Mako Aerospace, a Scottish aerospace startups developing all-electric jet engine technology, has indicated the closure of a $28 million Series A funding round to advance its propulsion systems.

A URL published on the company’s domain outlines the capital injection for the Dunfermline-based manufacturers. Mako Aerospace is currently developing “The Forerunner,” an all-electric jet engine prototype utilizing superconductor technology designed to extend the range of electric aircraft.

Advancing all-electric propulsion

Led by Chief Executive Officer Kieran Duncan and Chief Operations Officer Pia Saelen, Mako Aerospace is focused on reducing operating expenses for aircraft operators. The company targets a 70% reduction in fuel costs compared to traditional turboprop engines using its proprietary technology.

In September 2022, Mako Aerospace announced a partnerships with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to manufacture the prototype of its electric jet engine. The reported $28 million Series A would provide the capital required to scale this development and pursue experimental certification for the propulsion system.

Funding verification and industry context

The $28 million funding figure originates from a dedicated URL on the Mako Aerospace website. The primary press release is not currently accessible through public web searches, and the funding round has not yet been confirmed by regulatory filings or secondary financial press.

If completed, a $28 million Series A represents a substantial investments in the electric aviation sector. Startups developing novel propulsion systems require significant early-stage capital to transition from conceptual design to physical prototyping and testing.

AirPro News analysis

We note that while the $28 million figure is substantial for a regional aerospace startup at this stage, the lack of accessible public filings or widespread syndication of the press release warrants caution. Developing an all-electric jet engine using superconductors is a highly capital-intensive process. If the funding is fully realized, it will likely bridge the gap between the NMIS-supported prototype phase and initial ground testing. Certification by aviation authorities remains a distant and expensive hurdle for any novel propulsion technology.

Sources: Mako Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has selected Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to supply the low-voltage power distribution system for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, securing a critical component as the manufacturers advances toward its Critical Design Review (CDR).

In a press release issued on June 29, 2026, the London-based aerospace company announced the long-term agreement with the New York-based supplier. Astronics will provide its CorePower system, which is designed to convert high-voltage power from the aircraft’s propulsion architecture into low-voltage power required for avionics, flight controls, and other essential flight systems.

Power distribution architecture

The integration of the CorePower system addresses a fundamental engineering requirement for electric aviation. The system manages the step-down conversion from the high-voltage battery and propulsion networks to the low-voltage systems that keep the aircraft flying safely.

“Our CorePower system is purpose-built for eVTOL applications, combining high-voltage power conversion with low-voltage power distribution delivering reliable, fault-protected power to flight-critical systems including avionics, flight controls, and navigation,” stated Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems.

The agreement with Astronics is part of Vertical Aerospace’s broader push toward its CDR. This review will establish the certifiable design baseline for the Valo aircraft, allowing the company to transition into certification-conforming production and testing.

“Building a certifiable aircraft requires not only breakthrough technology, but also a world-class supplier ecosystem,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Astronics brings deep expertise in aircraft electrical power systems and has already demonstrated its capabilities through our flight test programme. This agreement is another important step as we mature Valo’s design, strengthen our supply chain and advance toward certification and commercial production.”

Expanding the supplier ecosystem

Astronics joins a growing list of aerospace suppliers partnering with Vertical Aerospace. The company previously selected Hyundai WIA for the aircraft’s landing gear on May 21, 2026. Other established partners on the Valo program include Honeywell, Aciturri, Evolito, Syensqo, and Isoclima.

The supplier announcement follows recent operational milestones for the Valo program. On June 9, 2026, Vertical Aerospace completed the first piloted flight of its final full-scale prototype. The company is targeting a cruise speed of 150 mph and a range of 100 miles for the production aircraft, which currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders globally. The development program is supported by a comprehensive financing package of up to $850 million, which closed on April 20, 2026.

AirPro News analysis

The selection of Astronics highlights a maturing phase in the eVTOL sector where manufacturers are shifting from conceptual prototypes to certifiable, production-ready designs. By partnering with established aerospace suppliers rather than attempting to design complex subsystems in-house, Vertical Aerospace reduces its certification risk. The CorePower system is already a known quantity in traditional aviation. Adapting it for the Valo aircraft provides regulatory authorities with familiar technology, which we view as a strategic advantage as the company navigates the complex certification pathways ahead.

Sources: Vertical Aerospace via Business Wire

United Nigeria Airlines has officially joined the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) as a full member, securing institutional backing as the carrier pursues intercontinental routes and a new joint venture to establish a national airline for Guinea-Bissau.

The June 23, 2026, admission grants the Enugu-based operator access to the association’s commercial intelligence, advocacy programs, and joint industry projects. In a press release announcing the membership, AFRAA highlighted Nigeria as a critical growth market for the continent’s aviation sector. The association currently represents more than 40 member Airlines that collectively carry over 85 percent of total international traffic generated by African carriers.

Strategic integration and regional expansion

The membership aligns with broader industry efforts to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an initiative designed to deregulate African skies and promote cross-border aviation partnerships. AFRAA Secretary General Abderahmane Berthé noted that the inclusion of United Nigeria Airlines strengthens the association’s footprint in Africa’s most populous nation.

“Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of its most dynamic aviation markets, and United Nigeria Airlines exemplifies the resilient, forward-looking spirit of the African airline industry. At AFRAA, United Nigeria Airlines will now have access to our full suite of advocacy, joint projects, commercial intelligence, capacity building, and networking resources.”

United Nigeria Airlines Executive Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo described the admission as a defining moment for the carrier, emphasizing the platform it provides for collaboration with other African operators to build a more competitive regional industry.

Fleet growth and the Air Bissau joint venture

Since commencing commercial operations in February 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has grown its network to 14 domestic routes, with plans to open four additional domestic destinations this year. The carrier operates a mixed fleet of narrowbody and regional aircraft, including:

• Boeing 737-800NG
• Airbus A320
• Embraer E190
• Embraer ERJ-145
• Bombardier CRJ900

The airline is now pivoting toward international operations. The Nigerian government recently designated the carrier to operate intercontinental flights to the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Turkey.

Regionally, the operator is exporting its management and operational framework. According to reporting by Punch Newspapers, United Nigeria Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding in mid-June 2026 with the government of Guinea-Bissau to establish a new national carrier named Air Bissau. Under the terms of the joint venture, the Nigerian operator will provide financial investment, aircraft, operational expertise, and management support to launch the new airline.

To support this expanded operational footprint, United Nigeria Airlines is advancing plans to construct a domestic MRO facility. The infrastructure project is intended to reduce the carrier’s reliance on costly offshore maintenance services and insulate its operations from foreign exchange volatility.

AirPro News analysis

We view United Nigeria Airlines’ rapid sequence of expansion announcements as a clear indicator of shifting dynamics within the West African aviation market. By securing AFRAA membership and simultaneously exporting its operational framework to Guinea-Bissau, the carrier is positioning itself to capitalize on the SAATM framework rather than waiting for full regulatory harmonization. The planned domestic MRO facility will be the critical variable in sustaining this growth. West African operators historically face severe headwinds regarding offshore maintenance costs and currency access, and establishing local heavy maintenance capabilities is a necessary step before executing a capital-intensive intercontinental route strategy.

Sources: African Airlines Association (AFRAA)