Technology & Innovation
IAG Deploys AISmartPlan AI Maintenance Platform at Aer Lingus
IAG signs multi-year deal to deploy AISmartPlan AI maintenance planning platform at Aer Lingus, reducing planning time from hours to minutes.

This article is based on an official press release from International Airlines Group (IAG).
On May 28, 2026, International Airlines Group (IAG) announced a multi-year commercial agreement between its Irish flag carrier, Aer Lingus, and AISmartPlan, an advanced AI-powered aircraft maintenance planning platform. According to the official press release, the partnership follows a highly successful three-month trial conducted during the 2025 cohort of the IAGi Accelerator programme.
The integration of AISmartPlan’s technology is designed to replace traditionally manual maintenance production planning with an intelligent, automated system. By pulling together critical operational data, ranging from flight schedules and aircraft availability to workforce constraints, the platform generates optimized maintenance plans, reducing a process that previously took hours down to mere minutes.
As airlines globally face supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages, the adoption of artificial intelligence to streamline workforce management and reduce aircraft downtime is becoming increasingly critical. This deployment at Aer Lingus serves as a significant milestone in IAG’s broader strategy to embed AI-driven efficiencies across its portfolio of airlines.
Transforming Maintenance with Artificial Intelligence
From Manual Spreadsheets to Automated Workflows
According to industry data provided in the supplementary research report, AISmartPlan was founded by Nicolas Grondin and developed by Sydney-based Redback Software. The platform is engineered to integrate seamlessly with an airline’s existing Maintenance and Engineering (M&E) software. By doing so, it automatically matches the right maintenance technicians to specific aircraft and tasks at the optimal time.
The press release highlights that the system offers intuitive, drag-and-drop visualization tools, enabling maintenance teams to quickly understand, adapt, and take ownership of their schedules. Furthermore, the platform includes a dedicated chat feature connecting planners and technicians, alongside an AI assistant capable of answering operational questions and generating reports.
“The way maintenance tasks were allocated to our engineers was previously highly manual and time consuming, which limited how far ahead we could plan. The IAGi Accelerator programme provided us with a valuable opportunity to work with AISmartPlan and test an AI optimised approach using real operational constraints. This partnership marks a fundamental change in how we plan and optimise maintenance. What used to take hours each day can now be done in minutes, and with far greater confidence in the outcome.”
The Role of the IAGi Accelerator
Fast-Tracking Aviation Technology
The rapid deployment of AISmartPlan, moving from a proof of concept to a working, commercial-grade solution in just three months, was facilitated by the IAGi Accelerator. Formerly known as “Hangar 51,” the program rebranded to “IAGi” in March 2025 to align more closely with the parent brand. Entering its 10th year, the accelerator has partnered with more than 120 companies to test and validate technologies in live aviation environments.
The research report notes that upon its 2025 rebrand, IAG’s venture arm (IAGi Ventures) committed €200 million over five years to invest in aviation and travel technology startups. The 2025 cohort was the program’s largest to date, featuring 29 startups from 11 countries, with a heavy focus on artificial intelligence.
“Our goal has always been to fully automate maintenance planning and make complex plans instantly visible and actionable. The IAGi Accelerator gave us an incredible opportunity that early-stage companies rarely get – deep operational engagement with an airline that was willing to test, challenge and cocreate the solution with us. Aer Lingus’ feedback directly shaped the product and proved its market fit in aviation.”
Broader Industry Implications
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the aviation industry is undergoing a systemic shift away from reactive maintenance, often reliant on legacy tools and spreadsheets, toward proactive, AI-driven predictive maintenance. In a sector where an extra hour of aircraft downtime can cost thousands of dollars, the ability to dynamically schedule and optimize maintenance is a distinct competitive advantage.
The AISmartPlan agreement is not an isolated technological upgrade; it is indicative of a much larger AI transformation at IAG. We note that IAG’s in-house AI Labs, based in London and Barcelona, recently developed an “Engine Optimisation System.” This proprietary system runs millions of “what-if” scenarios to dynamically schedule engine maintenance. Much like AISmartPlan, this engine system was first implemented at Aer Lingus, which frequently serves as the group’s testing ground, and is slated for rollout across British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling.
The success of AISmartPlan underscores the immense value of corporate accelerators in highly regulated industries. By embedding early-stage startups directly into complex operational environments, major airline groups can fast-track the development of deep-tech solutions that might otherwise take years to achieve market fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AISmartPlan?
AISmartPlan is an advanced AI-powered aircraft maintenance planning platform that automates the scheduling of maintenance tasks, matching engineers to aircraft based on operational data, flight schedules, and workforce constraints.
How much time does AISmartPlan save?
According to Aer Lingus, the implementation of the platform has reduced the time required for daily maintenance planning from hours to minutes.
What is the IAGi Accelerator?
Formerly known as Hangar 51, the IAGi Accelerator is International Airlines Group’s flagship innovation program. It partnerships with startups to test and validate new technologies in live airline environments. The program has worked with over 120 companies in its 10-year history.
Photo Credit: IAG
Electric Aircraft
AIR selects Dynon Avionics for exclusive eVTOL avionics integration
AIR partners with Dynon Avionics to customize SkyView HDX for its eVTOL aircraft, targeting FAA certification in 2026.

This article is based on an official press release from AIR via PR Newswire.
On June 3, 2026, Israeli electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer AIR announced a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Dynon Avionics. According to the company’s official press release, Dynon will serve as the exclusive avionics provider across AIR’s entire smart aircraft portfolio.
This collaboration bridges the gap between traditional general aviation and the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. By adapting Dynon’s widely utilized SkyView HDX flight display system for electric powered-lift operations, AIR aims to streamline the piloting experience for its upcoming vehicles while relying on proven aerospace technology.
The integration agreement covers both the piloted AIR ONE, a two-seat personal eVTOL designed for private ownership, and the uncrewed AIR ONE Cargo, a heavy-lift unmanned aerial system (UAS) utilized by defense and logistics organizations.
Adapting Proven Avionics for Electric Flight
Rather than developing a proprietary flight display from scratch, AIR has opted to customize Dynon’s flagship SkyView HDX avionics platform specifically for its eVTOL architecture. Originally introduced in 2016 for experimental and light sport airplanes, the SkyView HDX system features touchscreens that combine a primary flight display, moving-map navigation, synthetic vision, autopilot, and ADS-B traffic and weather data.
Customizing for eVTOL Operations
Because the AIR ONE utilizes electric propulsion rather than a traditional piston engine, Dynon’s engineering team adapted the SkyView HDX to meet the unique demands of powered-lift flight. According to the release, the customized system tracks electric propulsion metrics and battery energy management, ensuring pilots have clear, intuitive access to critical flight data.
“SkyView HDX is built to adapt to evolving aircraft architectures. Partnering with AIR allows us to take the proven reliability of SkyView HDX, which pilots rely on daily, and extend it directly into the advanced air mobility space.”
AIR’s Path to Commercialization and Manufacturing
AIR is positioning itself uniquely within the AAM market by focusing on personal and cargo air mobility rather than commercial air taxi services. The company’s flagship product, the AIR ONE, is designed as a “flying sports car” for private owners. According to company specifications, the aircraft features a target range of 100 miles, cruise speeds up to 155 mph, and a payload capacity of 550 pounds.
Production and Financial Traction
The avionics partnership comes at a time of significant growth for the Israeli manufacturer. As of March 2026, AIR reported surpassing $1 billion in its order backlog. This figure represents over 3,300 waitlisted customers, including 3,290 reservations specifically for the AIR ONE personal eVTOL. Furthermore, the company stated it has already generated over $35 million in booked revenue, primarily driven by deliveries of its heavy-lift UAS variants.
To support this backlog, AIR transitioned to commercial-scale serial manufacturing in July 2025 by opening a 32,000-square-foot production facility in Pardes Hanna, Israel. The company notes that this facility is capable of assembling up to six aircraft simultaneously.
“From the start, AIR has focused on making advanced flight systems intuitive, safe, and accessible. Working with Dynon allows us to bring proven avionics capability into a fundamentally new aircraft environment that demands more than a standard integration, while keeping the simplicity and operational clarity that define how we think about flight.”
Regulatory Tailwinds: The FAA MOSAIC Rule
The timing of this avionics integration aligns closely with a major regulatory shift in the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, finalized in July 2025, fundamentally changes how personal aircraft are certified.
Certification Timeline
Previously, Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations excluded powered-lift aircraft and enforced strict weight limits. The MOSAIC rule removes these prescriptive weight limits in favor of performance-based metrics, officially allowing powered-lift aircraft like eVTOLs to be certified in the LSA category. While pilot privileges under MOSAIC took effect in October 2025, the new aircraft certification provisions for manufacturers take effect on July 24, 2026. AIR expects the FAA to approve the AIR ONE under these new rules this year, enabling the company to begin fulfilling its U.S. backlog.
AirPro News analysis
We view this partnership as a prime example of traditional general aviation technology successfully pivoting to support the booming AAM sector. It demonstrates that eVTOL manufacturers do not necessarily need to reinvent the wheel regarding cockpit displays; they can adapt proven, trusted systems to save on development costs and certification hurdles. Furthermore, by integrating a familiar system like Dynon’s SkyView HDX, AIR is strategically lowering the barrier to entry for existing private pilots transitioning to electric aircraft. Finalizing its supply chain and technology stack just ahead of the July 2026 MOSAIC implementation positions AIR favorably to capitalize on the emerging personal eVTOL market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the AIR ONE?
The AIR ONE is a two-seat personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for private ownership. It features a target range of 100 miles and cruise speeds up to 155 mph. - Why did AIR partner with Dynon Avionics?
AIR selected Dynon to adapt its proven SkyView HDX flight display system for electric powered-lift operations, providing pilots with a familiar, reliable, and intuitive interface for tracking electric propulsion and battery management. - When will the AIR ONE be available in the U.S.?
AIR expects to receive FAA approval for the AIR ONE this year under the new MOSAIC regulations, which take effect for manufacturers on July 24, 2026. This certification will allow the company to begin fulfilling its U.S. order backlog.
Sources: AIR via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: AIR
Technology & Innovation
GE Aerospace Completes Ground Test of Hybrid Electric Engine System
GE Aerospace successfully tested a megawatt-class hybrid electric engine system, advancing NASA’s electrified aircraft goals with upcoming flight demonstrations.

This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On June 2, 2026, GE Aerospace announced the successful completion of the first ground test for a fully integrated, megawatt-class hybrid electric aviation engine system. Conducted at the company’s Peebles Test Operation facility in Ohio, the test marks a critical step forward under NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project.
According to the company’s press release, the ground test validated the seamless integration of electric propulsion components with a conventional gas turbine engine. By successfully simulating various flight phases, this achievement paves the way for upcoming flight tests and represents a vital milestone toward the aviation industry’s broader goal of improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions for next-generation commercial aircraft.
Validating an Integrated Hybrid Powertrain
Collaborative Component Integration
The recent ground test was the first to validate a fully integrated hybrid electric powertrain, combining a traditional gas turbine with an electric powertrain to optimize power management. Engineers at the Peebles Test Operation simulated multiple phases of a standard commercial flight, including taxi, takeoff, climb, and cruise.
During the simulation, the electric powertrain successfully powered the propeller and generated electricity that was directed back to the onboard batteries. The company noted that the test utilized flightworthy components meeting strict safety and reliability requirements, moving the technology beyond typical laboratory test hardware.
The system’s development relied on a consortium of aerospace manufacturers. GE Aerospace developed the motor/generators, power converters, inverters, controllers, and the core CT7 gas turbine engine. Additional critical components were supplied by industry partners: Dowty provided the propellers, Avio Aero supplied the gearboxes, BAE Systems delivered the onboard batteries, and Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, supplied the complete nacelle.
“The ground test is a major turning point in our understanding of hybrid electric powertrains for aviation and a fundamental building block for the future.”
A Decade of Electrified Flight Milestones
Progress Under NASA’s EPFD Project
GE Aerospace was awarded the NASA EPFD contract in 2021, an initiative designed to accelerate the development and flight readiness of electrified aircraft technologies. However, the company’s press release highlights that this recent test follows more than ten years of component testing.
Previous milestones include a 2016 electric motor-driven propeller ground test and a 2022 test of a megawatt-class hybrid electric propulsion system in simulated altitude conditions up to 45,000 feet at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility. More recently, in 2025, GE Aerospace successfully ground-tested a narrowbody hybrid electric configuration using a modified Passport engine under NASA’s HyTEC project, demonstrating power transfer without the need for battery energy storage.
“Step by step, we’re proving hybrid electric engine technology for next-generation commercial aircraft.”
Moving Toward Flight Demonstrations
The Saab 340B Testbed and Future Applications
With ground testing complete, GE Aerospace is preparing for actual flight demonstrations. According to the company, these upcoming tests will be conducted in collaboration with Boeing and Aurora Flight Sciences using a modified Saab 340B testbed aircraft powered by the hybrid CT7 engines.
The technologies matured through these NASA-backed projects are also being leveraged for the CFM International RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program. The RISE program is currently developing next-generation architectures, such as the “Open Fan” design, aimed at drastically reducing fuel burn. Furthermore, GE Aerospace emphasized that these hybrid electric systems are highly compatible with alternative fuel types, including SAF.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the aviation industry is currently navigating intense regulatory and economic pressures to decarbonize, with a universal target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hybrid-electric propulsion is widely considered a vital transitional technology, particularly for single-aisle commercial aircraft, which constitute the vast majority of the global fleet.
While widespread commercial deployment of hybrid-electric passenger planes remains years away, likely targeting the 2030s and beyond, successful integrated testing of flightworthy hardware is a necessary prerequisite. This milestone strengthens GE Aerospace’s competitive position among airlines and airframe manufacturers who are actively seeking greener, more efficient propulsion solutions for their future fleets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NASA EPFD project?
The Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project is a NASA initiative aimed at accelerating the development, integration, and flight readiness of megawatt-class electrified aircraft technologies to support the decarbonization of aviation.
What aircraft will be used for the upcoming flight tests?
GE Aerospace, in partnership with Boeing and Aurora Flight Sciences, will utilize a modified Saab 340B testbed aircraft powered by hybrid CT7 engines for the upcoming flight demonstrations.
Can hybrid electric engines use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
Yes. According to GE Aerospace, hybrid electric systems are highly compatible with different fuel types, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel, allowing for compounded reductions in carbon emissions.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
FPT and SATS Partner to Advance AI in APAC Aviation Logistics
FPT and SATS announce a partnership to integrate AI and digital innovation in aviation logistics across Singapore and Vietnam, enhancing efficiency and resilience.

This article is based on an official press release from FPT and SATS.
On June 2, 2026, global technology corporation FPT and aviation logistics leader SATS Ltd announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation into aviation logistics across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. According to the official press release, the strategic partnership will specifically focus on operations in Singapore and Vietnam.
The agreement aims to merge FPT’s technological capabilities with SATS’s extensive operational footprint. The companies intend to modernize logistics services, optimize operational efficiency, enhance supply chain resilience, and elevate the passenger experience in an increasingly complex global market.
Highlighting the bilateral economic significance of the deal, the press release notes that the MOU exchange ceremony took place in Singapore during the official state visit of H.E. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President.
The Strategic Players: FPT and SATS
FPT’s Technological Backbone
Founded in 1988, FPT operates as Vietnam’s largest information technology service company. The company’s subsidiary, FPT Software, employs over 30,000 people globally and specializes in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. Through this partnership, FPT brings the technical infrastructure and expertise required to deploy AI solutions at scale within complex logistical environments.
SATS’s Global Logistics Footprint
SATS Ltd, headquartered in Singapore, is a dominant force in gateway services and food solutions, controlling approximately 80 percent of the ground handling and catering business at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The company’s operational scale expanded significantly following its €1.3 billion Acquisitions of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) in 2023.
According to the provided industry data, the combined SATS entity now operates in over 200 locations across 23 countries. These trade routes are responsible for more than 50 percent of global air cargo volume, providing a massive real-world testing ground for new AI deployments and digital orchestration tools.
Targeting AI-Driven Efficiency in APAC
Moving Beyond the AI Hype
The integration of AI in aviation logistics is transitioning from experimental concepts to essential operational tools. The partnership focuses on practical applications such as predictive analytics, route optimization, and dynamic inventory management to build supply chain resilience and reduce operating costs.
“AI application has moved beyond the hype to drive real measurable gains in efficiency, cost savings, and service quality. FPT is committed to being a trusted partner in delivering AI transformation at scale for logistics and aviation sectors, ensuring that Singapore and Vietnam remain at the forefront of global supply chain excellence.”
AirPro News analysis
We observe that this Partnerships represents a classic synergy between a legacy operational giant and a technology powerhouse. As the APAC logistics sector experiences rapid growth, physical supply chains are becoming increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure. By aligning SATS’s vast Cargo-Aircraft network with FPT’s AI capabilities, the two companies are positioning themselves to address recent global Supply-Chain disruptions through real-time anomaly detection and automated orchestration. Furthermore, the diplomatic backdrop of the MOU signing underscores the growing strategic alignment between Singapore and Vietnam in the technology and logistics sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the FPT and SATS partnership?
The partnership aims to integrate AI and digital innovation into aviation logistics across the APAC region, focusing on modernizing services, reducing costs, and enhancing supply chain resilience.
When was the MOU signed?
The MOU was officially announced on June 2, 2026.
How large is SATS’s global footprint?
Following its 2023 acquisition of WFS, SATS operates in over 200 locations across 23 countries, covering routes that handle more than 50 percent of global air cargo volume.
Sources
Photo Credit: FPT
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