Tag: California (Page 2 of 13)

Maersk & Kodiak Robotics launch commercial autonomous trucking lane between Houston and Oklahoma City

October 6, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Florham Park, New Jersey/Mountain View, California — A.P. Moller – Maersk AS (OTC: AMKBY) and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., have launched the first commercial autonomous trucking lane between Houston and Oklahoma City. The freight lane marks an expansion of the collaboration between Kodiak and Maersk, which began with their first autonomous freight deliveries together in November 2022 as part of Maersk’s Global Innovation Center Program. Kodiak has been delivering eight loads per week, with a safety driver behind the wheel, for Maersk customers since August.

Kodiak and Maersk are completing four round trips per week on a 24-hour-a-day, four-day-a-week basis between a Houston facility, where consumer products are loaded onto 53-foot trailers, to a distribution center in Oklahoma City. Operational learnings gained from the activity are captured and documented as part of the Kodiak Partner Deployment Program, which is designed to help companies learn how Kodiak’s self-driving trucks can become an integral part of their overall logistics strategy and offerings.

Autonomous trucking solutions have the potential to address long-term challenges faced by the trucking industry. According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry faces a shortage of roughly 78,000 drivers. The ATA estimates that, based on current driver demographic trends, as well as projected growth in freight demand, the shortage could swell to more than 160,000 over the next decade.

Safety continues to be a perennial challenge for the trucking industry as well. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research also estimates that 94% of crashes occur due to human error. For Kodiak, safety and performance are foundational to its autonomous trucking solution. Each vehicle is equipped with 18 different sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, that provide the platform with a 360-degree view around the truck. Every tenth of a second, the truck evaluates the performance of more than 1,000 safety-critical processes and components in both the self-driving stack and the underlying truck platform. The trucks learn in parallel, with system upgrades shared to the entire fleet simultaneously, and are not subject to environmental distractions.

A.P. Moller – Maersk expands global air freight services with Los Angeles air cargo gateway

October 4, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Los Angeles, California, October 3, 2023 – A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S A (Copenhagen: MAERSKa) has inaugurated a new 130,000 square foot air freight import/export gateway near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that offers direct planeside recovery with immediate unit load device (ULD) transfers. The west coast facility complements Maersk’s growing north American network of air cargo gateways, including Atlanta and Chicago which have been stood up in the last 12 months.

The new facility is just 15 miles from LAX and less than nine miles from the Port of Long Beach. Site staffing will be in place for the conduct of customs brokerage, commercial sales, and freight operations such as LCL transload. This site is U.S. Customs bonded Container Freight Station (CFS) and a U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF). This ensures timely and secure air freight handling. The facility is scheduled to attain Free Trade Zone status in 2024 to benefit from lower duties, reduced processing fees, and faster movement of goods.

The opening of the Los Angeles facility is the latest step in Maersk’s North American air freight capacity expansion program that extends across strategic cargo entry points and is aligned to customer demand. The new capacity allows for more supply chain integration opportunities and better scaling to care for seasonal peaks as well as market driven volume spikes for breakout product launches.

LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world for both passenger traffic and cargo handling and is a major gateway between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region. According to Los Angeles World Airports, LAX ranks among the top 5 airports in the U.S. by tonnage. Los Angeles is a leading high-technology center for the nation in the entertainment, electronics, biomedical, computers, and aerospace industries.

Air Lease Corporation announces Airbus A330-200 placement with HiSky

September 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Los Angeles, California, September 18, 2023, Business Wire – Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced a long-term lease placement for one Airbus A330-200 aircraft with HiSky. Scheduled to deliver to the European carrier in 2023, this A330-200 aircraft joins one A319-100, four A320-200s and two A321-200neo LR aircraft currently on lease to HiSky from ALC.

“We are pleased to continue our support of HiSky Europe with the lease of this first widebody aircraft to the airline,” said David Beker, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Head of Aircraft Sales & Trading at Air Lease Corporation. “After two and a half years of steady and successful growth with their all-ALC narrowbody fleet, HiSky came to us ready to launch widebody operations and ALC is delighted to provide high-quality aircraft that will enable the carrier to realize their commercial objectives.”

“Over the past two years, we’ve experienced consistent growth that has brought us to this pivotal moment—the moment when we are prepared to acquire our first widebody aircraft. We’ve now become the fourth-largest air carrier at Romania’s primary airport and the largest operator of Airbus aircraft registered in Romania. Our partnership with ALC has undeniably proven to be a successful one. The aircraft they have provided us have been instrumental in helping HiSky achieve record-breaking passenger levels during this summer season. Having accomplished all the goals we set for ourselves over the years, we’re profoundly grateful for the trust and support of our partners as we embark on this exciting new venture,” said Iulian Scorpan, CEO of HiSky.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Joby Aviation selects Dayton, Ohio for first scaled manufacturing facility

September 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Santa Cruz, California and Dayton, Ohio, September 18, 2023 — Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced it plans to locate its first scaled aircraft production facility in Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation.

The Wright Brothers, who invented and flew the first powered aircraft, lived and worked in Dayton and opened the first airplane factory in the United States there in 1910. The city is also home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories which has played a key role in supporting Joby’s development.

Joby plans to build a facility capable of delivering up to 500 aircraft per year at the Dayton International Airport, supporting up to 2,000 jobs. The 140-acre site it has selected has the potential to support significant further growth over time, providing enough land to build up to two million square feet of manufacturing space. Construction of the scaled Ohio facility is expected to start in 2024 and it is expected to come online in 2025. Joby plans to use existing nearby buildings to begin near-term operations.

The State of Ohio, JobsOhio and local political subdivisions have offered incentives and benefits of up to $325 million to support the development of the facility, while Joby plans to invest up to $500 million as it scales operations at the site. Joby is also announcing today that it has been invited by the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a Part II Application for financing under the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program, which provides access to low-interest loans for clean energy projects and would support the scaling of the facility.

Joby’s long-term investor, Toyota, who worked with Joby on the design and successful launch of the company’s Pilot Production Line in Marina, California, plans to continue to advise Joby as it prepares for scaled production of its commercial passenger air taxi in Ohio.

Click the link below to watch the Joby aircraft rollout!

JSX restarts Cabo to LAX service & boosts Dallas flights

September 10, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

JSX, the semi-private air carrier, has announced that it would restart service between Cabo San Lucas (CSL) and Los Angeles (LAX) and increase service between Cabo and Dallas (DAL).

Here’s what you need to know.

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JSX says it will restart flights between Los Angeles and Cabo San Lucas beginning on October 19, 2023, and will offer 5 flights per week on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The carrier will also increase its Dallas-Cabo schedule to 2 flights per day on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

All tickets include 2 checked bags, onboard cocktails, and ample legroom to stretch out.

To celebrate, JSX is offering promotional fares on the routes. Here’s a look:

Los Angeles (LAX)-Cabo San Lucas (CSL): Starting at $599 one-way
Dallas (DAL)-Cabo San Lucas (CSL): Starting at $519 one-way

If you aren’t familiar, JSX offers a “semi-private” model where you can arrive at the airport and hop onto a flight just a few minutes before departure. Unlike major carriers, JSX utilizes much smaller private terminals and airport hangars, which cuts out traditional pain points of commercial aviation, such as crowds and long lines at security screening.

Virgin Galactic announces window for third commercial space flight

August 29, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Galactic 03’ to Fly Three Virgin Galactic “Founder” Customers

Flight Window Opens September 8, 2023

Company’s Fourth Spaceflight in Four Months

Orange County, California, August 28, 2023 – Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) today announced the ‘Galactic 03’ flight window will open on September 8, 2023, continuing a monthly cadence of spaceflights. This would be the Company’s fourth spaceflight in four months.

The three ‘Galactic 03’ crew members are the first of Virgin Galactic’s group of ‘Founder’ astronauts – the first customers whose forward-thinking vision and early ticket purchases helped make the dream of regular commercial spaceflights a reality.

The ‘Galactic 03’ crew bought their tickets as early as 2005 and, since then, have been an active part of the Company’s vibrant Future Astronaut community. This community – comprised of approximately 800 individuals representing over 60 different countries – enjoys access to distinctive experiences designed to inspire and to enrich their spaceflight experience.

The pilots for ‘Galactic 03’ are VSS Unity Commander Nicola Pecile, VSS Unity Pilot Michael Masucci, and the Astronaut Instructor is Colin Bennett.

In the past twelve weeks, Virgin Galactic has introduced eleven new astronauts to the world. Following the ‘Galactic 03’ spaceflight, the customers on board would become Virgin Galactic astronauts 014, 015 and 016.

Amtrak Airo Trainsets Ordered to Meet Surging Demand

August 22, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Washington, D.C. – Amtrak executed a contract option to order 10 additional Amtrak Airo trainsets as demand for passenger rail travel exceeds expectations. This brings the total contract order to 83 trainsets. The first Amtrak Airo trainset is scheduled to debut in 2026 and these new trains will operate on routes throughout the country. The Amtrak Airo trainsets are being manufactured in California by Siemens (OTC: SIEGY) A.G. of Germany.

Currently in production, the new trains will elevate the customer journey. Features include:

💺 Spacious, Comfortable Seats: Loaded with features and improvements:
- Dedicated power, USB-C ports, seatback tablet and phone holders, bigger and sturdier tray tables and adjustable cup holders.
- Contoured seat cushions, enhanced leg room, individual arm rests and adjustable headrests – all with a focus on ergonomics.
🗺 Trip and Train Navigation: Bolder, color-coded signage to identify amenities and differentiate classes of service, both on board and on the platform.
🌍 Greener Impact:
- More fuel efficient, producing 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations.
- Dedicated water stations on each trainset, providing chilled and filtered hydration, while reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles.
🤳 Modern Tech: New 5G Wi-Fi and digital information systems.
♿ Enhanced Accessibility:
- Spacious and accessible restrooms, vestibules and Café cars with integrated boarding equipment for customers with reduced mobility.
- Inductive hearing technology to assist with onboard announcements.
🍽 Café Car: Contemporary food service allows for a grab-and-go experience.
🚽 Restrooms: Touchless with spacious, accessible interiors.
💻 Business Class: Increased space between customers, offering double and single seats, wider arm rests, additional outlets, footrests and improved ambiance.
💡 Lighting: Enhanced lighting provides a softer yet functional interior with individual reading lights at each seat.
🧳 Luggage: Access to ample storage space for baggage.

Click the link below to watch the video!

Air Lease Corp. announces $300 million deal for Five Boeing 737 Aircraft with Royal Air Maroc

August 22, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Los Angeles, California, Business Wire – Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced long-term lease contracts for five Boeing 737 aircraft with Royal Air Maroc (RAM), including four new Boeing 737-8s and one Boeing 737-800. The new aircraft are scheduled to deliver to the Moroccan flag carrier in 2024 from ALC’s order book with Boeing. These new contracts are augmenting already placed ALC owned aircraft operated by RAM.

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the “Investors” section of its website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult Air Lease Corporation’s website regularly for important information. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

JetBlue and Air Serbia Announce New Codeshare Agreement

August 7, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

New York, N.Y., BUSINESS WIRE – JetBlue Airlines (NASDAQ: JBLU) and Air Serbia today announced a new partnership making Air Serbia-operated flights available on JetBlue.com with a new codeshare agreement.

Beginning July 26, 2023, JetBlue placed its “B6” airline code on Air Serbia-operated nonstop flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). Additionally, JetBlue plans on placing its “B6” code on other flights between Belgrade and points in Europe in the near future. Air Serbia plans to add their “JU” airline code to 25 destinations throughout the JetBlue network.

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada, United Kingdom and France. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

Surf Air Mobility Announces the Successful Completion of Southern Airways Acquisition

August 6, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Los Angeles, California – August, 2023 – Surf Air Mobility Inc. (SAM), a regional platform aiming to sustainably connect the world’s communities, announced that the it has completed the acquisition of Southern Airways (“Southern”) immediately prior to its listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SRFM on July 27, 2023. The combination of Surf Air Mobility and Southern will provide the basis for SAM’s anticipated expanded, nationwide regional air mobility platform. Following the close of the transaction on July 27, 2023, Surf Air Mobility has 69,742,981 basic shares and 71,603,186 fully diluted shares outstanding.

Surf Air Mobility intends to accelerate the adoption of green flying by developing, together with its commercial partners, hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrain technology to upgrade existing fleets. By creating a financing and services infrastructure to enable this transition at an industry-wide level, Surf Air Mobility believes it can bring electrified aircraft to market at scale and substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of regional flying. Surf Air Mobility believes such cost and environmental impact reductions are achievable by the end of the decade, and that operating as a publicly-traded company and having efficient access to growth capital will enable and accelerate the implementation of its strategic plan.

Surf Air Mobility also announced that it will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2023 and provide outlook for the full year 2023 the week of August 14, 2023.

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