Technology & Innovation
RAVE Aerospace Launches Independently After Kingswood Acquisition
RAVE Aerospace becomes independent after Kingswood Capital acquires Safran Passenger Innovations, focusing on seat-centric in-flight entertainment tech.
This article is based on an official press release from RAVE Aerospace and additional industry research.
On February 5, 2026, the landscape of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) shifted as Kingswood Capital Management, LP completed its Acquisitions of Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI). In a move that signals a return to agility and focused growth, the company has been officially rebranded as RAVE Aerospace. This transition marks the end of the unit’s tenure under the French aerospace giant Safran and its re-emergence as a standalone business headquartered in Brea, California.
According to the official press release, the new name pays homage to the company’s flagship product line, “RAVE” (Reliable, Affordable, and Very Easy), which has served as a disruptive force in the Market-Analysis for nearly two decades. With the deal now closed, RAVE Aerospace aims to leverage its newfound independence to challenge larger incumbents like Panasonic Avionics and Thales with greater speed and flexibility.
The acquisition, first agreed upon in December 2025, transfers ownership of the IFEC division to Kingswood Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm known for optimizing middle-market businesses. While financial terms were not disclosed in the release, data from late 2025 indicates the division generates approximately $460 million in annual revenue and employs roughly 740 people.
Matt Smith, who continues as CEO of the newly independent company, emphasized that the leadership team remains in place. In a statement included in the press release, Smith highlighted the opportunities provided by the ownership change:
“We are proud to introduce our new company name… It reflects the strong heritage of our in-flight entertainment and connectivity platform, RAVE… Our next chapter with Kingswood Capital Management empowers us to reach new heights. We’ll be able to unlock opportunities for accelerated growth, expansion, and investment in cutting-edge technologies.”
, Matt Smith, CEO of RAVE Aerospace
Kingswood’s Managing Partner, Alex Wolf, noted that the firm views the IFEC sector as a “rapidly growing” market and intends to support the existing management team in scaling operations globally.
The rebranding to RAVE Aerospace is more than a cosmetic change; it underscores the company’s commitment to its specific architectural philosophy. Since its origins as The IMS Company in 1996, and through its evolution into Zodiac Inflight Innovations and later Safran Passenger Innovations, the core engineering strategy has remained consistent: a “seat-centric” design. Unlike traditional server-based systems where a central failure can take down an entire aircraft’s entertainment system, RAVE’s architecture places storage and processing power at every seat. This design eliminates single points of failure and has been a key selling point for Airlines seeking reliability.
According to company statements and product specifications, RAVE Aerospace is currently deploying several advanced technologies designed to modernize the cabin experience:
The separation of RAVE Aerospace from Safran represents a broader trend in the aerospace sector where conglomerates are divesting non-core or specialized technology units to private equity firms. For Safran, this divestiture likely streamlines their focus on propulsion and defense. For RAVE Aerospace, the move to Kingswood could be transformative.
As a division within a massive multinational corporation, niche technology units often struggle to secure the R&D budget or decision-making speed required to compete with agile Startups. By becoming an independent entity backed by private equity, RAVE Aerospace is positioned to react faster to market shifts, specifically the “connected seatback” trend.
Industry reporting by Runway Girl Network suggests that RAVE Aerospace is betting that passengers will continue to demand high-quality seatback screens that integrate seamlessly with their personal devices and the aircraft’s internet connection. This contrasts with the “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) model that some low-cost carriers have adopted. RAVE’s strategy relies on the belief that as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity (like Starlink and OneWeb) becomes ubiquitous, the seatback screen will evolve into a powerful, connected portal rather than just a movie player.
RAVE Aerospace enters the market as a “neutral” player in the connectivity space. Unlike competitors that may bundle hardware with specific satellite networks, RAVE maintains an agnostic stance, integrating with various LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite providers. This flexibility allows airline customers to switch connectivity providers without ripping out their cabin hardware, a significant value proposition in a volatile satellite market.
With Kingswood Capital Management also recently launching the Kingswood Defense Group, there is speculation that RAVE Aerospace could eventually explore cross-sector applications for its ruggedized display and data handling technologies, though its primary focus remains Commercial-Aircraft.
Q: Will existing airline customers see a disruption in service? Q: What happened to Safran Passenger Innovations? Q: Where is the new company located?
RAVE Aerospace Launches as Independent Entity Following Kingswood Acquisition
A Strategic Carve-Out
Technology and the “Seat-Centric” Legacy
Current Product Portfolio
AirPro News Analysis
Market Position and Future Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. The leadership team, including CEO Matt Smith, remains unchanged, and the company has stated that operations will continue without interruption. The “RAVE” product line remains the core offering.
A: Safran Passenger Innovations was acquired by Kingswood Capital Management on February 5, 2026, and immediately rebranded as RAVE Aerospace. It is no longer part of the Safran Group.
A: RAVE Aerospace continues to operate out of its existing headquarters in Brea, California.
Photo Credit: RAVE Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Partners with San Jose Sharks for Downtown Vertiport Study
Joby Aviation and San Jose Sharks partner to study a vertiport near SAP Center, aiming to integrate air taxis and support arena renovations.
This article is based on an official press release from Sharks Sports & Entertainment.
Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the parent company of the San Jose Sharks and the SAP Center, announced on February 6, 2026, a strategic partnerships with Joby Aviation. The agreement designates the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer as a “Proud Partner” of the NHL franchise and the naming rights partner for the arena’s new “Reimagination Studio.”
Beyond traditional branding, the collaboration focuses on infrastructure development. According to the announcement, SSE and Joby Aviation will work exclusively to conduct a feasibility study for a potential vertiport, a takeoff and landing site for air taxis, located in the immediate vicinity of the SAP Center in San Jose. This initiative aligns with Joby’s targeted commercial launch timeline of 2026 and SSE’s broader efforts to modernize the fan experience.
The partnership is anchored in the ongoing transformation of the SAP Center, a project dubbed “The Teal Reimagination.” As part of the agreement, Joby Aviation secures naming rights to the Reimagination Studio, a physical showroom and digital experience center designed to preview the arena’s future.
The studio serves as the public face of a massive redevelopment effort. In late 2025, the City of San Jose and SSE agreed to a $425 million renovation plan intended to extend the Sharks’ lease through 2051. Visitors to the Joby-branded studio can view renderings and interactive displays showcasing upcoming amenities, such as new premium lounges and modernized concourses.
Jonathan Becher, President of Sharks Sports & Entertainment, emphasized that the renovation extends beyond the physical structure of the arena to the logistics of attending an event.
“With a project like the SAP Center reimagination, the tendency would be to think only of experiences within the arena. But we’re looking at every facet of the guest experience including how they get to and from the venue. Partnering with a world-class transportation company like Joby enables us to deliver on that reimagination promise.”
Jonathan Becher, President, Sharks Sports & Entertainment
The core operational component of the deal is the exploration of vertiport sites on SSE-controlled property. Joby Aviation aims to utilize electric air taxis to bypass Bay Area traffic, potentially reducing travel times significantly for fans attending games and concerts. Stephan Baral, Head of Corporate Development at Joby Aviation, highlighted the time-saving potential of the service in the official release:
“Integrating electric air taxis into the development of the entertainment district near SAP Center could turn a 60-minute journey to a Sharks game, concert, or family show into a ten-minute trip.”
Stephan Baral, Head of Corporate Development, Joby Aviation
The proposed vertiport would likely utilize surface parking lots surrounding the arena. Joby has previously established partnerships with infrastructure companies like Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking structures for flight operations, making the “ABC” lots near the SAP Center potential candidates for this development.
While the partnership signals a strong commitment to advanced air mobility, we note that significant regulatory hurdles remain before flights can begin. The SAP Center is located directly in the flight path of San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Consequently, any vertiport operations in this area would require strictly coordinated flight corridors and explicit approval from the FAA to operate within such controlled airspace.
Furthermore, downtown San Jose is subject to strict building height limits due to its proximity to the airport. This geographic constraint suggests that a ground-level or low-rise parking deck vertiport is more feasible at this location than the high-rise rooftop vertiports planned for cities like New York or Los Angeles. The “exploration” phase mentioned in the press release will likely focus heavily on navigating these specific airspace complexities.
What is the Reimagination Studio?
It is a showroom and digital experience center located at the SAP Center that previews the future renovations of the arena. Joby Aviation is the official naming partner of this space.
When will air taxi flights to the SAP Center begin? Joby Aviation targets a commercial launch in 2026. However, the specific vertiport at the SAP Center is currently in the feasibility study phase, and no specific start date for flights to the arena has been confirmed.
What is the goal of the partnership?
The partnership aims to integrate aerial ridesharing into the fan experience, offering a faster alternative to ground traffic, while also branding Joby as a key partner in the modernization of the San Jose Sharks’ home arena.
Joby Aviation Partners with San Jose Sharks to Explore Downtown Vertiport
The “Reimagination Studio” and Arena Renovations
Feasibility of Air Taxis in Downtown San Jose
AirPro News Analysis: Regulatory and Operational Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Sharks Sports & Entertainment
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Advances eVTOL Medical Evacuations in Singapore
Vertical Aerospace secures grant to develop eVTOL emergency medical services for Singapore’s remote islands using the Valo aircraft by 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.
Vertical Aerospace, the UK-based electric aviation manufacturer, has been awarded a Proof-of-Concept (POC) grant to explore the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for emergency medical services (EMS) in Singapore. The funding comes from Hatch, the innovation center of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX), marking a significant step toward integrating advanced air mobility into public safety operations.
The project, which runs through April 2026, will focus on developing a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for rapid medical response. Specifically, the initiative aims to address the logistical challenges of evacuating patients from Singapore’s remote island territories, such as Pulau Ubin and the Southern Islands, where traditional boat transfers can delay critical care.
According to the company’s announcement, the grant was awarded as part of the Dimension X Cohort 7 Open Innovation Challenge. This program seeks dual-use technologies capable of enhancing public safety and security. Vertical Aerospace secured the award to address the challenge of “next-generation mobility platforms for rapid aerial emergency response.”
The grant provides S$100,000 (approximately USD 74,000) in non-dilutive funding. While the financial sum is modest relative to aerospace development costs, the strategic Partnerships with Singaporean government agencies offers Vertical Aerospace a valuable foothold in one of the world’s most forward-looking regulatory environments.
The primary operational goal is to reduce the time required for medical evacuations. Currently, emergencies on islands like Pulau Ubin require a multi-modal transfer involving land ambulances and Police Coast Guard vessels. This process can exceed 45 minutes, a critical delay in trauma cases where the “golden hour” often determines patient survival.
Vertical Aerospace intends to demonstrate that its eVTOL technology can bypass maritime traffic and docking logistics, potentially reducing transfer times to under 10 minutes. The project will involve collaboration with HTX and frontline operational stakeholders to validate these time savings and establish safety protocols.
“The project is focused on how electric and hybrid-electric vertical flight could support time-critical medical response for remote island areas around Singapore.”
, Vertical Aerospace Statement
The study will utilize the specifications of Vertical’s flagship production aircraft, the Valo. Officially succeeding the VX4 prototype name in late 2025, the Valo represents the company’s refined design intended for commercial certification.
According to technical details released by the company, the Valo features significant upgrades over previous iterations, including a cleaner fuselage for reduced drag and a liquid-cooled battery system located under the floor to maximize cabin volume. The aircraft is designed to carry one pilot and four passengers, with a flexible interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate medical stretchers and essential life-support equipment.
With a targeted range of 100 miles (160 km) and top speeds of 150 mph (240 km/h), the aircraft is well-suited for the short-hop, high-speed requirements of Singapore’s island geography.
From Luxury to Lifesaving: A Strategic Pivot
We view this partnership as a strategic pivot for the eVTOL industry. While early narratives focused on “air taxis” for urban commuters, the regulatory path for such services remains complex due to noise and traffic management concerns. By focusing on Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Vertical Aerospace is targeting a “public good” use case.
Regulators and the public are generally more accepting of new aviation technologies when they serve lifesaving functions. If Vertical can successfully demonstrate the safety and efficiency of the Valo for medical evacuations in Singapore, a “living lab” for aviation technology, it could establish a blueprint for similar operations globally, accelerating certification and public acceptance faster than commercial passenger routes could alone.
Vertical Aerospace Secures Grant to Pioneer eVTOL Medical Evacuations in Singapore
Advancing the “Dimension X” Initiative
Targeting the Golden Hour
The “Valo” Aircraft: A New Standard for EMS
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Partners with Evolito for Valo eVTOL Propulsion
Vertical Aerospace selects Evolito as electric propulsion partner for Valo eVTOL, targeting certification in 2028 with UK and EU regulators.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially announced the selection of Evolito as the electric propulsion unit (EPU) partner for its flagship aircraft, Valo. The agreement marks a critical milestone for the Bristol-based manufacturers as it moves toward a targeted certification date in 2028. Under the terms of the partnership, Evolito will supply the axial-flux electric motors and controller units necessary to power the piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This selection concludes a strategic search for a new propulsion supplier following the termination of Vertical’s previous agreement with Rolls-Royce in May 2024. By partnering with Evolito, a company spun out of YASA Motors in 2021, Vertical Aerospace is betting on lightweight, high-torque technology derived from the automotive sector to meet the rigorous demands of commercial electric flight.
According to the company’s announcement, the Valo aircraft will utilize eight individual electric propulsion units provided by Evolito. These units are based on proprietary axial-flux technology, a design known for offering higher torque densities and a smaller form factor compared to traditional radial-flux motors. This weight-saving characteristic is essential for eVTOL performance, where every kilogram impacts range and payload capacity.
The two companies will collaborate closely on the certification process. The propulsion system will undergo validation with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with concurrent validation sought from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Evolito has already secured Design Organization Approval (DOA) from the UK CAA as of November 2023, a mandatory regulatory standard for companies designing aircraft components.
“Evolito will supply lightweight, high-torque motors that are essential for the aircraft’s performance and safety.”
, Vertical Aerospace Press Release
The partnership focuses specifically on the Valo, the commercial branding for the aircraft previously developed under the prototype designation VX4. The Valo is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers with a range of approximately 100 miles and a cruise speed of 150 mph, producing zero operating emissions. Vertical Aerospace currently holds a conditional pre-order book of approximately 1,500 units from major global operators, including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines.
The selection of Evolito highlights a divergence in strategy among leading eVTOL developers. While competitors like Joby Aviation have opted for vertical integration, designing and manufacturing their motors in-house, Vertical Aerospace continues to pursue a “best-in-class supplier” model. This approach relies on integrating components from specialized aerospace partners such as Honeywell (avionics), GKN Aerospace (wings), and Leonardo (fuselage). While the technical partnership solidifies the aircraft’s design, the financial timeline remains a critical factor for Vertical Aerospace. According to preliminary Q4 2025 financial results, the company reported approximately £69 million ($93 million) in cash and equivalents. Based on current burn rates, this provides a cash runway extending through mid-2026.
With certification targeted for 2028, the company faces a significant gap between its current funding and the commercialization of the Valo. The projected net cash outflow for 2026 is estimated at £175 million ($235 million). Consequently, the success of the Evolito partnership is not only a technical necessity but a strategic imperative to demonstrate progress and attract the capital required to bridge the gap to certification.
What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo? Why did Vertical Aerospace switch from Rolls-Royce? When is the Valo expected to enter service?
Vertical Aerospace Selects Evolito to Power Valo eVTOL
Partnership Details and Technical Specifications
From Prototype to Production
Strategic Context and Financial Outlook
AirPro News Analysis: The Financial Runway
Frequently Asked Questions
VX4 was the name given to the prototype aircraft used during testing phases. Valo is the official brand name for the commercial production aircraft that will be delivered to customers.
Vertical Aerospace and Rolls-Royce mutually agreed to terminate their contract in May 2024. The shift to Evolito represents a move toward a specialized supplier focused exclusively on lightweight electric propulsion technology derived from the automotive sector.
Vertical Aerospace is targeting certification for the Valo aircraft in 2028, pending regulatory approval from the UK CAA and EASA.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
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