Key Points:
- Ukraine strikes five Russian strategic air bases across Arctic, Far East, and Siberia.
- IATA forecasts $36 billion in airline profit for 2025 amid protectionist headwinds.
- Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL completes first piloted flight test.
Ukraine Targets Russian Strategic Bomber Bases Across Vast Distances
Ukrainian drones clandestinely infiltrated Russia through civilian trucks and struck five Russian air bases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya, and Ukrainka in a complex coordinated campaign targeting the Kremlin’s Tu-95 bomber fleet. These aircraft have been used to launch cruise missile attacks on Ukraine. Tu-22M and TU-160 bombers and A-50 AWACS aircraft may have also been struck in the attack. The geographically dispersed targets, including Olenya in the Arctic, Ukrainka in the Far East, and Belaya in Siberia, underscore Kyiv’s expanded reach and ability to strike deep into Russian territory using domestically manufactured drones. Satellite imagery confirms damage to multiple aircraft, and analysts cited by PBS NewsHour describe the attacks as a serious blow to Russia’s strategic airpower as Russia lacks the ability to manufacture Tu-95 or Tu-22M replacements.
IATA: Global Airlines to Earn $36 Billion in 2025 Despite Decelerating Growth
The International Air Transport Association projects $36.0 billion in global airline net profits for 2025, with a 3.7% net margin and modest 1.3% revenue growth to $979 billion. The revised forecast reflects slowing GDP growth, tariff-driven disruptions, and aircraft delivery delays. Lower fuel prices and continued capacity constraints are expected to keep load factors high and support margins. Passenger traffic is projected to rise 5.8% year-on-year, while cargo growth slows to 0.7% YoY. Notable is the backlog of aircraft deliveries, with backlog now lagging 30% behind peak levels, with IATA analysts predicting 3-5 years before the current situation can be resolved.
Read the full IATA report (PDF)
Archer Completes Piloted Midnight eVTOL Flight, Begins Next Test Phase
Archer Aviation has completed the first piloted flight of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft at its California test site. The milestone marks the transition to the next phase of flight testing under FAA oversight. Archer’s goal remains commercial entry into service in 2025, and this test advances its certification campaign. The piloted flight complements earlier remote-operated tests and signals progress toward scaled urban air mobility operations.
