M&A News

Bloomberg

High activity

SpaceX’s first earnings report puts Starlink profitability and Elon Musk’s AI ambitions under scrutiny

SpaceX is preparing to report results publicly for the first time, with investors focused on whether Starlink is profitable and how its cash generation could fund Musk’s artificial-intelligence and space initiatives. The report arrives after a post-IPO share-price decline, ahead of lockup expirations and amid heightened scrutiny of Musk’s capital-allocation plans.

FlightGlobal

High activity

easyJet extends Castlelake deadline, setting up Friday showdown with Apollo

easyJet has extended Castlelake’s deadline to submit a binding takeover offer, giving the U.S. investment firm until Friday to match rival Apollo’s bid. Both bidders now face a common deadline to present formal offers for control of the airline or withdraw from the process.

Bloomberg

High activity

ORIX Aviation to acquire AerFin, expanding into aircraft aftermarket services

ORIX Aviation has agreed to acquire UK-based AerFin, a specialist in aircraft, engine and parts trading, leasing, repairs and aftermarket services. The transaction, expected to close by year-end, will add lifecycle support capabilities to ORIX’s leasing and asset-management platform while retaining AerFin’s brand and management.

AeroTime

Brazil clears American Airlines’ $100 million investment in Azul restructuring

Brazil’s antitrust regulator has approved American Airlines’ planned $100 million investment in Azul, advancing the Brazilian carrier’s restructuring. The decision removes a regulatory hurdle to the transaction and gives Azul access to strategic capital as it works to stabilize its business.

FlightGlobal

High activity

IndiGo to end Norse Atlantic 787-9 damp lease and withdraw from widebody operations in October

India’s IndiGo will discontinue its widebody operations from Oct. 25 and end its ACMI agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways on Oct. 31, returning five Boeing 787-9s. The decision brings an early end to the budget carrier’s long-haul experiment after difficulties operating European routes.

Bloomberg

High activity

Tesla weighs China carveout to clear potential path for SpaceX merger, with Musk denying separation plans

Tesla is reportedly considering selling or spinning off its China operations as part of preparations for a potential merger with SpaceX. A separate China business could reduce regulatory complications tied to SpaceX’s U.S. defense work and possible scrutiny from Beijing, though Musk has denied plans to separate the unit.

Bloomberg

Ex-Qantas Executive in Talks With US Backer to Fund New Airline

FlightGlobal

Republic Airways boosts 2026 outlook as it integrates Mesa merger and targets higher aircraft utilisation

Republic Airways, the US second-largest regional carrier, raised its financial outlook for 2026 while incorporating Mesa Airlines following its acquisition last year. The company says combined maintenance programmes should increase aircraft utilisation, supporting improved operating performance into 2026.