines to hedge against volatility and adopt more stable pricing strategies. The Importance of FX Stability for Tourism Fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect nearly every facet of the travel industry, from airfare and onboard services to route planning and airport fees. Volatile exchange rates can discourage international travelers, disrupt the launch of new airline routes, and undermine the economic stability of tourism-dependent regions, especially in developing countries. By delivering more precise FX forecasts and enabling airlines to secure fixed rates, the Falcon TST model helps carriers offer more consistent airfares. This stability not only enhances passenger confidence but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the global tourism sector. Early Implementation and Industry Impact Asia has served as a key testing ground for this technology. In a recent pilot program with a major Asian airline, the Falcon TST model, paired with Citi’s fixed-rate instruments, achieved a 30% reduction in FX hedging costs. These savings have the potential to be passed on to consumers through more stable or even reduced airfares, thereby improving both airline resilience and affordability for travelers. Challenges and Industry Outlook Despite its promising results, the deployment of Ant International and Citi’s AI-driven solution faces several challenges. Regulatory scrutiny, competitive market dynamics, and the necessity for broad industry adoption may slow its progress. Some traditional financial institutions and airlines remain cautious about embracing the technology, while competitors are expected to develop similar AI-based tools to manage FX risk. Nonetheless, the initial success of Falcon TST highlights the potential for artificial intelligence to introduce greater stability into airline pricing and the wider tourism industry. As the sector confronts these challenges, innovations like Falcon TST could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel by providing enhanced predictability in an inherently volatile market.

AltoVolo Unveils High-Speed eVTOL Aircraft for Personal Flight AltoVolo has introduced the Sigma, a hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for personal use, aiming to transform private air travel. The Sigma merges the convenience of vertical takeoff with jet-like speeds, promising a new level of freedom and independence for individual flyers. Jet Performance with a Compact Design The Sigma’s design evokes a high-performance concept car rather than a conventional aircraft. Measuring just under 16 feet in width, it is compact enough to fit within a standard two-car garage. Its innovative hybrid-electric propulsion system incorporates a patent-pending tilting electric jet mechanism, allowing the aircraft to take off and land vertically like a helicopter before transitioning to high-speed jet flight. This powertrain combines the immediate torque of batteries with the sustained energy of liquid fuel, enabling a top speed of 290 mph, a cruising speed of 220 mph, and a range of up to 510 miles. Quiet Operation Suitable for Residential Areas Noise pollution has long hindered the adoption of urban and residential air mobility. The Sigma addresses this challenge with a noise profile that is over 80% quieter than conventional helicopters. Its takeoff noise is comparable to that of a household dishwasher, registering around 65 to 70 decibels from a distance of 328 feet. This significant reduction in noise could make personal aircraft practical for use in neighborhoods, private estates, or even on yachts, broadening the scope of where personal flight can be integrated into daily life. Focus on Personal Ownership Unlike many eVTOL manufacturers such as Joby and Archer Aviation, which primarily target air taxi services and short urban routes, AltoVolo is positioning the Sigma as a personal vehicle. This approach offers users the flexibility to fly on their own schedules, free from the limitations of airports and boarding procedures. By emphasizing individual ownership, AltoVolo distinguishes itself in a rapidly evolving and competitive sector. Challenges in a Competitive Market AltoVolo’s vision emerges amid a surge of innovation in advanced air mobility. Established companies like Joby and Archer Aviation have made notable strides—Joby recently completed a nine-hour hydrogen-powered flight, while Archer continues flight trials in Abu Dhabi. Other competitors, including Sora with its 30-passenger eVTOL shuttle and Air One’s dual-role aircraft, illustrate the sector’s dynamic pace and diversity. Despite this momentum, significant challenges remain. Regulatory approval, integration into existing airspace systems, and the establishment of rigorous safety standards pose considerable hurdles for AltoVolo and its competitors. Market reception is expected to be mixed; while early adopters may be attracted to the Sigma’s promise of personal flight, traditional aviation stakeholders may question its practicality and safety. The Future of Personal Flight AltoVolo envisions the Sigma as more than a transportation device—it represents a lifestyle shift, offering a new form of independence in the skies. As the advanced air mobility sector intensifies, the Sigma’s combination of high performance, quiet operation, and personal ownership could influence the future of aviation, contingent on overcoming regulatory and technological challenges.