Key Players in the Emerging Drone Taxi Market and Urban Air Mobility

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

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

The "Last-Mile" Problem in Internet Industry In the internet industry, it’s known as the “last-mile” problem: Millions of people and businesses around the world aren’t able to access broadband because they’re missing the final leg of a broadband network, which connects the user to the backbone of the internet. This critical infrastructure, ranging from a few hundred feet to a few miles, can often be too expensive or difficult to build, because of challenges with the terrain or because it would serve too few users — issues that are a bigger problem in rural and remote areas. Potential Solution: Free-Space Optics (FSO) One solution could come from a technology called “free-space optics” (FSO), which uses lasers to transfer data through the air. It was pioneered in the 1960s by NASA and for decades has been a potential game-changer for internet infrastructure. However, the technology has always faced an unavoidable obstacle: weather. Fog and rain, but even simple air turbulence, are enough to disrupt the signal, which also requires a stable, direct line of sight between transmitter and receiver. So, despite the advantage of not requiring any licensing or regulation, unlike radio signals such as 5G, FSO broadband has yet to materialize as a commercial reality. Attochron's Innovation in FSO Technology Now, Virginia-based company Attochron says it’s ready to launch its own version of it — after more than 20 years of development. **Through fog and rain** Attochron, which completed a $15 million funding round in July, says it has begun low-rate production of its main hardware product, called ALTIS-7, which includes a receiver and a transmitter and looks vaguely like a security camera. The company plans to ramp up production early next year in preparation for a commercial launch. To demonstrate the technology, Attochron partnered with telecom company Lumen and an unnamed Fortune 200 retailer, for a three-month “proof of concept.” The laser link stretched over 1.5 miles at a speed of 1.25 Gigabits per second, and the company says it has achieved a top speed of just over 10 Gigabits, which is on par with the fastest fiber-optic business connectivity. Challenges and Persistence But it’s been a long time coming. Founded in 2002, Attochron has yet to release any products or services, something CEO Tom Chaffee calls “a great example of believing in a great idea whose time has yet to come.” After receiving angel funding in 2004, Chaffee says, things slowed down because of the dot com crash hangover, and the company was kept afloat by friends and family. “This modest level of funding, sometimes only $50K or $100K for an entire year, had to pay for everything: personnel, consultants, hardware for test and measurement,” he recalls. “This situation lasted for 10 years, until the first private equity funding, and while painful, it allowed Attochron to build a solid foundation in understanding (FSO) physics and build a team of those not deterred by the long road.” In 2012, Chaffee moved the company to its current base of Lexington, Virginia, which can experience heavy fog and other problematic weather for FSO. “We have extremes in wind speed and various weather conditions that are ideal for testing the resilience of our FSO technology,” he explained.

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.

Israel's Tech Sector Faces Unique Challenges Amidst Conflict Israel’s vast tech sector has seen its fair share of crises, from financial downturns and the Covid-19 pandemic to periodic flare-ups in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Each time, the industry has bounced back, demonstrating why the country of just 9 million people is known as the world’s “startup nation.” But the war sparked by the Hamas assault last weekend that killed more than 1,300 people in Israel has upended daily life in a way that presents a unique challenge to the country’s most important industry. Schools have been ordered to close, once-bustling streets in Tel Aviv, the center of business, have virtually emptied and many businesses remain shut. Some are closed for security reasons, but many simply cannot operate because their employees have been called up to military service. “This is different than anything we’ve faced before,” said Avi Hasson, the CEO of Start-Up Nation Central (SNC), a non-profit that promotes Israel’s tech industry globally. “I think it’s hard to find an Israeli that wasn’t personally impacted by what has happened. [There’s] a very high level of uncertainty right now on how this plays out,” he told CNN. Impact on the Workforce Tech is the single biggest sector of the Israeli economy. Sentiment had already taken a hit before the war broke out. Some tech executives said government plans to weaken the judiciary spooked investors, worsening a global slowdown in fundraising for startups. The war’s most immediate impact on tech firms has come through the workforce. Israel has called up more than 300,000 military reservists to fight in the war, most of them working and studying in Israel, though some have returned from abroad. SNC estimates that about 10% of tech employees in Israel have been drafted, with the number climbing as high as 30% in some companies. Nasdaq-listed Monday.com (MNDY), a company headquartered in Tel Aviv that develops project management software, said about 6% of its workforce around the world had been called up. “Being a global team we are really able to pick up and support each other and don’t anticipate any disruption to business,” head of communications Leah Walters told CNN. Adaptations and Challenges Startups need cash. Israeli tech firms, accustomed to armed conflict, have “playbooks” in place to ensure they can continue operating even during a war, according to Yaron Samid, the managing partner of TechAviv, a network for tech company founders. “The pandemic also equipped our companies and their employees with… work-from-home capabilities,” he added. But certain activities vital to the tech ecosystem can’t be done remotely. At least three high-profile tech conferences due to take place this month have been canceled, including an artificial intelligence summit hosted by chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA), at which CEO Jensen Huang was to deliver a speech in person. Tech executives who spoke to CNN said fundraising and dealmaking could also take a knock, as visits to the country come to an abrupt halt and investors wait to see how the situation unfolds. “Over the next couple of weeks it’s going to be tough, especially for people like investors and stakeholders trying to gauge the long-term impact of the current events.

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

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.

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.