AINonline
• Hanneke Weitering
Merlin has reached a certification milestone for software designed to communicate with air traffic control, advancing the role of AI in cockpit operations. The development marks progress toward integrating automated systems into regulated flight environments, where safety assurance and human-machine coordination remain central challenges.
AI
Latest source-backed stories
Merlin has reached a certification milestone for software designed to communicate with air traffic control, advancing the role of AI in cockpit operations. The development marks progress toward integrating automated systems into regulated flight environments, where safety assurance and human-machine coordination remain central challenges.
High activity
SpaceX has completed its reported $60 billion acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor, while Alphabet’s initial $900 million investment in the rocket company is now worth approximately $94 billion following SpaceX’s $86 billion June IPO. Alphabet is now SpaceX’s largest institutional shareholder.
High activity
A regulatory filing shows Elon Musk held a 48.4% stake in SpaceX as of June 30, valued at more than $900 billion at current market prices. The disclosure follows SpaceX’s record $85.7 billion IPO and highlights Musk’s dominant control as the company expands across rockets, AI and space-based computing.
Joby Aviation plans to acquire Resonant Sciences for $500 million, establishing the company as Joby’s dedicated defense business. Resonant will house Joby’s hybrid-electric and autonomous projects, creating a formal separation between its commercial and defense-oriented VTOL activities.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster discusses the airline’s approach to artificial intelligence, loyalty and personalization, while arguing that people and customer experience remain central to its competitive differentiation. The interview highlights how carriers are balancing technology-led efficiency with the human element of premium travel.
High activity
SpaceX’s shares rebounded toward $150 after surviving the Aug. 6 expiration of its first post-IPO lockup, helping drive a reported $500 billion rally. The company is also moving toward closing its proposed $60 billion all-stock acquisition of Anysphere, developer of the AI coding platform Cursor.
High activity
China’s Wenchang Space Launch Site marked its 50th launch at the end of July, even as it suffered a third launch failure this week. The setbacks come alongside expanding activity across China’s launch sites, including deployments of AI-enabled and in-space computing satellites and preparations for a lunar south pole mission.
Joby Aviation is partnering with an artificial-intelligence company to develop vertiports, linking the eVTOL developer’s aircraft commercialization plans with the digital systems and infrastructure needed to support future air-taxi operations. The announcement highlights vertiport development as a parallel requirement alongside aircraft certification and production.
Create a free account to see more recent AI stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
