M&A News

Reuters

Italy's Leonardo aerostructures losses ease as JV talks continue

FlightGlobal

Air France-KLM looks to SAS after missing out on TAP, with Ben Smith targeting approval early next year

Chief executive Ben Smith says Air France-KLM is already strongly positioned in the Europe–Latin America market after the group missed out on TAP Air Portugal. He hopes to secure approval for its SAS deal early next year, leaving that transaction as the next key step in the group’s expansion plans.

Bloomberg

High activity

Zipline raises $1.5 billion at a $21.5 billion valuation to expand U.S. drone delivery, adding 300 Walmart sites

The drone-delivery company says the funding will support U.S. manufacturing, hiring and a nationwide delivery network. The financing accompanies an expanded Walmart partnership that adds 300 drone delivery sites; coverage also cites Uber as a partner in Zipline’s expansion.

Inflight Online

Signia Aerospace to acquire cabin systems and lighting supplier Heads Up Technologies

Signia Aerospace plans to acquire Heads Up Technologies, a supplier of advanced aircraft cabin systems and cabin lighting. The announcement adds a cabin-equipment business to Signia’s portfolio; the article provides no details on transaction value, timing or expected operational changes.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Electric-aircraft funding and orders advance as D328eco slips to 2029 and Dronamics pursues Nasdaq listing

Vaeridion raised €30 million and was selected for a €94.5 million EU grant for its electric Microliner; Future Flight Global signed for 10 BETA ALIA aircraft with 10 options. Dronamics agreed to a business combination aimed at a Nasdaq listing, while Deutsche Aircraft pushed D328eco entry into service to late 2029.

ch-aviation

Sale of South Korea’s Air Premia advances with VIG

The sale of South Korean airline Air Premia is advancing with VIG, according to the available report. The article summary does not specify the transaction’s structure, timing, buyer details or potential implications for the carrier’s operations and strategy.

ch-aviation

Axis Jet consolidates charter operations under one FAA certificate as Fly Alliance sells charter and maintenance certificates

Axis Jet has received FAA approval to consolidate its charter operations under a single Part 135 certificate. Separately, Fly Alliance sold its Part 135 charter certificate and Part 145 maintenance certificate to Cove Capital Investments, co-owned by Fly Alliance’s former owner and co-founder Kevin Wargo.

New York Times

High activity

Democratic midterm gains put defense spending and SpaceX under new scrutiny

Democrats’ midterm gains shifted control of congressional committees responsible for NASA funding and Space Force oversight, raising the prospect of closer scrutiny for SpaceX and defense spending. In Texas, the electoral shift also puts deals Elon Musk struck with the state at risk, while defense stocks fell on spending concerns.