Category: Military

Iridium to Acquire Aireon, Advancing its Strategy to Lead the Future of Aviation Safety 


Iridium Communications Inc., a provider of global voice, data, and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) satellite services, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aireon LLC, operator of the world’s only space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system. The acquisition of Aireon is a defining step in Iridium’s strategy to provide the foundational architecture for global aviation safety, bringing space-based surveillance, safety communications, PNT, and operational data together on a single network.

“Aireon has always been part of Iridium’s aviation safety strategy. We founded it in partnership with the world’s leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), because we believed space-based aviation safety was a generational opportunity,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “The aviation industry is now entering an era of growing air traffic, denser airspace, autonomous aircraft, and greater expectations for safety and resiliency. Bringing Aireon fully inside Iridium better positions us to build what’s needed to support the future of aviation, including more innovations like the future introduction of space-based VHF communications.”


A Combined Platform for Aviation Safety
The acquisition unites Aireon’s surveillance and data services, including GPS jamming and spoofing detection, with Iridium’s global satcom network and PNT services that help keep GPS-dependent systems working in contested environments. This combination creates one company providing four critical aviation industry capabilities: knowing where every aircraft is, communicating with the pilots flying them, providing the navigation and timing integrity those aircraft rely on, and translating that information into operational insights that make airspace safer and more efficient. No other satellite operator delivers this combination of capabilities on a global scale.


Today, the Aireon system, which is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), flies as a payload on the Iridium satellite constellation and tracks an average of 190,000 flights per day. Commercial aircraft broadcast information such as an aircraft’s identity, location, altitude, speed, and heading. Aireon’s space-based ADS-B payload captures this information in real time, with 100% global coverage. ANSPs covering more than 50% of the global airspace rely on Aireon data to create safer and more efficient airspace.


The world’s leading ANSPs and investors in Aireon, including NAV CANADA and NATS (United Kingdom), AirNav Ireland, ENAV (Italy), and Naviair (Denmark), each played a vital role in launching the Aireon service, proving its reliability, and establishing it as a critical part of the global air traffic control infrastructure. NAV CANADA and NATS, which together manage the most heavily trafficked oceanic airspace in the world – the North Atlantic Tracks between Europe and North America, were the first to go live with the service. In connection with the acquisition, both ANSPs will sign extended data services agreements through 2035 and beyond, with provisions for continued cooperative development of space-based VHF communications and other new capabilities.


“Aireon and Iridium have been partners since day one, and that partnership is the reason we have been able to build the world’s only space-based air traffic surveillance system and a fast-growing aviation data services business alongside it,” said Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon. “Becoming part of Iridium is a natural next step for our team, our customers, and our roadmap, particularly as our data products expand into new areas like turbulence detection and aviation data analytics. Together, we are building the foundation for the future of global aviation.”


“NAV CANADA is proud of our foundational role in establishing Aireon’s world-first technology,” said Mark Cooper, President and CEO, NAV CANADA. “This sale sharpens our focus on our core expertise: keeping Canada’s skies safe. As a fellow founding partner, Iridium is the ideal owner to guide Aireon’s continued commercial growth. We wish the entire team continued success and look forward to our ongoing relationship as a customer.”


“We have been proud to be a part of Aireon’s successes, most notably making real-time aircraft surveillance over the Atlantic a reality for the first time in history, enabling even safer operations across the North Atlantic,” said Martin Rolfe, CEO, NATS. “As a shareholder for the past eight years, it is now the right time for us to divest. We are confident Aireon is well positioned for the future and wish the team every success in the next stage of its development.”


The Next Transition: Space-Based VHF
Space-based VHF communications represent a major opportunity in air traffic management, extending pilot-to-controller VHF services into oceanic and remote airspace where ground infrastructure cannot reach, without the need for additional aircraft equipment. The model is similar to how aircraft already carry ADS-B transceivers, which enables Aireon to deliver space-based ADS-B surveillance without requiring fleet retrofits.


Aireon’s Growing Data Services Business
Beyond surveillance for ANSPs, Aireon operates a fast-expanding aviation data services business that sells real-time and historical aviation data to airlines, airports, OEMs, governments, and aerospace operators. Product lines already available or launching this year include turbulence detection, GPS jamming and spoofing detection, and safety and efficiency analytics. Additional applications are also in development to support the rapidly evolving airspace environment.

Aireon’s data business is one of its highest-growth areas today and is expected to be a meaningful contributor to the combined company’s aviation growth.

TruVideo Brings Faster Diagnostics and Maintenance Efficiency to the Aviation Industry

 TruVideo, a provider of AI-powered video and messaging communication technology for the transportation industry, has expanded its video intelligence engine into the aviation market. The technology leverages verified video with structured data to provide actionable operational intelligence. The insights help MROs reduce Aircraft on Ground (AOG) time by enabling faster diagnostics and accelerating maintenance throughput.

The video intelligence engine – TruVideo AOG – improves efficiency and documentation during the aviation maintenance process. Maintainers, pilots or crew members submit guided-capture videos through an integrated platform, allowing off-site specialists to analyze the video remotely to diagnose problems and estimate repair costs. Through video troubleshooting and remote collaboration, quicker, evidence-based operational decisions can be made. Planners can order and stage parts, allocate personnel, and reserve bay space before an aircraft lands, decreasing downtime and getting it back in the air faster. It also reduces the need for fly-along inspections or time-consuming specialist travel to and from the service site that can delay diagnoses and repairs. Standardizing workflows can also help mitigate labor shortages by improving efficiency and productivity. 

“We are building on our expertise in the automotive industry to help reduce costly AOG time and keep aircraft flying,” said Joe Shaker, chief executive officer and co-founder of TruVideo. “By expediting the diagnostic process and allowing technicians to see operational issues remotely, TruVideo AOG helps MROs close gaps in communication, eliminate maintenance bottlenecks, reduce downtime, minimize lost revenue and get planes back in business faster.”

By providing secure, enterprise-grade media management, TruVideo helps users maintain compliance and safety standards. Its centralized system captures, organizes and protects operational video and photos, and cloud-based infrastructure handles the compression, storage and transfer of large files. Role-based access controls ensure only authorized personnel interact with files, and videos include metadata, timestamps and chain-of-custody controls to support quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

TruVideo’s video intelligence engine can be delivered as embedded video intelligence inside existing systems; as a branded mobile app for guided capture and verified documentation; or via frictionless, no-app “instant capture” links that let technicians and partners create secure, metadata-rich visual records from any smartphone in seconds.

Add-on AI-powered integrations are available to improve communication and the user experience, including noise cancellation, translations, subtitles and transcripts, and text analysis.

For more information, visit TruVideo.com/aviation or read the white paper “Reducing AOG Time: The Visual Operations Imperative in Aviation Maintenance.”

Veryon GSE Named “Best All-Around Vendor” by Alaska Air Group at GSE Summit 2026

Veryon, a provider of aviation software and information services, announced that its ground support equipment solution, Veryon GSE (formerly EBIS GSE), has been awarded the Best All-Around Vendor honor at the Alaska Air Group GSE Summit 2026. 

The award recognizes partners who go beyond traditional vendor relationships to deliver measurable operational impact and long-term strategic value.

“The Best All-Around Vendor is more than a supplier. They are a true strategic partner who listens, adapts quickly, and delivers solutions that make our operation safer and more efficient,” said Mehdi Jnah, director of GSE, Alaska Airlines. “From simplifying service requests for our ramp teams to improving how we track and respond to equipment issues, Veryon GSE has helped us move toward a more proactive, data-driven maintenance strategy.”

What began as a need to simplify service requests and improve visibility into equipment issues evolved into a set of scalable capabilities, including QR code-enabled access for ramp teams, enhanced tracking of red-tagged equipment, and stronger feedback loops between operations and maintenance. These improvements have helped Alaska Air Group capture more consistent data and respond to issues more effectively in real time.

Veryon GSE has also strengthened fleet visibility through automatic in-service reporting, giving teams the insights needed to move from reactive maintenance to a more proactive approach. With better access to equipment data, Alaska Air Group has been able to identify trends earlier, improve decision-making, and maintain tighter control over fleet performance. 

“This award reflects what’s possible when product innovation is guided by real operational needs,” said Santosh Nachu, vice president of growth and integration at Veryon. “Our teams partnered closely with Alaska Air Group to deliver solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also support long-term performance and reliability.”

Veryon’s support was especially critical during the integration of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Through system upgrades, targeted enhancements, training, and hands-on collaboration, Veryon helped maintain operational continuity while enabling both organizations to continue moving forward.

The recognition highlights a broader shift across aviation, where operators are prioritizing partners who bring flexibility, responsiveness, and a willingness to co-develop solutions. Veryon’s approach reflects that model, combining technology innovation with deep customer collaboration to drive measurable results.

Siemens and Xometry Partner to Bring Expanded AI-Native Supply Chain Intelligence to Siemens Xcelerator

Siemens has entered into a strategic partnership with Xometry, the global, AI-native marketplace connecting buyers and suppliers of custom manufacturing. The partnership will allow Siemens to embed proprietary manufacturability, pricing, sourcing and lifecycle intelligence directly into the design digital thread, natively within Siemens Xcelerator.
 
This partnership builds on Siemens’ broader supply chain intelligence vision, where Siemens’ Supplyframe brings deep design-to-source intelligence across electronic components and Xometry extends that intelligence into standard and custom mechanical parts through its digital marketplace business and Thomas, Xometry’s extensive North American industrial sourcing network.
 
In addition to the integration within Siemens’ Designcenter™ software, the partnership includes integration of Thomas, Xometry’s North American industrial sourcing network, with Siemens’ Supplyframe to bring deep design-to-source intelligence for both electronic and mechanical components to completely source the Bill of Materials (BOM) for Siemens’ customers.
 
The partnership is accompanied by a minority investment into Xometryof approximately $50 million1, reflecting Siemens’ conviction that AI-powered execution intelligence will be a defining source of differentiation in the next generation of industrial software. By tightly integrating design, pricing, sourcing insights and production insights across the digital thread, Siemens and Xometry are creating capabilities that neither company could deliver independently.
 
“Industrial competitiveness is defined by how fast and how confidently companies can turn digital ideas into physical reality,” said Tony Hemmelgarn, president and CEO, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “By infusing Siemens’ comprehensive digital twin expertise and industrial AI innovation with large-scale, AI-driven manufacturing intelligence, we’re breaking down the boundary between design and production for our customers. Our partnership with Xometry enables us to leverage AI to deliver the intelligence captured from millions of manufactured custom parts directly into the design process, empowering designers to work smarter, faster, and with greater impact.”
 
“Xometry and Siemens share a common opportunity: embed AI directly into the design digital thread, putting manufacturability, pricing, sourcing and execution intelligence in front of engineers at the instant design decisions are made,” said Randy Altschuler, co-founder and CEO, Xometry. “Xometry has built and trained its AI-native platform on the real-world complexities of manufacturing, including millions of part files, actual manufacturer feedback and production outcomes at global scale. This partnership enables us to deliver this intelligence to engineers inside the design systems and workflows where manufacturing decisions are made. When that intelligence is embedded inside the world’s leading industrial software, everyone wins.”

Xometry has built its platform on millions of part files, design feedback from real world manufacturers and production outcomes across a global supplier network of more than 5,000 active suppliers. Its models are built and refined on real-world feedback to provide design for manufacturing (DFM) AI and the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine (IQE) outputs that deliver part price and quality.
 
 Unlike other integrations that require separate logins, Siemens’ customers will have a unique deep, native integration workflow that will provide access to real-time feedback on design feasibility, manufacturing options, pricing and lead times directly within their existing design and lifecycle workflows. As designs progress, the collaboration extends beyond design into execution visibility, allowing teams to move from digital intent to physical production with fewer handoffs and greater transparency.
 
The partnership also supports Siemens’ strategy to broaden access to industrial technology across companies of all sizes. By combining Siemens’ enterprise-grade software and global go-to-market reach with Xometry’s high frequency, execution-driven manufacturing workflows, the collaboration opens new pathways to engage small and medium-sized manufacturers while maintaining the rigor, security, and scalability required by the world’s largest industrial organizations. 

Recoil Aerospace Announces New Expeditionary Fuel System (EFS)

Recoil Aerospace, Inc. (Recoil) has announced the debut of its latest product innovation, the new Expeditionary Fuel System (EFS), which was unveiled at the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Summit in Nashville.

The addition of a fuel pump system to Recoil’s existing Expeditionary Fuel Tank (EFT) further expands its mission support capabilities for operators, providing increased, immediate access to fuel when needed most. Geared toward the ever-growing need for Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARP) in remote locales, the EFS is both durable and lightweight – key aspects when operating in austere and/or unexpected locations. Recoil’s continued commitment to delivering dependable and mission-ready support to military and commercial customers worldwide is even more evident with this new system.

“Recoil is committed to supporting United States Army Aviation and its ground forces in the ever-expanding dynamic of the modern battlespace. Introducing the Expeditionary Fuel System provides the soldier with a modular, durable, and lightweight solution to agile FARP operations.The EFS provides a 1,000-gallon carbon fiber tank, 150 gallon per minute pump, filtration, 50-foot hose reel in a sling loadable, air droppable package, which is scalable with added 1,000-gallon Expeditionary Fuel Tanks. This is the capability gap closer we believe Army Aviation has been looking for,” said Joseph Rice, President of Recoil Aerospace.

The addition of the EFS reflects Recoil’s continued investment in updating and expanding its product line to support growing global demand.

Rethinking Runoff: How Diverter Valves Protect Infrastructure, Operations, and the Environment

By: Chris Eberly, PE, Vice President Product Development at NWPX Park

Water management in commercial and industrial environments is rarely as simple as installing a drain. In outdoor wash areas, fuel loading pads, aircraft hangars, retail service zones, and data center campuses, runoff can originate from two fundamentally different sources — routine rainfall and active wash operations. Each demands a different destination. Rainwater is typically required to discharge to storm systems, while wash water containing oils, detergents, fuel residues, and debris must be routed to sanitary sewer systems or containment for treatment. Improper flow routing is not just a design flaw — it is a compliance failure that can trigger regulatory violations, environmental damage, and operational shutdowns.

Diverter valves are engineered to resolve this conflict. Installed below grade within catch basins or vault structures, these systems automatically direct runoff to the appropriate discharge point based on operating conditions. Rather than relying on manual intervention, they create a multi-path hydraulic control point between storm, sanitary, and containment pathways. This transforms runoff management from a binary decision into a configurable routing strategy aligned with site-specific risks and regulatory requirements.

For engineers, municipalities, and facility owners, this capability transforms runoff management from a compliance vulnerability into a predictable, engineered solution.

The Engineering Principles Behind Diversion Systems

At its core, a diverter valve functions as a multi-path hydraulic control point, transforming runoff management into a controlled routing system capable of directing flow between stormwater, sanitary, and containment pathways as conditions change.

When wash operations begin, the system diverts that runoff to the sanitary sewer or a designated holding tank for treatment. This hydraulic control point ensures that rainwater does not overload wastewater treatment facilities, while contaminated wash water does not enter storm systems that discharge directly into rivers, lakes, or coastal waters.

Two primary system configurations are used, depending on site conditions and surface area: Demand-Driven and First Flush.

In smaller wash zones — generally 200 square feet or less — a demand-driven configuration is often sufficient. In this design, the system senses water flow in the supply line to a pressure washer or wash system. When flow exceeds a defined threshold, typically around half a gallon per minute, the valve automatically opens to divert runoff to sanitary treatment. Once washing stops, the valve returns to its default position directing water to storm. This approach requires no manual switching and avoids the operational risk associated with human error.

For larger paved areas, the first flush principle becomes critical. This configuration builds upon the same demand-driven activation but incorporates a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)-controlled process to capture and treat the initial runoff volume. The “first flush” refers to the initial half-inch of rainfall over a surface area—the portion most likely to mobilize accumulated oils, hydrocarbons, and debris. Engineers calculate this volume based on site area, and the system then meters and releases runoff in controlled batches, repeatedly cycling the valve until the full volume has been diverted for treatment.

In many applications, these two approaches are integrated within a single system, providing continuous protection across both operational and environmental conditions while scaling from compact retail pads to large industrial sites and airport tarmacs.

Because these systems operate below grade in moisture-prone environments, reliability is essential. Many installations employ hydraulically actuated valves rather than fully electric motorized assemblies, reducing exposure-related maintenance concerns in subterranean vaults. The result is a largely maintenance-free solution designed for long-term service.

Diversion Configurations and Application Scenarios

Diversion systems are often viewed as simple two-path controls—directing flow between stormwater and sanitary systems. In practice, however, modern infrastructure requires more flexible routing. Based on site risk, regulatory requirements, and operating conditions, systems can be configured in several ways.

Three-way diversion (common configurations):

Stormwater ↔ Sanitary Sewer
The most common configuration for washdown applications. Runoff flows to stormwater under normal conditions and is diverted to sanitary during wash events.
Applications: wash racks, dumpster/compactor areas, maintenance pads.

Sanitary Sewer ↔ Spill Containment
Used where storm discharge is not permitted. Runoff is directed to sanitary under normal conditions and to containment during spills or controlled events.
Applications: medical decontamination, hazardous wash areas, spill prevention.

Stormwater ↔ Spill Containment
Runoff is typically discharged to stormwater but diverted to containment during fueling or spill events.
Applications: fuel transfer areas, loading racks, aviation fueling or deicing.

Four-way diversion (advanced configurations):
Stormwater ↔ Sanitary Sewer ↔ Spill Containment
These systems provide maximum flexibility, allowing runoff to be routed based on real-time conditions such as rainfall, wash activity, or emergency events.
Applications: medical decontamination facilities, high-risk industrial sites, critical infrastructure.

Expanding Applications Across Infrastructure Sectors

While wash racks are a natural application, diversion systems are increasingly being specified in a wider range of facility types. Dumpster and compactor areas represent one of the most overlooked runoff challenges. Liquids generated from solid waste accumulation often mix with rainwater and discharge directly to storm systems when left unmanaged. As regulatory awareness increases, some municipalities now require diversion or pretreatment systems in dumpster enclosures. What was once viewed as a housekeeping issue is now recognized as an environmental compliance concern.

Fuel loading and unloading zones present another critical use case. Facilities handling diesel, aviation fuel, or other hydrocarbons must comply with spill prevention and discharge regulations. In these environments, diversion systems route runoff either to storm drains during normal conditions or to containment tanks when fueling activities occur. Failure to implement compliant controls can expose operators to significant financial penalties and operational risk.

Aircraft hangars equipped with aqueous firefighting foam systems require similar diversion capabilities. During suppression events, foam discharge must be routed to holding tanks rather than municipal sewer lines. The same underlying valve technology can serve these specialized scenarios.

Emerging markets are also driving adoption. Data centers, for example, rely on large-scale cooling infrastructure that often requires periodic washdown. Municipalities increasingly prohibit untreated wash water from entering storm systems. In colder climates, frost depth considerations may necessitate deeper installations, insulated vault assemblies, or integrated heating elements. These projects demonstrate that diversion systems are not static catalog products but adaptable engineering platforms capable of responding to complex site constraints.

Structural Integration and Long-Term Durability

Installation flexibility is a significant advantage of modern diversion systems. In new construction, diverter valves can be integrated directly into precast concrete vaults, delivering a complete, traffic-rated structure ready for installation. Precast construction offers proven structural integrity, long service life, and resistance to deformation. Because many wash and fueling areas are located in parking lots or high traffic zones, vaults must withstand vehicular loading, from service trucks to aircraft support equipment.

Retrofit scenarios are also common. Systems can often be installed within existing catch basins, provided separate storm and sanitary connections are available. Coordination between civil and plumbing disciplines is typically required, particularly when adding pressurized supply lines for demand activation. However, once installed, these systems operate with minimal routine maintenance.

Within the portfolio of NWPX Park, a division of NWPX Infrastructure, diverter valves are incorporated into engineered, pre-plumbed precast systems rather than supplied as isolated components. These engineered systems may integrate separators, screening components, or additional treatment elements within a unified vault assembly. Delivering a factory-assembled system reduces field complexity, improves quality control, and ensures that the diversion mechanism performs as designed.

Customization is another factor critical to performance. Whether adapting to deep frost lines in northern climates, integrating filtration for marine facilities, or designing for heavy-load runway environments, diversion systems can be scaled and configured to meet project-specific demands. This ability to refine and recombine established technologies allows engineers to respond to evolving regulatory expectations without compromising durability.

Diversion as a Strategic Compliance Tool

Environmental regulations governing stormwater discharge and wastewater treatment continue to evolve. Municipalities and state agencies are placing greater emphasis on preventing contaminated runoff from entering natural waterways. As awareness increases around the environmental impact of uncontrolled discharge, diversion systems are shifting from optional enhancements to specified infrastructure elements.

For design engineers and facility owners, the benefits extend beyond avoiding fines. Proper diversion protects municipal treatment capacity, reduces pollutant discharge to receiving waters, and demonstrates proactive environmental stewardship. It also positions facilities to adapt to tightening discharge standards without costly retrofits in the future.

Runoff will always occur. The difference lies in whether it is directed intentionally or allowed to follow the path of least resistance. Diverter valves provide a controlled, engineered solution that aligns infrastructure performance with environmental responsibility, an outcome increasingly demanded by regulators, municipalities, and project stakeholders alike.

Avincis and De Havilland Canada Sign Agreement for Supply Maintenance, Maintenance and Modifications on Waterbomber Fleets in Europe and Morocco

De Havilland Canada and Avincis have signed an agreement for customer-focused initiatives in support of the CL-215, CL-215T, CL-415 and the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) aircraft in Europe and Morocco, where Avincis will be one of De Havilland’s key suppliers and partners available to customers for MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services in those regions.

The agreement means that De Havilland will be able to leverage Avnicis’ engineering and certification expertise to develop supplemental type certificates (STCs) design and obsolescence modifications for the family of CL aircraft. In addition, Avincis-led modification opportunities will be developed in partnership with De Havilland Canada for waterbomber aircraft for customers, which will subsequently be included in De Havilland’s aftermarket parts catalogue.

In preparation for this increased activity, Avincis is designing a new dedicated hangar precinct on its site at Albacete airport in Spain where there will be additional capacity for De Havilland Canada De Havilland Canada aircraft maintenance and modification work.

John Boag, Avincis group chief executive officer, said: “We are proud that De Havilland has chosen us as a partner for MRO and modifications in Europe and Morocco. This is a testament to our robust MRO network and capability in Europe where we are the largest provider of emergency aerial services. It also reflects the experience we have built up over 20 years of operating and maintaining the world’s largest fleet of 23 Canadairs.”

“We are very pleased to be working more closely with Avincis. They bring deep experience with the CL aircraft and have a strong presence in Europe, making them an excellent fit for us,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “This partnership strengthens our global network while helping us better support operators, advance our waterbomber fleet, and accelerate the introduction of select DHC-515 solutions to our CL-415 operators through this STC process.”

SkySelect Raises $9M to Modernize Aircraft Parts Procurement with AI

The platform helps airlines and MROs reduce costly aircraft-on-ground delays and excess inventory by using specialized AI to optimize sourcing across global aviation supply chains.

Estonian-founded SkySelect, an AI-powered procurement platform transforming how airlines and maintenance providers source aircraft parts, has secured $9 million in funding. 

Airlines face mounting pressure to modernize legacy procurement systems that leave them holding approximately $50 billion in excess parts inventory globally. 

When aircraft are grounded due to missing components, airlines scramble to procure parts through manual, fragmented processes that can take days or weeks. Aircraft-on-ground (AOG) incidents, where a plane is grounded waiting for parts, cost airlines around $30 billion each year. Airlines also carry more than $10 billion in excess inventory.

Advancements in procurement technology are enabling airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations (MROs) to reduce the number of shipments by up to 30 per cent while keeping fewer parts in stock. This minimizes logistics costs and reduces carbon emissions, making operations more sustainable.

SkySelect pioneered the application of AI to aviation parts procurement before AI became ubiquitous in marketplace technology. Unlike generalized large language models, SkySelect’s platform employs specialized AI to match aircraft part requests with optimal suppliers across its network of thousands of vendors worldwide, providing real-time market visibility. This targeted approach enables just-in-time procurement, building operational resilience while reducing the need for costly safety stock.

The company also partners with major ERP solution providers to streamline the end-to-end part procurement process through seamless integrations. 

Since its launch, SkySelect has processed over $6 billion in transactions, with $1.3 billion completed in 2025 alone.

The company is currently landing approximately one new major client per month, with recent additions including JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, Air Transport Services Group, Widerøe, and Vueling.

Verb Ventures and RockCreek co-led the round, with participation from SmartCap Green Fund, funded by the European Union NextGenerationEU, and existing investors Bain Capital Ventures and Lux Capital.

Erkki Brakmann, chief executive officer and co-founder of SkySelect, shared: “Legacy procurement systems and processes are fundamentally broken. Airlines invest over $40 billion annually in aircraft parts while simultaneously carrying $50 billion in excess inventory — a massive inefficiency that our AI-driven platform directly addresses. This growth funding validates both our early-mover advantage in applying AI to aviation procurement and the tangible value we’re delivering to customers.” 

Alexander Chikunov, founding partner at Verb Ventures, says: “SkySelect exemplifies the kind of B2B platform we back: a platform that brings transparency to opaque supply chains through data and automation. This new funding positions SkySelect to capture a larger share of the $40 billion aircraft materials market.”

Anahita Smeets, managing director at RockCreek, says: “RockCreek invests in AI and innovative companies that deliver both economic value and operational resilience. SkySelect addresses a critical bottleneck in aviation by using AI to match supply and demand for parts. With airlines facing billions in losses from aircraft-on-ground delays and excess inventory, we believe SkySelect’s platform offers a compelling solution at scale.”

The investment will be used to enhance its AI sourcing and procurement optimisation tools, helping airlines and MROs build a more reliable, predictable, and sustainable supply chain. SkySelect plans to hire across product development, data science, and customer success in its offices in the USA, India, and Estonia.

Scintam Tackles Seized Fastener Problem Live at DPRTE 2026

Nottingham, U. K.-based engineering firm Scintam is bringing its FastEDR technology to DPRTE 2026 in Farnborough, offering live demonstrations of a machine that’s modernizng how engineering teams deal with one of the most persistent challenges in maintenance: the safe removal of seized fasteners.

Powered by electrical discharge machining technology, FastEDR removes seized fasteners without heat, force or chemicals. CEO Duncan Kerr and CTO Pete Woodsmith will run the demonstrations and will be available to answer questions.

The Problem

Seized fasteners are a constant — and costly — challenge across defence platforms. Current removal methods, such as hand-drilling and pneumatic tools, are unpredictable, risk damaging high-value components, and can lead to extended downtime — grounding assets that are needed in service.

The Solution

FastEDR is portable, non-destructive, and works in situ, delivering consistent processing times regardless of fastener condition.

Traditional removal methods also pose a direct risk to the technicians that carry them out, exposing them to vibration, repetitive strain, swarf hazards, and long-term conditions such as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), commonly known as white finger.

Steven Maclaren, a former Royal Navy aircraft engineer with 22 years’ service across rotary-wing platforms and now a Board Advisor at Scintam, has experienced these risks first-hand.

“Twelve-hour shifts holding pneumatic drills at awkward angles, with continuous vibration and cold air exposure — over time, these conditions can lead to lasting injury,” says Maclaren. FastEDR, Maclaren notes, “significantly reduces that exposure and improves efficiency while protecting the next generation of maintainers.”

At the Stand

Visitors can watch live demonstrations of seized screws being removed using the FastEDR machine, and speak directly with Duncan Kerr and Pete Woodsmith about specific maintenance challenges.

“The feedback we’ve had is that the live demonstrations are far more impactful than a video – people are struck by how easy and simple it is,” says Kerr. “But we also want to listen and learn about the problems people are dealing with and where we can help.”

Vision and Ambition

Scintam is a small business with big ambitions. “In the next few years, I see hundreds of FastEDR machines all around the world,” says Kerr, “in both commercial and defense applications.” The company is also looking to partner with prime contractors and defense organizations to develop tailored solutions for their specific maintenance challenges.

ASTRONAUTICS ENABLES MISSION-CRITICAL CONNECTIVITY FOR LIFE LINK III AW119 FLEET

Astronautics Corporation of America is providing its AeroSync Mission internet connectivity system and cellular data plan to Life Link III as an aftermarket solution for their AW119 helicopters. Life Link III delivers critical care air medical transport for patients requiring immediate access to advanced medical facilities across Minnesota and Wisconsin and across the Upper Midwest. 

Designed specifically for mission-critical operations, Astronautics’ AeroSync Mission enables in-air, air-to-ground, and on-ground Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, transforming airborne connectivity from a limitation into a clinical and operational advantage. The system delivers a secure wireless hotspot designed to meet OEM-level standards for cybersecurity, quality, and reliability.

For air ambulance operators, AeroSync Mission supports faster decision making, improved coordination, and better preparedness upon arrival by enabling seamless data transfer between air medical crews and receiving trauma teams.  By providing uninterrupted access to clinical information during transport, the system helps ensure that hospitals are prepared before the aircraft touches down—when minutes matter most.

With always-on connectivity enabled by AeroSync Mission, Life Link III leverages Playback Health, a next-generation clinical scribe platform that offers ambient dictation designed to streamline the clinical documentation process.  AeroSync also opens the door to endless possibilities including patient data exchange, telehealth, and an added layer of communication in the event of communications failure. 

“For air ambulance operators, reliable connectivity isn’t a convenience — it’s a critical enabler of patient care,” said Matthew Frei, director of Connected Aircraft Solutions at Astronautics. “Installing AeroSync Mission on Life Link III’s AW119 fleet removes one of the biggest barriers to digital care in the air, delivering continuous, secure connectivity without adding complexity for flight crews or maintenance teams.  This installation also marks the expansion of our small, lightweight, all-in-one connectivity system from an OEM-only offering to a flexible aftermarket solution for operators seeking to modernize existing aircraft.”

Astronautics supports AeroSync Mission operators with a subscription-based cellular data plan, offering global connectivity through partnerships with internet service providers across numerous international markets. This approach provides operators with a streamlined and cost-effective way to maintain connectivity both in the air and on the ground, while simplifying IT management across the fleet.  AeroSync wireless devices have achieved regulatory certification for cellular and Wi-Fi operation in the United States and many countries worldwide.

Optional AeroSync Mission features include video streaming, video storage, aircraft data collection and export, and engine data diagnostic services. Astronautics specializes in customizing connectivity solutions to meet specific operator requirements, enabling scalable digital health and operational initiatives across air medical fleets.