Hydrogen Refueling in Aviation: The ALRIGH2T Approach

FG Allocates N19 Billion for VP’s Aircraft Engine and Related Expenses The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated a total of N19.27 billion over a three-year period for engine overhauls and associated maintenance costs within the Presidential Air Fleet. The most significant portion of this budget—N10.61 billion—is designated for the Gulfstream G550 aircraft assigned to Vice President Kashim Shettima. This allocation, which accounts for 55% of the total engine maintenance budget under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is outlined in the appropriation bills for 2024 through 2026 and was reviewed by The PUNCH. Escalating Costs and Technical Challenges Budget documents reveal a marked increase in funding for the vice president’s aircraft, registered as 5N-FGW. The allocation for engine overhauls surged from N1.24 billion in 2024 to N5.51 billion in 2025, representing a 345% increase, before decreasing to N3.86 billion in 2026. Initially classified as a “NEW” project in 2024, the maintenance effort was reclassified as “ONGOING” in subsequent years. The Gulfstream G550, which has been in service for 13 years and is known as “Nigerian Air Force 2” when transporting the vice president, has encountered multiple technical difficulties. In May 2024, Vice President Shettima was forced to abort a trip to the US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas after the aircraft developed a fault mid-flight. This incident followed an earlier episode in which President Tinubu had to charter a private jet to Saudi Arabia due to an oxygen leak on the same aircraft. Additionally, in October 2024, Shettima canceled a planned trip to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa after a foreign object struck the plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York. Officials within the presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the rising maintenance costs to these recurring technical failures, which have necessitated urgent and extensive repairs. Beyond the Gulfstream G550, the government has also allocated funds for engine overhauls on two Falcon 7X jets (registered 5N-FGV and 5N-FGU), with a combined budget of N6.98 billion over three years. Furthermore, N1.68 billion was set aside in 2024 for maintenance on another Gulfstream jet (5N-FGS). Broader Context and Future Outlook Engine overhaul expenditures peaked in 2025 at N8.65 billion, coinciding with the delivery of a new Airbus A330 valued at N150 billion. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga emphasized that the introduction of this new aircraft is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s maintenance and fuel costs. By 2026, spending on older aircraft is projected to decline by 30% compared to the previous year. These budgetary decisions come amid wider challenges affecting government spending and aviation safety. Political divisions in Washington have raised concerns about potential partial government shutdowns, which could disrupt market stability and federal funding for infrastructure projects. Such uncertainties may influence market dynamics and prompt competitors in the aviation sector to accelerate upgrades, including retrofitting aircraft with advanced flight control and mission computers to comply with evolving safety and regulatory standards. Overall, the government’s three-year plan allocates N4.58 billion in 2024, N8.65 billion in 2025, and N6.05 billion in 2026 for engine overhauls across the Presidential Air Fleet. These figures reflect both the urgent need for maintenance and the shifting landscape of aviation regulation and fiscal policy.

Amazon Seeks Feedback on AI Training Framework Proposal EASA’s Initiative to Regulate AI in Aviation The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is nearing the close of its public consultation on the AI Trustworthiness Framework, a critical step in shaping the future of artificial intelligence regulation within the aviation sector. Launched in November, the consultation period will end in February, providing training organizations and industry stakeholders a limited window to influence the framework’s development. This initiative, detailed in a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA), aims to establish technical guidance that aligns with the EU AI Act’s stringent requirements for high-risk AI systems, ensuring that AI applications in aviation meet rigorous standards of trustworthiness. The framework is part of the first phase of Rulemaking Task (RMT) 0742, a collaborative effort involving key players such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Amazon, Thales, CAE, and Boeing. A second NPA is anticipated in 2026 to further extend the framework’s reach to regulators. The proposed guidelines focus on preparing the aviation community for the integration of AI-based assistance (Level 1 AI) and Human-AI teaming (Level 2 AI). It addresses critical aspects including AI assurance, human factors, ethical considerations, and the deployment of data-driven AI systems, encompassing both supervised and unsupervised machine learning methodologies. Impact on Aviation Stakeholders and Industry Response The framework explicitly targets a broad range of aviation stakeholders, including approved and declared training organizations, operators of flight simulation training devices, air traffic control training providers, and maintenance training entities. Additionally, unmanned aircraft manufacturers and aircraft operators are among those expected to be affected. EASA has called on these participants to submit feedback to ensure the framework adequately reflects operational realities and regulatory expectations. Amazon’s involvement in the development of this AI training framework underscores its strategic positioning amid intensifying competition from other technology giants such as Alphabet and Google, both aggressively expanding their AI capabilities. The market’s reaction to Amazon’s proposal has been mixed. While some investors view the initiative as a potential catalyst for increased market share in AI, others express caution over the risks of an AI market bubble. Meanwhile, competitors including Dell and Cisco are anticipated to ramp up investments in proprietary AI technologies, notably in the development of AI chips, aiming to reduce dependence on Amazon’s framework. Market perceptions of Amazon’s ability to sustain its competitive advantage in AI will likely influence investor confidence and the company’s stock performance. As regulatory frameworks evolve, Amazon’s success in shaping and adapting to these new standards will be closely monitored by industry peers and financial markets alike. The Road Ahead With the consultation deadline approaching, EASA stresses the importance of comprehensive industry feedback to refine the AI Trustworthiness Framework. The outcomes of this process will have significant and lasting implications for the integration, regulation, and trust of AI technologies within aviation and potentially across other sectors.

Alaska Airlines Partners with Accenture to Upgrade IT Systems Using Cloud and AI Addressing Operational Challenges Through Technological Modernization Alaska Airlines has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its IT infrastructure aimed at enhancing system resilience and restoring customer confidence following a series of disruptive technology failures. The Seattle-based carrier, which has experienced significant operational setbacks and reputational damage due to recent outages, is collaborating with global consulting firm Accenture to modernize its technology framework by leveraging cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The imperative for this transformation became evident after a notable incident in October 2025, when a hardware failure at the airline’s primary data center triggered a nationwide ground stop and resulted in the cancellation of over 400 flights. This outage stranded more than 49,000 passengers and generated widespread criticism, particularly regarding the airline’s delayed communication during the crisis. The event underscored the limitations of Alaska Airlines’ legacy IT systems, some of which have been in place for decades and are ill-equipped to handle the demands of real-time data processing and modern operational requirements. Strategic Partnership and Technological Initiatives In response to these challenges, Alaska Airlines has engaged Accenture to conduct a thorough audit and spearhead the upgrade of its IT systems. Central to this initiative is the migration of critical operational and back-office functions to cloud-based platforms, which will introduce enhanced redundancy and scalability designed to mitigate the risk of future outages. The airline is also investing in advanced monitoring technologies and AI-driven predictive maintenance tools, aiming to proactively identify and resolve potential system issues before they escalate into major disruptions. This strategic pivot toward technology investment aligns with Alaska Airlines’ broader goals of expansion and integration following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines. Executives have acknowledged that modernizing the airline’s IT infrastructure is essential to support these ambitions and to improve overall operational reliability. Challenges and Market Response Despite the clear benefits, the transformation presents significant challenges. Industry experts caution that large-scale IT upgrades, particularly those involving the integration of AI technologies, often encounter delays and technical complexities. There are also inherent risks related to data security and system reliability that must be carefully managed throughout the deployment process. Furthermore, the competitive nature of the airline industry means that Alaska Airlines faces pressure not only to implement these changes effectively but also to keep pace with rivals who are accelerating their own technology investments. Market reactions to the announcement have been mixed. While some investors view the modernization effort as a critical step toward long-term stability, others remain cautious about the immediate financial returns of substantial cloud and AI expenditures. The company will need to balance the urgency of technological advancement with prudent risk management and transparent communication to maintain stakeholder confidence. As Alaska Airlines advances its IT overhaul in partnership with Accenture, the initiative represents a decisive move to overcome recent operational turbulence. By embracing cloud and AI solutions, the airline seeks to establish a new benchmark for reliability while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving and highly competitive industry.

Florida Advances Ambitious Air Taxi Service Plan The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is progressing with an innovative initiative to launch an air taxi service, aiming to commence operations by the end of this year and achieve full statewide coverage by 2026. This project forms a key component of Florida’s Advanced Mobility Initiative, which seeks to alleviate congestion on the state’s heavily trafficked roadways, particularly along the I-4 corridor that connects Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota. By introducing a high-tech alternative to traditional ground transportation, the state hopes to enhance mobility for both residents and visitors. Development of the Advanced Air Mobility Network The initial phase of the Advanced Air Mobility Network will establish connections between airports along the I-4 corridor, creating a new transportation option that leverages vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Central to this effort is the construction of the nation’s first vertiport—a specialized facility designed to accommodate these advanced air vehicles. Florida plans to build two vertiports to serve as controlled environments for testing and operational deployment. An FDOT representative highlighted the pioneering nature of the project, suggesting it could be the first of its kind in the United States and potentially worldwide. Challenges and Competitive Landscape Despite the ambitious timeline, the project faces significant challenges. The development of necessary infrastructure, obtaining regulatory approvals, and ensuring passenger safety remain critical obstacles. The regulatory framework is evolving, with recent federal efforts aimed at accelerating the integration of flying taxis into U.S. airspace. This regulatory progress occurs amid intensifying international competition, notably from China, where companies such as EHang have already made substantial advances in urban air mobility. Domestically, the air taxi market is becoming increasingly competitive, with U.S.-based firms like Archer and Joby Aviation rapidly advancing their technologies. Florida’s early investment in vertiport infrastructure may provide a strategic advantage, but industry analysts caution that the ultimate success of the initiative will depend on the speed and safety with which the service can be introduced to the market. State officials remain optimistic about the project’s potential impact. The Advanced Air Mobility Network is envisioned as a model for other regions, with the capacity to transform travel within Florida and establish a precedent for urban air mobility across the nation. The initial phase is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with broader statewide service planned for 2026.

Airbus Confirms 2025 Delivery Target Amid Supply Chain Challenges Airbus announced that it delivered 793 aircraft in 2025, successfully meeting its revised annual target despite ongoing supply chain and production difficulties. The European aerospace manufacturer had initially projected around 820 deliveries at the start of the year but was compelled to lower its guidance to approximately 790 aircraft following quality issues with fuselage panels on its A320 model and a recall for a software upgrade. Surpassing this adjusted goal reflects Airbus’s operational resilience in a challenging market environment. The company also reported a significant reduction in the number of engineless A320 “gliders”—aircraft awaiting engines—from a peak of 60 last year to what officials described as a “manageable” small number. While supply chain disruptions persist, particularly concerning aircraft interiors, Christian Scherer, who stepped down as CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft on December 31, emphasized that no widebody aircraft are currently grounded awaiting components. Scherer, now in a transitional role alongside his successor Lars Wagner, addressed the media for the final time in his former capacity. Strong Momentum for the A350 Program and Market Dynamics Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, highlighted the growing momentum behind Airbus’s flagship A350 program. In 2025, Airbus secured orders for 193 A350s, including a significant Memorandum of Understanding with Air Europa for 20 A350-900s. This agreement, expected to be finalized within the year, aims to replace Air Europa’s aging Boeing 787 fleet. Saint-Exupéry noted that Air Europa’s decision underscores the A350 platform’s superior economics and performance as the ideal solution for the airline’s next phase of growth. As airlines approach the first wave of replacements for early 787 fleets, Airbus anticipates that more carriers will follow Air Europa’s lead, not only with the A350-900 but also with the larger A350-1000, which is increasingly favored as a replacement for Boeing 777s. Despite Airbus’s successes, Boeing also reported a strong year, announcing over 300 orders for its 787 Dreamliner in 2025—its best performance in years. When questioned about Boeing’s sales achievements and whether they stemmed from superior sales campaigns or political influence, Saint-Exupéry remarked, “I would simply say the answer is in the question.” He acknowledged that Airbus prevailed in two out of three open sales campaigns against Boeing in 2025 but recognized the 787’s earlier market entry and sustained appeal for repeat orders. Scherer conceded that Boeing benefited from political backing, stating, “Fair enough. What it means for us is that we just have to be more convincing than our competitor and its political support on the quality of our products.” Airbus is scheduled to release its audited year-end commercial data on January 12, which is expected to provide further insights into its 2025 performance and strategic outlook.

WLFC Partners with Blackstone to Expand Aircraft Leasing Willis Lease Finance Corp. (WLFC) has entered into a significant partnership with Blackstone Credit & Insurance, aiming to deploy over $1 billion in aircraft engine leasing over the next two years. This strategic move aligns with expectations of a strong year ahead for the aircraft leasing sector, driven by robust demand and favorable market conditions. Financing Strategy and Market Context Traditionally, WLFC finances its assets with a capital structure comprising 80% debt and 20% equity, according to Chief Financial Officer Scott Flaherty. The new partnership with Blackstone is set to provide a substantial portion of the credit, enabling WLFC to accelerate its growth strategy and diversify its funding sources. Flaherty emphasized that the company’s growth had previously been constrained by equity capital limitations, and this collaboration is expected to enhance portfolio expansion and funding diversification. A central element of WLFC’s approach involves asset-backed securities (ABS), a market in which the company has been actively engaged. WLFC completed its ninth ABS transaction in December, following another in June, collectively raising nearly $1 billion. The ABS market itself has experienced significant growth, with 15 deals totaling just over $10 billion in issuance in 2025—an 85% increase compared to the previous year, according to aviation intelligence provider IBA. This surge marks the strongest year for ABS issuance since the 17-deal peak in 2019. Industry Outlook and Market Dynamics Morningstar DBRS, a leading rating agency, projects a favorable outlook for the global aircraft leasing sector in 2026. The agency highlights solid but moderating economic growth, sustained demand for air travel, and a persistent shortage of airworthy aircraft and engines as key factors supporting the sector. Lessors face considerable financing requirements in the coming year, including funding new aircraft deliveries and refinancing maturing debt. The active ABS market is expected to continue playing a crucial role, allowing lessors to diversify funding sources and reduce costs. Tightening spreads have further attracted issuers to the ABS market. Flaherty noted that the spread on senior notes from December’s $393 million deal narrowed to 155 basis points, down from 165 basis points on June’s $596 million deal. With Airbus and Boeing production still unable to meet demand, and new technologies contributing to longer repair times and aircraft groundings, demand for existing aircraft remains elevated. Morningstar DBRS anticipates these trends will persist into 2026, supporting higher lease rates, stronger aircraft values, and solid financial performance for lessors. Challenges and Competitive Landscape Despite the promising outlook, WLFC’s partnership with Blackstone faces potential challenges. Regulatory scrutiny and intensifying market competition could present obstacles. The announcement has already heightened investor interest in aircraft leasing, prompting competitors such as Bridgepoint Group and Residco to potentially enhance their offerings, expand portfolios, or forge new partnerships to maintain their positions in the aviation asset market. Nonetheless, WLFC appears well-positioned to leverage its expanded access to capital and the ongoing strength of the aircraft leasing sector to capitalize on current market dynamics.

Airbus Exceeds Delivery Targets in 2025 Amid Robust Market Demand TOULOUSE — Airbus delivered a total of 793 commercial aircraft in 2025, surpassing its revised annual target of 790, according to Bloomberg News. This represents a 4% increase compared to the 766 aircraft delivered in 2024, with single-aisle models continuing to dominate the delivery mix. The company’s ability to exceed expectations highlights the sustained strength of its production capabilities despite facing operational challenges earlier in the year. Operational Challenges and Production Resilience Airbus encountered several hurdles in 2025, including a recall prompted by a necessary software upgrade and the identification of fuselage panels that failed to meet quality specifications. Despite these setbacks, the manufacturer maintained steady production momentum, demonstrating the resilience of its supply chain and manufacturing processes. This performance underscores Airbus’s capacity to manage complex operational issues without compromising delivery schedules. Order Book and Market Demand In 2025, Airbus secured 1,000 gross orders, translating to 889 net orders after cancellations, from 57 customers worldwide. The year ended with a record backlog of 8,754 aircraft, including 1,124 widebody jets, reflecting strong and sustained demand across its entire product range. A notable highlight was the firm order from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) for 30 additional A320neo Family aircraft, emphasizing the continued appeal of Airbus’s single-aisle models in key markets. Airbus is scheduled to release its audited year-end commercial data on January 12, 2026, which is expected to provide further insights into its delivery performance. The company’s full-year financial results will follow on February 19, 2026.

Dassault Aviation Leads $200 Million Investment in AI Defense Startup Dassault Aviation is leading a $200 million funding round in Harmattan AI, a Paris-based defense technology startup, highlighting the increasing significance of artificial intelligence in contemporary military systems. This investment values Harmattan AI at approximately $1.4 billion and is intended to accelerate the integration of sophisticated AI capabilities into future defense platforms, with a particular emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The decision to invest comes amid shifting global defense priorities driven by recent conflicts and escalating geopolitical tensions, which have heightened demand for autonomous systems and advanced threat assessment technologies. Dassault Aviation is already incorporating AI into its forthcoming Rafale F5 fighter jet and associated unmanned systems, aiming to enhance autonomous operations and enable real-time battlefield decision-making. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly endorsed the investment, emphasizing its importance in reinforcing France’s strategic autonomy and technological leadership within its armed forces. The market has responded favorably, interpreting the deal as a crucial move to sustain France’s position at the forefront of defense innovation. Nonetheless, Dassault’s ambitious expansion into AI-driven defense technologies faces significant challenges. The integration of cutting-edge AI into existing military platforms presents both technical and operational complexities, while regulatory scrutiny concerning defense-related AI applications remains a potential impediment. Furthermore, this investment is expected to intensify competition, as rival defense companies may accelerate their own AI initiatives to remain competitive. Company Overview and Financial Position Dassault Aviation, a subsidiary of the French multinational Dassault Group, is a prominent designer and manufacturer of military fighter jets and business aircraft. The company holds a 26% stake in Thales, a major contributor to its net profit. In 2024, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of EUR 6.2 billion and employed approximately 14,600 people. Defense aircraft equipment and services constitute 62% of its revenue, with Falcon business jets accounting for the remaining 38%. Operating within the Industrials sector and the Aerospace & Defense industry, Dassault Aviation has a market capitalization of $28.03 billion. Despite its strong market presence, Dassault has experienced a 3% revenue decline over the past three years. The company, however, maintains solid profitability, with a net margin of 11.93% and an operating margin of 8.51%. Its balance sheet remains robust, characterized by a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03 and an interest coverage ratio of 76.01, indicating a strong capacity to service debt obligations. Nevertheless, the Altman Z-Score of 1.02 places Dassault in the distress zone, signaling a potential risk of financial instability within the next two years. From a valuation standpoint, Dassault’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 33.56 approaches its five-year high, while its price-to-sales (P/S) and price-to-book (P/B) ratios are also elevated, suggesting the stock may be overvalued. Technical indicators support this assessment, with a Relative Strength Index (RSI-14) of 72.03 indicating overbought conditions. Outlook Dassault Aviation’s substantial investment in Harmattan AI represents a significant milestone in the advancement of AI-powered defense technologies. While this initiative positions Dassault at the cutting edge of military innovation, it also introduces considerable integration and regulatory challenges, alongside increased competition within the sector. The company’s financial resilience and strategic foresight will be essential as it navigates the complexities of this rapidly evolving landscape.

Eutelsat Advances $2.56 Billion OneWeb Upgrade with 340-Satellite Airbus Order Eutelsat has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to the future of satellite communications by placing a €2.2 billion ($2.56 billion) order for 340 OneWeb satellites with Airbus. This significant contract, announced on January 12, follows an initial order of 100 satellites made in December 2024 and comes after Eutelsat successfully stabilized its financial position to support the full investment. The new satellites are slated for launch beginning in 2026, marking a critical phase in the company’s efforts to maintain and expand the OneWeb Gen 1 constellation into the next decade. Expansion and Strategic Positioning The planned satellite launches align with Eutelsat’s broader strategy to extend its low-Earth-orbit (LEO) network and strengthen its presence in the increasingly competitive global satellite internet market. This expansion is intended to ensure uninterrupted service for the OneWeb Gen 1 constellation well into the 2030s, providing a bridge to the eventual transition to the European Commission’s Iris2 secure communications network. By reinforcing its LEO capabilities, Eutelsat aims to secure a more robust foothold in the race to deliver high-speed, reliable internet access worldwide, particularly targeting underserved regions and addressing growing global data demands. Challenges and Market Dynamics Despite the ambitious nature of this upgrade, Eutelsat faces considerable challenges, including the high costs associated with satellite manufacturing and launch logistics. The company must also navigate complex regulatory approvals while contending with intensifying competition from other satellite internet providers. Notably, SpaceX’s Starlink continues to accelerate its satellite deployments and enhance its service offerings, heightening competitive pressures within the sector. Market reactions to Eutelsat’s announcement have been positive, with increased investor interest reflecting growing confidence in the long-term demand for global broadband connectivity. Industry competitors are expected to respond by accelerating their own deployment schedules or introducing new technologies to maintain market share. Eutelsat’s substantial investment underscores the escalating competition and innovation driving the satellite internet industry as operators strive to connect more users worldwide.

Russia Initiates Flight Testing of Upgraded Mi-34M1 Helicopter Featuring New Engine Russia has commenced flight tests of the modernized Mi-34M1 light multipurpose helicopter, as evidenced by recently released footage from a test airfield. The Mi-34M1 represents an updated iteration of the original Mi-34, which first took to the skies in 1986. Initially developed as a Soviet counterpart to Western light helicopters such as the Robinson R44, the Mi-34 saw limited production, with only around 30 units manufactured. Engine Upgrade and Technical Specifications The most notable enhancement in the Mi-34M1 is the integration of the domestically designed VK-650V turboshaft engine. This powerplant, engineered for helicopters with a maximum takeoff weight of up to four tons, delivers 650 horsepower during takeoff. Its performance metrics are comparable to those of the Ukrainian AI-450V engine, which currently powers several modern light helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. By adopting the VK-650V, Russia aims to reduce its dependence on Western and Ukrainian engine suppliers for this class of aircraft. Despite this significant upgrade, the Mi-34 airframe remains largely unchanged and is widely regarded as technically outdated. The design imposes inherent limitations on internal space, operational range, and payload capacity. Consequently, the Mi-34M1 is expected to serve primarily in roles such as pilot training, communications, and patrol missions, rather than competing as a versatile multi-role helicopter. The reliance on a design dating back to the 1980s underscores the persistent challenges Russia faces in developing and deploying modern light rotary-wing aircraft. Challenges and Market Context The introduction of the VK-650V engine presents its own set of hurdles. Ensuring the engine’s reliability and consistent performance across diverse operational environments will be critical, and the certification process may encounter delays. While the upgraded engine could attract interest from military customers seeking advanced helicopter technology, ongoing geopolitical tensions are likely to constrain international sales prospects. In the global market, Western manufacturers are anticipated to continue advancing helicopter and engine technologies. Companies such as Pratt & Whitney are developing high-performance engines, exemplified by the F119 used in the F-22 fighter jet, while the United States Air Force pursues autonomous fighter programs. These developments highlight the competitive environment Russia confronts as it endeavors to modernize its rotary-wing fleet. Ultimately, the Mi-34M1 appears to function more as a test platform for the VK-650V engine than as a serious contender in the global light helicopter market. The project reflects Russia’s broader efforts to achieve technological self-sufficiency amid the complex challenges of introducing new-generation aircraft in a highly competitive international landscape.