Zipline, the world's largest drone delivery firm by some metrics, has raised $600 million from private investors to fuel its US expansion. The company plans to deploy its services in at least four states, with Houston and Phoenix being the next focus cities.
SWISSto12, a Swiss satellite maker, has secured €73 million in funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) to support its industrial rollout plan. The company manufactures small geo-stationary satellites and lightweight radio-frequency systems using patented 3D technologies.
Spirit Airways has secured up to $100 million in funding from lenders, who have recognized the airline's significant progress in recent months. CEO Dave Davis expressed gratitude for the support, stating that Spirit continues to provide high-value travel options and looks forward to welcoming guests aboard.
With the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process complete, a key House appropriator expressed concerns about the adequacy of NASA's funding for 2027. The appropriator believes there is 'room for improvement' in the agency's budget and hopes to see enhancements in the next spending bill.
Firefly Aerospace has closed a third tranche of Series C funding, valuing the company at $1.5 billion pre-money. The round is being led by existing investors AE Industrial Partners and new investor Mitsui & Co.
The US Congress is weighing a funding package that would raise the Federal Aviation Administration's budget to $22.2 billion for fiscal year 2026. The proposal includes funding for air traffic control operations, infrastructure upgrades, and the hiring of 2,500 additional air traffic controllers.
The Congressional Budget Office found that the Coast Guard's aircraft availability rates and inventories have declined over the past two decades. Despite this, fixed-wing aircraft availability has increased.