SpiceJet begins fleet revival with first overhauled engines from StandardAero

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.

U.S. Factory Orders Surge in May WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New orders for U.S.-manufactured goods surged in May due to strong demand for aircraft, and business spending on equipment appeared robust halfway through the second quarter. Factory orders increased 8.2% after a downwardly revised 3.9% drop in April, according to the Commerce Department's Census Bureau. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast factory orders rebounding 8.2% after a previously reported 3.7% decline in April. They increased 3.2% on a year-on-year basis in May. Manufacturing Sector Overview Manufacturing, which accounts for 10.2% of the economy, remains constrained by President Donald Trump's aggressive tariffs on imported goods. An Institute for Supply Management survey on Tuesday showed anxiety over trade policy among manufacturers in June. Manufacturers described the business environment as "hellacious" and "too volatile" for long-term procurement decisions. Trump views the tariffs as a tool to raise revenue to offset his promised tax cuts and to revive a long-declining industrial base. Economists argue that this feat is impossible in the short term due to labor shortages and other structural issues. Key Industry Orders - **Commercial aircraft orders** soared 230.8%. This includes at least 150 aircraft from Qatar Airways placed with Boeing during Trump's visit to the Gulf Arab country in May. - Orders for **motor vehicles, parts, and trailers** rose 0.8%. - **Computers and electronic products** saw an increase of 1.5%. - Orders for **electrical equipment, appliances, and components** rose 0.7%. - **Machinery orders** gained 0.4%. Business Spending and Equipment The government also reported that orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft, which are seen as a measure of business spending plans on equipment, rebounded 1.7% in May as estimated last month. Shipments of these so-called core capital goods rose 0.4%, revised down from the 0.5% reported last month. Non-defense capital goods orders jumped 49.5%. They were previously reported to have accelerated 49.4%. Shipments of these goods dipped 0.1% instead of being unchanged as previously reported. (Reporting by Lucia Mutikani)

Archer's Milestone in Urban Air Mobility Archer today announced the successful completion of an initial flight of its Midnight aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone for its planned commercial deployment in the UAE and the expansion of its operations in the Middle East region. With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the flight was witnessed by senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer’s regional partners. Evaluating VTOL Performance Focused on evaluating the aircraft’s VTOL performance in UAE-specific conditions including temperature, humidity and dust exposure, the test flight allows Archer to validate readiness for commercial deployment. Following this milestone, Archer will expand its flight-testing program for Midnight in the region, gathering additional data to support its certification and commercialization plans in both the UAE and other key markets. Statements from Leadership “This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,” said H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. “Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies.” “Our initial test flight operations in the UAE represent a critical milestone as we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation. “Testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.” Launch Edition Commercialization Program The test flight supports Archer’s Launch Edition commercialization program with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish air taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes as Archer continues to advance its certification and commercialization efforts in the UAE and beyond, building on recent achievements including regulatory design approval for the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing partnerships with leading regional operators. The Launch Edition program represents Archer’s approach to establishing commercial operations in key early adopter markets. Abu Dhabi’s role as Archer’s first Launch Edition market positions the emirate as a global leader in urban air mobility deployment, demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovative transport and sustainable mobility solutions. About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Drone Taxi Market | Shaping the Future of Urban Air Mobility & Smart Cities **Top Most Keyplayers:** - FlyPix AI - Wisk Aero - JAL Air Mobility - Eanan - Lilium - EHang - Joby Aviation - Volocopter - Archer Aviation - Lilium The Global Drone Taxi market reached US$71.93 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 3,828.51 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 62.4% from 2025-2032. Drone Taxi Market is set to expand significantly over the next few years, according to the latest market intelligence report. This comprehensive study analyzes emerging trends, market size, pricing dynamics, and strategic opportunities, empowering B2B marketers, analysts, and industry stakeholders with critical data for informed decision-making. What is a Drone Taxi? A drone taxi is an autonomous or remotely piloted aerial vehicle designed to transport passengers through urban airspace, offering a fast, efficient alternative to ground transportation. Powered by electric or hybrid systems, these vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft aim to reduce traffic congestion and emissions while improving urban mobility. Still in early stages of development and regulatory approval, drone taxis represent a key innovation in the future of smart, sustainable transportation systems. Market Players in the Drone Taxi Market The companies are primarily focusing on strategies such as new product launches to penetrate the fastest-growing emerging markets across the world. Key Developments in the Drone Taxi Market - **Darsh Dronobotics and Trouve Partner for Hydrogen Air Taxi:** In 2024, Darsh Dronobotics Systems partnered with Canada's Trouve Innovation Hub Inc. to co-develop a hydrogen-powered five-seater air taxi, supporting India's net zero emissions target by 2025. - **Southwest Airlines and Archer Plan eVTOL Air Taxi Network:** In 2024, Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation signed an MoU to design operational plans for electric air taxi services using Archer's eVTOL aircraft across California airports. Drone Taxi Market Segments **By Propulsion Type:** - Fully Electric - Hydrogen-powered - Hybrid **By Passenger Capacity:** - Single Passenger - Two-seater - Multi-passenger **By Application:** - Ride-Sharing Services - Airport Shuttle Services - Emergency Medical Transport - Tourism & Leisure - Military & Defense - Others The Drone Taxi industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in medical technologies, increased demand for innovative therapies, and a rising focus on patient-centered care. As these sectors evolve, the need for comprehensive market analysis becomes crucial to understand trends, regulatory changes, and emerging opportunities. Research Methodology Our analytical framework employs cutting-edge statistical modeling and data mining techniques to identify emerging patterns, forecast market trajectories, and decode complex industry dynamics. We enhance our findings through sophisticated market segmentation analysis and Porter's Five Forces evaluation, providing a 360-degree view of the competitive landscape. This multi-layered methodology ensures our delivered insights are not only data-driven and credible but also strategically relevant and immediately actionable for critical business decisions. Regions Covered: The global Drone Taxi Market report focuses on six major regions: North America, South America, Europe, and other key regions. Each region is analyzed to uncover market potential and growth opportunities, catering to a variety of industrial needs and strategic planning.

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

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.

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.