Story and image from Alstom

Satyavedu Reserve Infracity, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India, October 17, 2024 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has successfully delivered the first Metropolis metro train for the Chennai Metro Phase II, from its world-class manufacturing facility in Sricity (Andhra Pradesh). These 100% made-in-India trains are designed for a safe speed of 90 kph and operational speed of 80 kph. The mock-up car upon manufacturing completion was unveiled at an event organised at Alstom’s Sri City site on 22 September 2024 in the presence of dignitaries from government of Tamil Nadu, CMRL and Alstom.

With production started in February 2024, this order aims to deliver 36 trains, each comprising of three cars. These trains are designed to run on the 26 km corridor, a segment of Phase-II linking Poonamallee Bypass to Light House via 28 stations of which 18 elevated and 10 underground.

The project valued at 124 million euros also includes training the Chennai Metro personnel in operation and maintenance. Equipped with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Automatic Train Protection (ATP), these metro trains are engineered and designed to operate driverless with Unattended Train Operations (UTO), representing grade of automation level 4 (GOA 4). Thanks to the regenerative braking system, ensuring substantial energy conservation, these trains will offer an efficient, environmentally friendly and comfortable metro solution for passengers of Chennai. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, these Metropolis trains have been completely designed in India in Bangalore (Karnataka) and are built at the manufacturing facility in Sri City (Andhra Pradesh).

Story and image by Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach, California, October 16, 2024 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has added a last-minute Electron launch to its launch manifest for a commercial mission that is scheduled to launch in just three days’ time.

The mission, called ‘Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes’, will launch to space from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 during a launch window that opens October 19th for a confidential commercial customer. The expedited mission will be Rocket Lab’s fastest turnaround to date: from signed contract to launch date in less than two months.

Rocket Lab’s rapid call-up launch capability, its standardized and rapid production of Electron launch vehicles that ensures a rocket can be assigned a payload for on-demand launch within days, responsive launch sites, and its experienced team behind the second most frequently launched U.S. orbital rocket, are key enablers for this mission.

The mission will be Rocket Lab’s 12th launch of 2024, increasing the Company’s record number of Electron launches achieved annually since orbital launch services began in 2018. Rocket Lab has achieved a 100% increase in its Electron launch rate for the first half of this year compared with the same time in 2023, doubling its rocket production and launch cadence within a year. This increased launch and production rate bolsters Electron’s significance as a proven, sought-after capability for commercial satellite customers globally.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Story by Korean Air

Seoul, South Korea, October 15, 2024 -Korean Air will commence daily flights on the Seoul Incheon-Kumamoto route from November 24, in response to increasing travel demand to Japan. This marks the resumption of the route after a 27-year suspension due to the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

Located in the heart of Kyushu, Kumamoto is known as a year-round tourist destination. It boasts a long history and stunning natural landscapes including Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest caldera volcanoes, and Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three most famous castles. Other attractions include the Kikuchi Castle ruins, a medieval fortress site showcasing architectural influences from Korea’s Baekje Kingdom and offering insights into the region’s feudal history; the Amakusa Islands, presenting picturesque coastal landscapes ideal for nature enthusiasts; and Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring village with a 300-year tradition, offering a traditional Japanese onsen experience in a charming forested valley setting. These diverse attractions, combined with Kumamoto’s mild climate and renowned local cuisine, make it an appealing destination for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and natural beauty throughout the year.

Kumamoto is also famous for its local mascot, “Kumamon.” A combination of “kuma” (bear) and “mon” (person), Kumamon is a playful black bear character that has gained popularity both in Japan and worldwide. Since its debut in 2011, Kumamon has significantly boosted Kumamoto’s recognition, generating over 1 trillion yen annually in revenue and becoming Japan’s most successful character since Hello Kitty.

Korean Air is expanding its services to smaller Japanese cities to meet the growing demand for diverse Japanese destinations. From October 27, the airline will increase frequency on the Seoul Incheon to Okayama and Kagoshima routes, while also resuming the Seoul Incheon-Nagasaki route with four weekly flights. These expansions reflect Korean Air’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing more options for passengers seeking to explore Japan’s rich cultural tapestry beyond major metropolitan areas.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Story and image by American Airlines

Fort Worth, Texas, October 16, 2024 – American Airlines received tentative approval today to begin a round-trip daily flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The nonstop service between SAT and DCA will provide unparalleled benefits for both cities and their respective regions.

This flight provides the most convenient access from San Antonio to the nation’s capital and unlocks improved connectivity and enhanced options for travelers. It also builds on the robust service already provided at SAT by American. American plans to start nonstop service to SAT in the coming months.

American’s application included more than 150 letters of support from the San Antonio community backing the nonstop service, including bipartisan members of the Texas Congressional delegation, mayors, military organizations, advocacy groups and chambers of commerce.

To celebrate the inauguration of this route, American will use distinct flight numbers to honor the city’s proud history and the region’s strong ties to the military. Flight 1718 commemorates the year San Antonio was founded, while Flight 1947 reflects the year the U.S. Air Force was established.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Story and image from Embraer

Fort Worth, Texas, October 15, 2024 – Embraer today announced the expansion and investment in the United States of its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services network to support the growing fleet of E-Jets with the opening of a new Embraer owned service center at the Perot Field Alliance Airport, in Fort Worth, Texas.

In partnership with the City of Fort Worth, Denton County and the State of Texas, Embraer expects to begin operations in an existing hangar in the beginning of the second quarter of 2025, while building a second hangar that should be concluded by 2027. With the new facilities, Embraer’s capacity to serve the E-Jets customers will increase by 53% in the US. The investment will reach up to $70 million and is expected to create approximately 250 new aviation jobs in Texas.

The new Fort Worth service center will be added to Embraer’s global network, which includes 80 authorized centers and 12 owned service centers around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Saab presented the Sirius Compact L20C, a new addition to Saab’s Sirius Compact tactical Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor family at an event in Nuremberg, Germany. This new Communications–Electronic Support Measures (C-ESM) sensor can detect, classify, localise and track communication signals such as enemy troop radios or drone signals. Saab thus offers a modern and NATO-compatible sensor system that provides a high degree of operational flexibility in the field of electromagnetic reconnaissance.

The L20C sensor is capable of operating remotely, is easy to operate and difficult to detect. With high bearing accuracy and state-of-the-art signal processing for robust signal detection, L20C supports the electromagnetic situation picture (Recognised Electromagnetic Picture). The compact form factor and NATO-compatible interfaces enable a wide range of deployment scenarios, such as soldier-borne transport, use on highly mobile light vehicles or tool-free installation on masts. The design philosophy of the sensor follows the principles of Software Defined Defence: namely standardised data interfaces which enable seamless integration into Command & Control (C2) systems.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Story and image by Embraer

Melbourne, Florida, October 15, 2024 – Eve Air Mobility today announced that the company secured a USD$88* million loan agreement with Brazil’s National Development Bank (BNDES) to fund the development of the company’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft production facility in Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Under the BNDES Mais Inovação program, the financing reinforces BNDES’ commitment to supporting innovative projects and Eve’s advancements in fostering decarbonization and the urban air mobility (UAM) industry.

The manufacturing facility financing builds upon the successful partnership between Eve and BNDES following the 2022 approval of a $92.5 million line of credit to support Eve’s eVTOL development program. The new funding agreement is structured by sub-credits from domestic and international sources, including the bank’s foreign currency funds, and a maturity of 16 years.

With an eventual total expected output of up to 480 aircraft per year, Eve plans to expand the site’s production capacity on a modular basis, with four equally sized modules of 120 aircraft per year. This will provide for a disciplined, capital-efficient investment approach as the market grows.

* Equivalent amount in US dollars; BRL 500 million in local currency (Brazilian real – BRL)

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Story and image from Lexus

Braselton, Georgia, October 14, 2024 – The Vasser Sullivan No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 finished third in Saturday’s Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta with drivers Parker Thompson, Frankie Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz. The driver trio drove from the back of the GTD class to a podium result in the 10-hour season finale. Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoatand Kyle Kirkwood ran strong early in the race in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, however an engine issue ended their day early and they finished 13th in the GTD PRO class.

The No. 12 Lexus started in the 18th position in the GTD class after a penalty in qualifying sent them to the back of grid for the start of the 10-hour endurance race. Thompson started the race and worked his way up to 11th-place during his stint. Montecalvo jumped in the Lexus for three stints and ran at the front of the GTD field for 33 laps. Telitz and Thompson closed out the second half the race, battling for their podium position before finishing third with the No. 12 RC F GT3 leading 68 total laps by the race’s end.

The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, driven by Hawksworth, Barnicoat and Kirkwood, went off strategy early in the race to make up a number of positions on track. Hawksworth completed the first stint before Kirkwood took over driving duties nearly 30 minutes into the race. He led 28 laps during his two stints before Barnicoat jumped behind the wheel of the No. 14 Lexus. An engine issue shortly after the driver change ended the No. 14 team’s day early and they went on to finish 13th in class.

The Vasser Sullivan Lexus team ends the season with two wins, four podium results and five pole positions. Parker Thompson led the GTD class with three poles this season.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may 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.

Story and image from Virgin Australia

Monday, October 14, 2024: After returning to profitability in FY23 for the first time in 11 years, Virgin Australia delivered an even stronger performance in FY24, with underlying EBIT increasing by 18.2% to $519 million. This result was achieved despite various challenges, which include supply chain constraints, unprecedented industry inflation and strong competition. The Group result represents an underlying EBIT margin of 9.7%, which is up from 8.8% in FY23.

Virgin Australia’s airline business (which includes domestic, short-haul international, and regional/charter flying) recorded revenue of $5.1 billion, an increase of 5.6%. Underlying EBIT was $392 million, an increase of 8.2%, achieving a margin of 7.6%. The airline margin is inclusive of Group overheads[2], a legacy contract with Velocity and significant investment in frontline team member salaries that came into effect during FY24.

Velocity Frequent Flyer recorded revenue of $409 million, an increase of 23.8%. Underlying EBIT was $115 million, a margin of 28.2%. Velocity delivered strong member engagement with a 13% increase in active members and growing its base to 12 million members.

The ongoing transformation agenda, now in its fourth year, has been critical to Virgin Australia’s return to profitability with continued strong contribution during FY24. Key areas of transformation focus include revenue management and ancillary revenue, digital channels, fleet reconfiguration, operations productivity and ongoing cost reduction. Velocity strategy execution delivered growth in the number of partners and products that earn points and the number of engaged members as well as program cost efficiency.