Category: Aviation

MIL-Evening Report: Only a third of Australians support increasing defence spending: new research

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Dunley, Senior Lecturer in History and Maritime Strategy, UNSW Sydney

National security issues have been a constant feature of this federal election campaign.

Both major parties have spruiked their national security credentials by promising additional defence spending. The Coalition has pledged to spend 3% of Australia’s GDP on defence within a decade, while Labor is accelerating its own spending increase of $50 billion over the next decade.

Even the Greens have got in on the act, pledging to “decouple” Australia from the US military.

Against this backdrop, of course, is the omnipresent figure of US President Donald Trump, with questions about the reliability of the US as an ally and the impact his policy decisions will have on Australian security. The possible deployment of Russian aircraft to Indonesia and the Chinese warships sailing around Australia have made these issues even more salient.

But what do Australians actually know about defence issues, and what are they comfortable spending on it?

According to our major new survey of 1,500 Australian adults, only a third of respondents thought the defence budget should be increased.

The survey was conducted from late February to early March as part of our work at the War Studies Research Group to measure public attitudes towards the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Australians know little about the ADF’s role

More than two-thirds of our respondents said they had a positive opinion of the ADF, and only 8% held a negative opinion. There were significant differences by political affiliation, with 76% of those expecting to vote for the Liberal Party having positive views compared to 72% of Labor supporters. By contrast, only 53% of Greens supporters felt the same way.

However, when asked how much they actually knew about the ADF and its activities, only a quarter of respondents felt well-informed.

One reason for this is that only 22% of respondents served in the ADF themselves, or had an immediate family member who had. Similarly, only 35% of respondents knew a veteran.

But even public knowledge on issues that have received considerable media attention was limited.

Remarkably, only 56% of respondents were aware of the allegations that Australian Special Forces soldiers committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Less than half had heard of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Support for increasing defence spending is mixed

Successive governments have emphasised the rapidly deteriorating strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. This has led to much debate over whether Australia should increase its defence spending – and by how much.

In this election, both sides have committed more resources to upgrade and expand Australia’s military capabilities.

However, despite efforts to turn defence spending into a major issue at this election (especially on the right of politics), it is far from clear this has cut through with the wider population.

Our survey reveals public support for a larger ADF is split. Just over half of respondents thought the ADF was appropriately sized, while 41% considered it too small and 7% thought it too large.

Notably, when asked whether they thought more money should be spent on defence, the support for growth shrinks further.

Liberal supporters were the most likely to favour increasing the defence budget. But only 44% of them did, suggesting a majority felt that current spending on the ADF was either appropriate or too large.

Only 28% of Labor voters supported an increase in the defence budget. And among Greens voters, those supporting cuts to the defence budget outnumbered those in favour of expansion.

Read more:
Should Australia increase its defence spending? We asked 5 experts

Most still support the US, despite Trump

Ever since the US presidential election in November, many Australians have also questioned the US alliance and the AUKUS agreement, specifically. Recent actions by Trump – most notably his public statements on the Ukraine war – have only reinforced these doubts.

Given the tone of the public debate, we expected to see lower levels of support in our survey for the US alliance as the bedrock of Australian security.

However, respondents strongly favoured (75%) the ADF continuing to prioritise working closely with allies and partners, especially the US. Only 2% opposed it. Notably, there was very little variation based on political allegiance.

However, the idea of deploying the ADF to support our allies and partners overseas, including in the event of a conflict, saw greater division among respondents.

Two-thirds favoured deploying troops to support our allies overall. Liberal voters largely supported this proposition (75%), while 64% of Labor supporters backed it. Only about half of Greens voters felt the same way.

Respondents were also asked whether Australia should focus primarily on the defence of our territory rather than supporting our allies and partners in maintaining wider regional security. Just under half (46%) of respondents agreed with this idea, while 38% expressed neutral opinions and only 17% opposed it.

Overall, the results of this survey suggest that while the Australian public generally holds the ADF in high regard, they don’t know very much about it, nor do they consider additional funding for defence and security to be a real priority.

Successive governments, intelligence agencies and military analysts have long warned of the growing threats to Australia’s national security. Our survey suggests, however, that this messaging is either not cutting through – or that other concerns, such as housing or cost-of-living pressures, are taking priority.

Either way, it does not look like this issue will be decisive in the coming election.

This piece is part of a series on the future of defence in Australia. Read the other stories here.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Only a third of Australians support increasing defence spending: new research – https://theconversation.com/only-a-third-of-australians-support-increasing-defence-spending-new-research-253943

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WSGS and USGS collaborate on new airborne mineral survey in southeastern Wyoming

Source: US Geological Survey

Editor: In the public interest and in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the USGS is announcing this low-level airborne project. Your assistance in informing the local communities is appreciated.

Focused on the Shirley Mountains and Hartville Uplift areas—regions known for mineralization but limited by existing geophysical data—the survey aims to improve understanding of subsurface geology and better target areas of critical mineral interest for future mapping and research.

“Baseline, high-quality geophysical data have become essential for modern geologic investigations,” said Erin Campbell, WSGS Director and Wyoming State Geologist. “These surveys help identify hidden structures and features that could point to valuable resources and guide ongoing research across Wyoming’s mineral-rich terrains.”

“WSGS is a key partner as USGS leads national efforts to map the critical minerals needed to drive the U.S. economy and national security, and expand our knowledge of the nation’s geologic framework. Wyoming produced $622 million in nonfuel mineral commodities in 2024, eighth-most in the nation. Expanding knowledge of the state’s subsurface geology could grow the state’s mining sector,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.

The survey will acquire both magnetic and radiometric data across two regions. The western block includes Pathfinder Reservoir, the Shirley and Freezout mountains, and the western part of Casper Mountain. The eastern block covers the Hartville Uplift, stretching from near Wheatland to north of Lusk.

Mineral commodities of interest for the survey include cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, platinum group elements, and graphite, all on the List of Critical Minerals maintained by the USGS as essential to the U.S. economy and national security, and vulnerable to supply chain disruption. Uranium and a wide range of other strategic materials are also present. The data may also help resolve open questions about regional tectonics and the evolution of major structural features through the Miocene.

“More than 30 percent of the state’s biennium budget is derived from mineral severance tax and federal mineral royalties, according to the January 2025 Consensus Revenue Estimating Group’s forecast for Wyoming revenue,” said Campbell. “Wyoming has taken a proactive approach to ensure future investment from the mineral industry. With the completion of this and other ongoing geophysical surveys, more than 20 percent of Wyoming, or 19,300 square miles, will be covered by the highest-quality magnetic and radiometric data, which will galvanize mineral exploration.”

Survey aircraft—both helicopters and fixed-wing planes—will collect data along closely spaced flight lines at a nominal elevation of about 300 feet (100 meters). The magnetic component of the survey detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field that reveal subsurface structures up to a kilometer deep, or about 3,000 feet. Radiometric sensors measure natural radiation to help map the distribution of potassium, thorium, and uranium near the surface.

The survey will use aircraft equipped with an elongated “stinger” mounted to either the tail extending backward off the aircraft (fixed wing), or landing skid (helicopter) extending forward off the aircraft. The scientific instruments on the aircraft are completely passive, with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public once complete. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The company contracted to fly the survey works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.

This new dataset will bridge existing geophysical surveys in the Laramie Mountains, South Pass–Granite Mountains, Sierra Madre, and Medicine Bow Mountains. It will also provide insight into complex geologic features along the Cheyenne Belt—a key boundary between the Archean Wyoming Province and younger Proterozoic rocks—long recognized for its mineral potential.

“These regions host a variety of mineral systems, including mafic magmatic, polymetallic, and rare earth element deposits,” said Patty Webber, a geologist with the WSGS. “With the addition of high-resolution geophysics, we can begin to better understand the full scope of resource potential across this structurally complex corridor.”

Following data acquisition, the WSGS and its partners will analyze and interpret the results in combination with field mapping, subsurface modeling, and other techniques to better assess mineral potential and geologic history.

Earth MRI is a nationwide partnership between the USGS and state geological surveys aimed at mapping critical minerals, and modernizing geologic data with benefits for hazard reduction and water availability. The program has supported multiple airborne geophysical efforts in Wyoming in recent years.

To learn more about Earth MRI efforts in Wyoming and across the U.S., visit the Earth MRI Acquisitions Viewer

Figure 2: Fixed wing survey aircraft to be flown at low altitudes over Area A. Courtesy Precision GeoSurveys Inc.

Figure 3: Helicopter survey aircraft to be flown at low altitudes over Area B. Courtesy Precision GeoSurveys Inc.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Willis Lease Finance Corporation Announces Timing of First Quarter 2025 Earnings and Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC”) plans to announce its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

WLFC plans to hold a conference call led by members of WLFC’s executive management team on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss its first quarter 2025 results. Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dial: US and Canada (800) 289-0459, International +1 (646) 828-8082, wait for the conference operator and provide the operator with the Conference ID 578662. The conference call may also be accessed by registering via the following link: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1716437&tp_key=f56060bee8. A digital replay will be available two hours after the completion of the conference call. To access the replay, please visit our website at www.wlfc.global under the Investor Relations section for details.

A copy of this press release will be posted to the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.wlfc.global, prior to the call.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center^®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.

CONTACT: Scott B. Flaherty

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

sflaherty@willislease.com

561.413.0112

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests Ultralight Antennas to Benefit Future National Airspace

Source: NASA

NASA engineers are using one of the world’s lightest solid materials to construct an antenna that could be embedded into the skin of an aircraft, creating a more aerodynamic and reliable communication solution for drones and other future air transportation options.
Developed by NASA, this ultra-lightweight aerogel antenna is designed to enable satellite communications where power and space are limited. The aerogel is made up of flexible, high-performance plastics known as polymers. The design features high air content (95%) and offers a combination of light weight and strength. Researchers can adjust its properties to achieve either the flexibility of plastic wrap or the rigidity of plexiglass.
“By removing the liquid portion of a gel, you’re left with this incredibly porous structure,” said Stephanie Vivod, a chemical engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “If you’ve ever made Jell-O, you’ve performed chemistry that’s similar to the first step of making an aerogel.”
NASA sandwiched a layer of aerogel between a small circuit board and an array of thin, circular copper cells, then topped the design off with a type of film known for its electrical insulation properties. This innovation is known at NASA and in the aviation community as an active phased array aerogel antenna.

In addition to decreasing drag by conforming to the shape of aircraft, aerogel antennas save weight and space and come with the ability to adjust their individual array elements to reduce signal interference. They are also less visually intrusive compared to other types of antennas, such as spikes and blades. The finished product looks like a honeycomb but lays flat on an aircraft’s surface.
In the summer of 2024, researchers tested a rigid version of the antenna on a Britten-Norman Defender aircraft during an in-flight demonstration with the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.

Then, last October, researchers at NASA Glenn and the satellite communications firm Eutelsat America Corp., of Houston, began ground testing a version of the antenna mounted to a platform. The team successfully connected with a Eutelsat satellite in geostationary orbit, which bounced a signal back down to a satellite dish on a building at Glenn. Other demonstrations of the system at Glenn connected with a constellation of communications satellites operated in low Earth orbit by the data relay company Kepler. NASA researchers will design, build, and test a flexible version of the antenna later this year.
“This is significant because we are able to use the same antenna to connect with two very different satellite systems,” said Glenn researcher Bryan Schoenholz. Low Earth orbit satellites are relatively close – at 1,200 miles from the surface – and move quickly around the planet. Geostationary satellites are much farther – more than 22,000 miles from the surface – but orbit at speeds matching the Earth’s rotation, so they appear to remain in a fixed position above the equator.

The satellite testing was crucial for analyzing the aerogel antenna concept’s potential real-world applications. When modern aircraft communicate with stations on the ground, those signals are often transmitted through satellite relays, which can come with delays and loss of communication. This NASA-developed technology will make sure these satellite links are not disrupted during flight as the aerogel antenna’s beam is a concentrated flow of radio waves that can be electronically steered with precision to maintain the connection.
As new types of air transportation options are brought to the market and U.S airspace – from the small, piloted aircraft of today to the autonomous air taxis and delivery drones of tomorrow – these kinds of steady connections will become increasingly important. That’s why NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility mission and Transformative Aeronautics Concepts program are supporting research like the aerogel antennas that can boost industry efforts to safely expand the emerging marketplace for these transportation systems.
“If an autonomous air taxi or drone flight loses its communications link, we have a very unsafe situation,” Schoenholz said. “We can’t afford a ‘dropped call’ up there because that connection is critical to the safety of the flight.”
Schoenholz, Vivod, and others work on NASA’s Antenna Deployment and Optimization Technologies activity within the Transformational Tools and Technologies project. The activity aims to develop technologies that reduce the risk of radio frequency interference from air taxis, drones, commercial passenger jets, and other aircraft in increasingly crowded airspace.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Seeing Earth as Only NASA Can

Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

NASA missions have shared unique views of our home planet for more than 60 years. In that time, science and technology in air and space revolutionized our understanding of the Earth system.

We continue to move farther into space, documenting the universe around us. It’s when we turn our gaze back home that we are reminded of the significance of Earth.

To learn more about the NASA missions included in the video, visit:

ER-2: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/er-2-aircraft/
International Space Station: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/
EMIT: https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/emit-imaging-spectrometer
Space Shuttle: https://www.nasa.gov/reference/the-space-shuttle/
PACE: https://pace.gsfc.nasa.gov
Landsat: https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov
GOES East/West: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/goes/
Messenger: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/messenger/
Blue Ghost: https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=BLUEGHOST
Apollo 8: Earthrise: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/apollo-8s-iconic-earthrise/
Artemis I: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-i/
Curiosity on Mars: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/earth-from-mars/
Cassini – The Day the Earth Smiled: https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/day-earth-smiled/
Voyager I – Pale Blue Dot: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/voyager-1s-pale-blue-dot/

Download: https://images.nasa.gov/details/Seeing%20Earth%20as%20Only%20NASA%20Can

Editor: Shane Apple
Music: Universal Production Music
Credit: NASA

#EarthDay #Earth #POV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTHUUjTA-LI

MIL OSI Video –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A DST institute, NECTAR showcases Innovative Aerostatic Drone for Enhanced Surveillance and Disaster Management

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

Forest surveillance, wildlife monitoring, border and disaster surveillance in the North East, may soon be much easier — thanks to the Aerostatic Drone developed with support from North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR).

NECTAR, an autonomous body under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India organized a live demonstration of the technology developed by Airbotix Technologies, Gurgaon.

It is the first of its kind in India, designed with high endurance and aero-statically stable capabilities to deploy for forest surveillance, wildlife monitoring, border and disaster surveillance application. Aerostatic drones are aerial platforms that derive their lift from both buoyancy and aerodynamics.

This makes them very energy efficient making them a better alternative for tethered drones. Aerostatic drones are silent as they do not require constant thrust to stay afloat, making them cost-effective and versatile solution for providing persistent surveillance.

The aerostatic drone provides a silent aerial platform that can persistently stay afloat for surveillance with an endurance of over 4 hours. The system is designed to be modular and could be integrated with any ground vehicle or can be installed at any site. The drone can be utilized for a variety of use cases such as wildlife monitoring, forest surveillance, crowd monitoring, border security and disaster surveillance to name a few.

The flexibility to equip the drone with both day and night camera as well as any other payload such as telecommunication relay and anti-drone payload. The Day and Night Vision Camera cameras further enhances its utility, especially in tracking monitoring forests for illegal activities such as poaching, smuggling and logging, as well as by providing support for security operations along borders.

Participants from various organizations interacted with Airbotix Technologyy about the drone’s technical capabilities. The Drone has features related to surveillance using thermal imaging and detection capabilities.

Officials from the CRPF showing a keen interest in how the drone could enhance their operations, particularly in border surveillance and security in challenging terrains. The ability of the drone to operate in both daylight and low-visibility conditions using thermal cameras could be a significant asset for security personnel.

Fig: Aerostatic Drone for Enhanced Surveillance and Disaster Management

The drones could play a crucial role in monitoring forest health and wildlife populations, enabling conservationists to track animal movements and assess habitat conditions without disturbing the ecosystem as they are silent. In military and security contexts, aerostatic drones are employed for ISR missions, providing real-time data and situational awareness, which enhances strategic planning and operational effectiveness. Furthermore, as they have very little metal components, they are practically invisible to the RADAR.

Aerostatic drones can serve as temporary communication relays in remote areas or during emergencies, ensuring connectivity where traditional infrastructure may be lacking or compromised. Aerostatic drones can also be integrated into systems designed to detect unauthorized drone activity, enhancing security measures at sensitive locations such as airports and military bases.

During public events, these drones could assist law enforcement by monitoring crowd behavior, helping to ensure safety and manage potential disturbances effectively. Moreover, they can be utilized to monitor traffic conditions in urban areas, providing valuable data for traffic management systems and aiding in the reduction of congestion through real-time information dissemination.

The officials from Brahmaputra Board expressed their keenness to use the aerostatic drone for disaster management and for monitoring civil construction such as roads.

The Aerostatic Drone is expected to be a game-changer in its field, with its versatility and high-performance features setting a new standard for unmanned aerial vehicle technology in India.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123451) Visitor Counter : 52

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arctic-boreal zone emissions – E-000644/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission supports Member States and third countries including through grants under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[1]. Beneficiaries from Nordic countries are involved in wildfire-related projects to enhance cross-border cooperation, promote resilience, and enhance research and readiness for extreme wildfires. F irefighting preparedness is being reinforced since 2019 with an aircraft of the rescEU fleet positioned in Sweden. The Commission also supports institutional capacity building through the UCPM peer review programme[2] and the Commission’s Expert Group on Forest Fires[3], which facilitates the exchange of good practices among the fire management services of European countries.

2. The EU has invested EUR 372 million in 139 Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe[4] research projects covering the Arctic region. In line with the EU Arctic policy, research on permafrost thawing and informing climate mitigation strategies will continue in Horizon Europe. As of January 2025, the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO) provides expert input to inform decisions on polar priorities and challenges. In 2024, a Commission Task Force issued a report on polar observations[5], including recommendations for permafrost and methane emissions monitoring.

3. The EU’s Arctic Policy[6] and EU Green Alliances with Norway and Canada underline the EU’s fundamental interest in supporting multilateral Arctic cooperation. The EU promotes strong cooperation to address climate issues in the Arctic and boreal context and regularly engages with the Arctic Council and funds its research activities. It contributes to climate efforts in multilateral fora such as the International Maritime Organisation and the United Nation’s Climate Change Conferences.

[1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en

[2] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/disaster-prevention-and-risk-management/ucpm-peer-review-programme

[3] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&do=groupDetail.groupDetail&groupID=416

[4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en

[5] https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/copernicus-polar-roadmap-eu-satellite-observations-help-respond-emerging-polar-challenges-2024-09-03_en?prefLang=bg

[6] JOIN (2021)27 final.
Last updated: 22 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Aviation Revolution

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Civil Aviation

India’s Aviation Revolution

From Regional Runways to Global Routes

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi

“Among the fastest-growing sectors in Bharat’s economy, aviation is one of them. We are connecting our people, culture, and prosperity through this sector. With 4 billion people, a rapidly growing middle class, and the resulting increase in demand, this is a significant driving force for the sector’s development.”

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

Summary

Parliament passed the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aligning India’s aviation leasing laws with global standards to reduce leasing costs.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 modernized India’s aviation sector, replacing the colonial-era Aircraft Act from 1934.
India’s domestic air passenger traffic reached a historic milestone, surpassing 5 lakh passengers in a single day in 2024.
Entering its 9^th year, the UDAN scheme has successfully operationalized 619 routes and 88 airports, with plans to expand to 120 additional destinations.
UDAN Yatri Cafés launched at Kolkata and Chennai Airports, providing passengers with affordable, quality food.
Rapid aviation infrastructure expansion continued, with significant progress in operationalizing Greenfield airports and upgrading existing facilities nationwide.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ushered in an era of transformative growth and innovation in India’s aviation sector. Driven by groundbreaking legislative reforms, extensive infrastructure expansion, and an unwavering commitment to connectivity, safety, and sustainability, the Ministry has achieved landmark milestones, positioning India among the world’s leading aviation markets. This article outlines the Ministry’s strategic initiatives and key accomplishments, reflecting a robust aviation ecosystem poised to support India’s ambitions of becoming a developed nation by 2047—Viksit Bharat @2047. The following sections highlight the key pillars of this transformation—legislation, infrastructure, inclusivity, sustainability, and global integration—underscoring India’s emergence as a capable aviation powerhouse.

Legislative Reforms Driving Systemic Transformation

Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 – This pivotal legislation, steered through Parliament by Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and passed in April 2025, aligns India’s aircraft leasing and financing framework with international standards set by the Cape Town Convention, 2001. By addressing gaps in legal enforcement, the Bill is strategically designed to reduce aircraft leasing costs for Indian carriers, which were previously 8-10% higher than in other nations. This is expected to boost investor confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation market significantly. The intended impact of the Bill includes reduced risk premiums, lower interest rates, and lease costs for passengers and shippers. It also aims for better contract enforceability and repossession certainty, fostering the growth of domestic leasing hubs.
Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 – This landmark Act was passed by both houses of Parliament in 2024 and came into force on 1st January 2025. It represents a significant step in modernising India’s aviation sector by re-enacting and updating the colonial-era Aircraft Act, 1934. The Adhiniyam aims to foster indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, align regulations with international conventions such as the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and streamline regulatory processes by simplifying license issuance. It also removes redundancies and introduces provisions for appeals.

Infrastructure Expansion: Building the Future of Indian Aviation

Foundation Laid for New Terminal Capacity: Significant infrastructure development is underway, including the laying of foundations for new terminals at key locations such as Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra.
Operationalisation of Greenfield Airports: Since 2014, 12 Greenfield Airports have been operationalised out of 21 ‘in-principle’ approved airports. These include Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar (Hollongi), Mopa, Shivamogga, and Rajkot (Hirasar). Furthermore, development at Noida (Jewar) and Navi Mumbai International Airports is progressing rapidly, with operationalisation targeted for the first quarter of FY 2025-26. The government has set an ambitious target of developing 50 more airports in the next 5 years and connecting 120 new destinations in the next 10 years.
Significant Capital Expenditure in Airport Infrastructure: A substantial CAPEX of over ₹ 91,000 crore is planned for airport infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) during FY 2019-20 to FY 2024-25, with approximately ₹ 82,600 crores already spent by November 2024.

RCS–UDAN: Democratising Air Travel and Boosting Regional Growth

RCS-UDAN Connecting India: The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), now in its 9^th year since its launch in October 2016, has operationalised 619 routes and connected 88 airports across the country. This scheme embodies the government’s commitment to affordable air travel and promoting balanced regional development.
Expansion of Regional Connectivity: In 2024 alone, 102 new RCS routes were launched, including 20 in the North Eastern States. The scheme has facilitated affordable air travel for 1.5 crore passengers, and it aims to extend this to 4 crore more in the next decade through a revamped UDAN initiative to add 120 new destinations. The scheme also prioritises connecting remote, hilly, and aspirational districts, including the North Eastern region, through support for helipads and smaller airports.
Affordable Food at Airports with UDAN Yatri Café: The UDAN Yatri Café initiative, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of democratising air travel, was launched to provide affordable and quality airport food options. Cafés have been inaugurated at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and Chennai Airport, offering tea for ₹10 and samosas for ₹20. The Kolkata café has seen significant success, leading to the nationwide expansion of the initiative.

Skyrocketing Passenger Traffic Reflects Sectoral Momentum

Exponential Growth in Domestic Passengers: In 2024, domestic air passenger traffic more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh, a remarkable increase from the 10 crore 38 lakh passengers recorded in the 65 years preceding 2014. Domestic air passenger traffic grew by 5.9% in the January-November period of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, crossing the milestone of 5 lakh passengers in a single day for the first time on November 17, 2024.

Strong Growth in International Traffic: International routes also experienced substantial growth, with 64.5 million passengers carried between January and November 2024, marking an 11.4% increase.
India Emerges as a Top Global Aviation Market: The total number of air passengers annually has exceeded 350 million, firmly establishing India as the third-largest aviation market globally. Over the past decade, domestic air passenger traffic has grown 10-12% annually.

Safety, Technology, and Seamless Travel

State-of-the-Art DFDR & CVR Laboratory Inaugurated: A significant stride towards enhancing aviation safety was the inauguration of the advanced Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (DFDR & CVR) Laboratory at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in New Delhi. This ₹9 crore facility will significantly improve the effectiveness of identifying the root causes of incidents and ensuring accountability, thereby contributing to a safer aviation ecosystem. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supported the establishment of this crucial lab.
Expansion of Digi Yatra for Seamless Travel: Digi Yatra services to 24 airports have significantly enhanced passenger convenience and security. This initiative provides a seamless, contactless travel experience for passengers. Over 80 lakh users have downloaded the app, and more than 4 crore journeys have been completed using the Digi Yatra facility.
Guidelines Launched for Seaplane Operations: The Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India were launched on 22nd August 2024 to enhance regional connectivity further. These guidelines prioritise safety and security and aim to facilitate the commencement of seaplane operations across the country. UDAN Round 5.5 includes invitations for bids for seaplane operations from over 50 water bodies.

Sustainability and Capacity Building: Preparing for Tomorrow

Driving Green Energy Adoption at Airports: The Ministry actively promotes sustainable aviation, with around 80 airports now operating on 100% green energy. The aspiration is to transition over 100 airports to renewable energy sources. Bengaluru Airport has achieved the highest Carbon Accreditation Level 5 by Airports Council International (ACI), while Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad airports have achieved Level 4+ accreditation, becoming carbon neutral. Chennai Airport also operates entirely on green energy and houses a 1.5 MW solar power plant.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Pilots: Recognizing the increasing need for trained pilots, estimated at 30,000 to 34,000 in the next 10-15 years, the Ministry is actively working on expanding the number of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and the annual issuance of commercial pilot licenses.
Aviation Career Guidance for Students: To nurture future talent, Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu launched a ‘Career Guidance Programme in Aviation’ for school students at the Indian Aviation Academy. The programme aims to inspire and educate students about diverse career opportunities within the sector. The Minister highlighted the significant demand for pilots and the government’s commitment to developing domestic talent.

Additional Milestones in Aviation Growth

Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO): A uniform 5% Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate has been introduced for aircraft parts to promote India as a competitive global MRO hub.
Gender Inclusion: India boasts 13–18% of women pilots, which ranks among the highest globally. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) targets 25% representation of women in all aviation roles by 2025.
International Recognition: The 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was successfully hosted in New Delhi, culminating in the Delhi Declaration.
Air Cargo Infrastructure: Cargo handling capacity reached 8 million MT in FY24, growing at 10 %+ annually with a new focus on warehousing for perishables and streamlined customs protocols.

Charting the Path to Viksit Bharat @2047

The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains resolutely committed to positioning India as a global aviation leader, driving transformative change through visionary policies, world-class infrastructure, and inclusive, sustainable growth. As India continues to break records in passenger traffic, expand regional connectivity, and modernise aviation frameworks, the nation is firmly set on an upward trajectory toward becoming a vibrant global aviation hub. These concerted efforts enhance travel experiences for millions and bolster economic prosperity, strengthen national integration, and empower India to confidently soar towards its vision of becoming a developed nation—Viksit Bharat @2047.

References

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar / Sheetal Angral/ Vatsla Srivastava

(Release ID: 2123537)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1998, Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 1998 would require the Administration to impose sanctions on any foreign persons knowingly engaged in piracy. Piracy is defined as illegal acts of violence, detention, or depredation, committed for private ends by the crew of the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft on the high seas against another ship or aircraft.

Under current law, the Administration can sanction foreign persons that present a threat to U.S. national security. If the enactment of H.R. 1998 leads the Administration to broaden those sanctions, more people would be denied visas by the Department of State, resulting in an insignificant decrease in revenues from fees. Although most visa fees are retained by the Department of State and spent, some collections are deposited into the Treasury as revenues. Denying foreign nationals entry into the United States also would reduce direct spending on federal benefits (emergency Medicaid or federal subsidies for health insurance, for example) for which those people might otherwise be eligible.

The bill would block transactions involving certain assets either in the United States or under the control of people or entities in the United States. Under the bill, any person or entity violating those prohibitions would be subject to civil or criminal monetary penalties. Such penalties are recorded as revenues, and a portion can be spent without further appropriation.

On the basis of data about similar sanctions, CBO estimates any additional sanctions imposed under the bill would affect a small number of people. Thus, enacting H.R. 1998 would have insignificant effects on revenues and direct spending, and would, on net, reduce deficits by insignificant amounts over the 2025-2035 period.

H.R. 1998 would impose a private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by expanding the scope of authority for the Administration to regulate transactions between entities in the United States and foreign entities and officials of foreign governments who would be subject to sanctions under the bill. That expansion would result in additional burdens on individuals and entities, such as banks, in the United States that are required to monitor and report on foreign transactions and to block access to certain assets owned by sanctioned entities. It also would prohibit transactions between entities in the United States and sanctioned parties that otherwise would be permitted under current law.

The cost of the mandate would be any income or profit lost as a result of the bill’s enactment. CBO expects that because a small number of people or entities would be affected, the loss of income from any incremental increase in restrictions imposed by the bill would be small as well. CBO estimates that the cost of the mandate would fall well below the annual threshold established in UMRA for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

H.R. 1998 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Emma Uebelhor (for federal costs) and Brandon Lever (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: With a Technology License From MIT and NREL in Hand, Comstock Fuels Aims To Produce Jet Fuel From Lignin

Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Patent-Pending Technology Turns Lignin—a Plant Structural Material—Into Aromatic Hydrocarbons That Could Help Leap Over Synthetic Aviation Fuel ‘Blend Wall’

NREL research technician Spencer Lask prepares feedstock for hydrodeoxygenation using a batch pressure reactor—allowing NREL to work in parallel with industry partner Comstock Fuels. Photo by Mickey Stone, NREL

It is an ideal complement to Comstock Fuels’ own technologies: an additional refining step to upgrade lignin from biomass into aromatic hydrocarbons, which are molecules needed to produce “drop-in” synthetic aviation fuel (SAF).

SAF can be made with abundant biomass and waste resources from America’s farms, forests, and waste facilities. However, most SAF today must be combined with petroleum jet fuel (Jet A) to meet strict performance requirements for aviation. This is because jet engines need fuel that contains a blend of hydrocarbons for safe operation—alkanes (including n-alkanes, isoalkanes, and cycloalkanes) and aromatics. To date, most SAF production processes yield fuels rich in n-alkanes and isoalkanes, but pathways for producing aromatics and cycloalkanes are scarce.

But the SAF technology being codeveloped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is different. It yields aromatic-rich SAF by deconstructing lignin in plants and hydrodeoxygenating the resulting molecules to jet-range blendstocks.

Understanding that SAF needs to comprise roughly 20% aromatics, Comstock Fuels President David Winsness jumped on the opportunity to scale up the technology. In September 2024, Comstock Fuels signed a cooperative research and development agreement with MIT and NREL.

If the MIT–NREL technology is successfully scaled up and integrated into Comstock’s existing processes, the combination of technologies could help address the so-called SAF “blend wall”—providing a path toward SAF that is functionally identical to Jet A.

A Chance Encounter Sparks Research Agreement

Winsness discovered the patent-pending MIT–NREL lignin conversion technology during an exploratory meeting at NREL’s Golden, Colorado, campus, where he was discussing scaling up Comstock’s Bioleum SAF technology. During that meeting, NREL Principal Scientist Robert Baldwin introduced Winsness and his colleagues to the new lignin pathway and recommended an introduction to NREL Senior Research Fellow Gregg Beckham and NREL chemical engineer and group manager David Brandner, who together lead NREL’s component of the work with a team of researchers.

A veteran of the biofuels industry, Winsness had himself developed and commercialized a patented process that recovers distillers corn oil from corn ethanol facilities for use in producing additional fuels, increasing yields and revenues. Upward of 95% of the U.S. corn ethanol industry uses the technology today. Winsness and his team then set their sights on lignin as their next innovation on the belief that doing so could support petroleum, pulp and paper, forestry, and other relevant industries.

After more than 10 years, they developed a patented and patent-pending process that extracts and converts lignin into an intermediate called Bioleum. In an August 2024 press release, the company reported yields of cellulosic ethanol and Bioleum-derived fuels exceeding 125 gallons per metric ton of biomass (on a gasoline-gallon-equivalent basis), depending on feedstock, lignin content, site conditions, and other process parameters.

After Baldwin’s initial introduction to Beckham and a series of follow-up communications, it became clear that the MIT–NREL lignin-based SAF technology could complement Comstock’s processes by refining Bioleum further to produce both alkane and aromatic SAF. The parties recently executed an exclusive license agreement, in addition to the research agreement, just six months after their first meeting.

At its pilot facility in Wisconsin, Comstock Fuels is currently scaling up and demonstrating its Bioleum technology to convert woody biomass into SAF. One step of Comstock’s chemical processes isolates lignin by separating it from the other major plant polymers—the polysaccharides cellulose and hemicellulose—which continue through the process for conversion into alkane SAF.

“The type of digestion we are already doing is ideal for MIT and NREL’s technology,” Winsness said.

It was there—where Comstock produces a stream of lignin—that Baldwin and Winsness saw an exciting interdependency and linkage point.

“MIT and NREL’s technology makes a highly aromatic blendstock, but that’s great because most of the other SAF technologies out there today make blendstocks that don’t contain aromatics,” Baldwin said. “To get 100% SAF, you have to have some source of aromatics, and one way to get them is from lignin.”

MIT and NREL first described their lignin conversion technology in 2022, outlining steps for turning poplar (left) into lignin oil (center) and finally into aromatic-rich SAF (right). Photo by NREL

From Lignin to Highly Aromatic SAF

Lignin—which makes up around 30% of biomass—is a complex polymer that supports plants and helps them resist decay. Based on projections of future feedstock supply, which are outlined in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2023 Billion-Ton Report, lignin could generate as much as 63 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2040—three times more fuel than U.S. airlines consumed in 2019.

NREL and MIT’s technology uses reductive catalytic fractionation and hydrodeoxygenation to turn lignin into aromatic hydrocarbons. Figure by NREL

However, for years the industry has lacked the key for unlocking that potential. Researchers continue to search for economical methods for turning lignin into useful products, including the aromatic hydrocarbons needed for SAF. In the pulp and paper industry today, lignin is burned for heat, though NREL and other researchers are also developing technologies for turning waste lignin into valuable bioproducts.

However, building on advances in catalysis, a multi-institution team of researchers, including MIT’s Mickey Stone, Matt Webber, and Yuriy Román-Leshkov, unveiled a study with the potential to overturn that dynamic. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, they demonstrated a method for removing oxygen from lignin and a catalyst to refashion the resulting molecules into an aromatic-rich SAF blendstock—an additive for mixing with alkane SAF.

First described in a 2022 Joule article, the technology combines alcohol extraction of lignin from biomass with an Earth-abundant hydrodeoxygenation catalyst to stabilize the extracted lignin and produce an oil enriched with aromatics. Importantly, this catalyst resists deactivation or poisoning from impurities often present in biomass.

Having successfully demonstrated the technology in the lab, MIT and NREL filed a patent application for the technology. Now, to show its value outside the lab for the biofuels industry, it is time to scale it up.

The Three-Year Plan: Scaling It Up

Over the next three years, Comstock will build a pilot-scale version of the MIT–NREL lignin conversion technology, a task that involves linking the various steps into an uninterrupted process that can run continuously. They will also incorporate larger reactors and equipment, moving from producing milliliters of the aromatic SAF blendstock to a few gallons.

That process will provide Comstock with valuable data and engineering designs to consider as it works to integrate it with its own Bioleum technology. Winsness said that the MIT–NREL process can be added with a few minor modifications to accept the existing lignin stream.

At its facility in Wausau, Wisconsin, Comstock’s 50-gallon flow-through reactor is a workhorse and represents the kind of reactor the company aims to integrate with the MIT–NREL technology. Photo from Comstock Fuels

“We already have over 2,000 runs on our pilot reactor and a tremendous amount of data,” Winsness said. “We think we can take the MIT–NREL process from a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 to 6 very quickly if all goes well.”

Of course, that would not be the end of the systematic process for demonstrating and commercializing the technology. After successfully piloting the MIT–NREL process at TRL 6 and 7, Comstock would then need to integrate the process into even larger facilities in the coming years, elevating the Comstock and MIT–NREL processes to TRL 8 and 9. Comstock Fuels plans to license the technologies globally and to build, own, and operate its own network of Bioleum refineries in the United States with several sites under evaluation for construction of its initial demonstration-scale facility—paving the way for commercialization.

Success could put millions of more gallons of SAF into the marketplace, according to NREL senior licensing executive Eric Payne.

“It’s not every day the lab gets a partner like Comstock who’s ready to jump in and fund technology scale-up, which is so critical for commercialization,” he said. “They’ve got the potential to impact billions of gallons of SAF, and that is really exciting. This is a huge market.”

Learn more about NREL’s biofuels and bio-based chemicals research, as well as the laboratory’s broader advanced aviation research.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
The Honorable Mike JohnsonSpeaker of the House of RepresentativesWashington, D.C. 20515
March 28, 2025
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I write to apprise you of developments in Yemen and the broader Middle East region.
Houthi militants operating from bases in Yemen have perpetrated piratical aggressions against shipping and have continued to threaten and attack United States forces in the airspace and waters in and around Yemen. I will no longer allow this band of pirates to threaten and attack United States forces and commercial vessels in one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. We will act to keep Americans safe. Consistentwith my commitment to defend United States forces and to uphold navigational rights and freedoms, I directed the Department of Defense to take several actions concerning the Houthis in Yemen, described below.
First, I directed the Department of Defense to move additional forces equipped for combat into the Middle East to enhance the defensive capabilities available to United States forces and facilitate necessary military actions. These forces include capabilities for air and missile defense of Israel and of locations hosting United States forces as well as fighter, support, and reconnaissance aircraft to enable strikes on Houthi targets. The additional forces have deployed to countries in the Middle East region as detailed in the attached classified annex.
Second, at my direction, forces under United States Central Command have commenced large-scale strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen to eliminate the capabilities the Houthis use for attacks on United States forces and commercial ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. United States Navy ships and aircraft, along with United States Air Force bombers, fighters, and unmanned aircraft, operating in and around Yemen, have participated in these strikes. Targets have included Houthi leadership and equipment, command and control facilities, and munitions storage facilities. We will continue these decisive military operations until the Houthi threat to United States forces and navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea and adjacent waters has abated.
I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I directed these actionsconsistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuantto my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations. I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump
The Honorable Charles GrassleyPresident pro tempore of the SenateWashington, D.C. 20510
March 28, 2025
Dear Mr. President:
I write to apprise you of developments in Yemen and the broader Middle East region.
Houthi militants operating from bases in Yemen have perpetrated piratical aggressions against shipping and have continued to threaten and attack United States forces in the airspace and waters in and around Yemen. I will no longer allow this band of pirates to threaten and attack United States forces and commercial vessels in one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. We will act to keep Americans safe. Consistentwith my commitment to defend United States forces and to uphold navigational rights and freedoms, I directed the Department of Defense to take several actions concerning the Houthis in Yemen, described below.
First, I directed the Department of Defense to move additional forces equipped for combat into the Middle East to enhance the defensive capabilities available to United States forces and facilitate necessary military actions. These forces include capabilities for air and missile defense of Israel and of locations hosting United States forces as well as fighter, support, and reconnaissance aircraft to enable strikes on Houthi targets. The additional forces have deployed to countries in the Middle East region as detailed in the attached classified annex.
Second, at my direction, forces under United States Central Command have commenced large-scale strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen to eliminate the capabilities the Houthis use for attacks on United States forces and commercial ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. United States Navy ships and aircraft, along with United States Air Force bombers, fighters, and unmanned aircraft, operating in and around Yemen, have participated in these strikes. Targets have included Houthi leadership and equipment, command and control facilities, and munitions storage facilities. We will continue these decisive military operations until the Houthi threat to United States forces and navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea and adjacent waters has abated.
I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I directed these actionsconsistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuantto my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations. I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Creatd, Inc. to Acquire Air Charter Advisors in $3-$6 Million Stock Deal, Further Strengthening Its Aviation Portfolio Following the $8.3 Million Flyte Acquisition
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Strategic Integration: Air Charter Advisors expands Flyte’s global reach while advancing revenues within its AI-enabled aviation platform
- Deal Terms: Valued between $3–6 million; expected to close within 60 days
NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Creatd, Inc. (OTC: CRTD), a diversified holding company scaling growth through strategic acquisitions, has signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to acquire Air Charter Advisors, Inc., a boutique private aviation firm based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The transaction follows Creatd’s recent $8.3 million acquisition of Flyte (formerly Flewber Global, Inc.) and further solidifies its position as a leading consolidator of aviation assets. The deal will be executed through Flyte, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Creatd, and is expected to close following the completion of due diligence and definitive agreements.

Establishing the AI Infrastructure for the Future of Private Aviation

Flyte offers regional, domestic and international private air travel through its Flyte Luxe and Hops products. Through this acquisition, Flyte will expand its customer base and diversify its service offerings, while maintaining Air Charter Advisors as an independent operating entity within Creatd’s broader aviation network.

Air Charter Advisors brings a complementary portfolio of services—including global jet charter, non-emergency air ambulance flights, and cargo charter services—along with longstanding relationships across corporate, government, and high-net-worth clientele. As part of the Flyte platform, Air Charter Advisors will gain access to Flyte’s shared services infrastructure, including finance, compliance, IT, performance marketing, booking technology, and AI-powered optimization tools designed to drive efficiency and scale across operations.

“Air Charter Advisors is a strong cultural and strategic fit for Flyte,” said Marc Sellouk, CEO of Flyte. “This is exactly the kind of integration Flyte was built for—we’re not here to compete with great operators, we’re here to empower them. By combining our AI-driven infrastructure with trusted teams like Adam’s, we’re building a shared services platform that relieves operators of operational burdens and creates something the private aviation market has never had: scale, efficiency, and service—together.”

“We’ve built Air Charter Advisors on a reputation for trust, reliability, and exceptional service,” said Adam Steiger, President of Air Charter Advisors. “Coming under the umbrella of Flyte and Creatd gives us access to world-class marketing and cutting-edge technology that supercharges our ability to scale. This collaboration empowers us to innovate faster, deliver an even better client experience, and help shape the future of private aviation.”

The LOI includes a 30-day exclusivity period and contemplates a transaction valued between $3-$6 million, subject to due diligence and customary closing conditions.

Accelerating Sector-Wide Integration

The deal is part of Creatd’s broader strategy to bring together aviation companies with complementary capabilities and shared values. With Flyte as the anchor brand, the goal is to create a comprehensive aviation network powered by centralized infrastructure—spanning sales, booking, finance, regulatory, and technology services. This approach enables founder-led companies to thrive in a competitive landscape while reducing operational inefficiencies.

About Air Charter Advisors, Inc.
Air Charter Advisors is a global aviation firm specializing in private jet charter, aircraft management, and consulting. Based in Pennsylvania, the company has earned a loyal client base through its commitment to safety, discretion, and premium service.

About Flyte, Inc.
Flyte is a tech-forward aviation platform offering both regional and international private flight services. A subsidiary of Creatd, Inc., Flyte is pioneering a shared services model that supports high-growth operators with the infrastructure they need to scale.

About Creatd, Inc.
Creatd, Inc. (OTC: CRTD) is a publicly traded investment firm acquiring and growing founder-led companies in aviation, media, and advisory services. Through its shared services model, Creatd enables its portfolio companies to scale efficiently, improve margins, and expand market reach.

For investor relations, contact ir@creatd.com

Forward Looking Statements: This statement includes forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions about future events and are subject to uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements often contain terms like “expected,” “anticipated,” and “estimated.” Factors influencing future outcomes are unpredictable and may emerge over time. We do not commit to updating any forward-looking statement post its publication date. Our SEC filings provide further details and risk disclosures.

The MIL Network –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev discussed with Alexander Khinshtein the prospects for the development of the transport complex of the Kursk region

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev held a working meeting with Acting Governor of Kursk Oblast Alexander Khinshtein. The participants discussed a number of current projects and initiatives aimed at restoring the efficient operation of the region’s transport system and improving the quality of life of citizens of the Kursk border region.

One of the projects is the reconstruction of the area adjacent to the building of the central railway station of Kursk and the construction of a transport hub next to the station. Preliminary work on the development of technical parameters of the project is already underway together with Russian Railways. In addition, preparations for the resumption of work of the international airport named after M.I. Gurevich after the stabilization of the situation in the region were discussed.

Let us recall that on April 2 of this year, President Vladimir Putin instructed the Government to develop a program for the restoration of infrastructure facilities in the Kursk region by July 1, 2025.

“The Government of the Russian Federation is paying close attention to the restoration of the Kursk region, including in terms of the reconstruction of transport infrastructure facilities, and will provide possible support in the implementation of the planned projects,” noted Vitaly Savelyev.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Easter Long Weekend Wrap Up – Territory Road Policing and Operation Tuglo

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force were out in force over the Easter long weekend with multiple high visibility operations across the NT.

The Territory Road Policing Division set up 56 Random Breath Test stations and conducted 484 mobile random breath tests throughout the Territory, with over 5,071 road users breath tested. Of that number, 41 people tested positive to alcohol and 25 tested positive to drugs from the 131 drug tests conducted.

Road Policing issued 373 traffic infringement notices and provided 72 cautions, the majority of these interactions were related to speeding and persons not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, speed cameras checked 19,234 vehicles, capturing 491 for speeding.

Superintendent Rick Magree said, “We know that people are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than the national average. With the increased traffic on the road over the Easter long weekend, comes increased risk.

“Overall, most people were well behaved and enjoyed their long weekend responsibly, However It’s disappointing that a number of drivers still made poor choices in relation to the Fatal Five, predominantly with drink and drug driving as well as speeding.

“With the upcoming long weekend Territorians can expect to see the Road Policing Division out with an increased presence keeping everyone safe on our roads.”

In addition to the increase in RBT stations across the Territory, Operation Tuglo was commenced across Darwin, Adelaide River and Alice Springs, targeting the transportation of dangerous drugs, weapons and other illegal items via the air and road in the NT.

Operation Tuglo conducted high visibility screening of passengers on commercial flights arriving at Darwin and Alice Springs airports as well as vehicles travelling along the Stuart Highway.

Thirty-nine commercial flights with over 6,600 passengers and their luggage were screened using drug, firearm and explosive detection dogs. Fortunately, no illicit substances or illegal items were detected.

Over 135 vehicles were screened with drug detection dogs with 80 vehicle searches resulting in seizure of 2.76kg of cannabis, 2kg of Kava, 28 litres of spirits all destined for remote restricted communities. Five stolen motor vehicles were also apprehended in Adelaide River.

Additionally, one illegal firearm fashioned from a 22. calibre rifle was seized from a vehicle in Adelaide River.

The operation resulted in three arrests, five Traffic Infringement Notices, two defect notices, and 10 people were issued with a Notice to Appear.

Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “I want to commend all the officers involved in this significant operation.

“While the results from the airport checks were reassuring, the findings at the Adelaide River roadblock were disappointing.

“The discovery and seizure of an illicit firearm is a serious matter, and that alone makes the operation worthwhile.

“We remain committed to disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs and illicit substances into our communities.

“Our focus will continue to be on those who traffic illicit substances into the Territory and specifically into remote areas, where some of our most vulnerable people reside.

“Those who seek to profit from the harm of others, particularly the vulnerable, are a blight on our society and will be relentlessly pursued.

“As a whole the Territory enjoyed a safe and responsible long weekend.”

MIL OSI News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Stakes Claim to the Top Leadership position at International Telecom Union (ITU)

Source: Government of India

India Stakes Claim to the Top Leadership position at International Telecom Union (ITU)

Ms. M. Revathi Nominated as Indian Candidate for the post of Director at ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 12:13PM by PIB Delhi

India has nominated Ms. M. Revathi, Joint Wireless Advisor at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as its candidate for Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This marks India’s most significant bid in decades to influence global radio spectrum governance.

A specialized UN agency based in Geneva, the ITU ensures that the world’s communication systems work together, safely, securely, and fairly. The Radiocommunication Bureau of the ITU regulates the global radio frequencies and satellite orbits—crucial for 5G, 6G, space broadband, disaster response, managing these finite resources. As Director, Ms. Revathi would play a central role in shaping next-gen radiocommunication standards and ensuring equitable spectrum access.

Her candidacy reflects India’s vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and its push for inclusive digital growth, particularly benefiting developing nations. If elected, she would become the first woman and the first representative from ITU Regions E (Asia/Australasia) and D (Africa) to lead the Bureau—representing more than half the world’s population.

With nearly 30 years of experience in spectrum and satellite orbit management, Ms. Revathi is widely recognized for pioneering regulatory innovations. She currently serves on the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board, advocating global equity in spectrum use.

India’s leadership in global telecom was also underscored by its successful hosting of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in Oct 2024 in New Delhi, attended by the highest ever 3,700 delegates from 150+ countries. The adoption of eight landmark Resolutions at WTSA 2024 highlights India’s growing role in shaping the digital future.

About ITU:

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for digital technologies (ICTs). The Organization is made up of a membership of 194 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with regional offices on every continent, ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family – connecting the world since the dawn of the telegraph in 1865.

ITU coordinates the global telecom systems through its three sectors: ITU-T (Standardization), ITU-D (Development), and ITU-R (Radiocommunication). The Radiocommunication Bureau manages the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources, ensuring countries and technologies (like 5G, aviation, space missions, etc.) don’t interfere with one another. This coordination is crucial for everything from mobile networks to GPS, weather satellites, and broadcasting.

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Samrat : pibcomm[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2123374) Visitor Counter : 124

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University Wins Student Design Bureau Competition

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

At Bauman Moscow State Technical University, as part of the competition of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, projects of Student Design Bureaus were defended. One of the participants was the team of SKB “System Engineering” of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Polytechnic University scientists demonstrated a strategy for training young engineers capable of solving breakthrough problems in the interests of industry and technological development of the country. The project was presented in the direction of “Student Design Leadership”. It was among the five winning universities in its nomination. Grant support in the amount of 20 million rubles will be used to develop the educational ecosystem of SKB, as well as to purchase materials and components for prototypes of products created by students.

“Highly qualified engineers capable of contributing to the country’s technological leadership are trained at youth design bureaus. Students, postgraduates and young scientists develop competitive technologies, solve specific scientific, technical and engineering problems, and are widely involved in work on orders from industrial enterprises. It is important that the initiative has shown high demand – 178 universities from 81 regions of the country submitted applications for the first competition. 15 winning universities will receive support for the creation of new and development of existing sites, including the purchase of modern equipment,” said Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.

SKB “System Engineering” is being implemented within the framework of the university’s development strategy and program to achieve technological leadership and integrate education, science and industry. The main goal of the project is to form a cross-cutting trajectory for training engineering personnel – from early career guidance for schoolchildren to the inclusion of senior students in real research and design activities commissioned by industry. Interest in the project results was expressed by 12 partners, including JSC Power Machines, which will provide co-financing for the SKB’s work in the amount of almost 15.5 million rubles in 2025.

Speaking at the defense, the project manager, director of the Higher School of Power Engineering, deputy director of the Scientific and Educational Center “Aircraft Engines and Power Plants” of the PISH “Digital Engineering” Alena Aleshina emphasized that the work of the SKB directly corresponds to the national development goals of Russia until 2036 and is aimed at training highly motivated specialists capable of working to overcome modern technological challenges.

In 2025, the SKB’s main focus is on two key areas that correspond to national projects of technological leadership: “new nuclear and energy technologies” and “unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)”. In the future, it is planned to integrate other strategically significant areas into the SKB structure.

Oleg Rozhdestvensky, Head of the SPbPU Office of Technological Leadership, emphasized: “As part of the SKB, we introduce schoolchildren to engineering, invite them to continue their education at the Polytechnic, where we give them the opportunity, already as students, to find themselves and try their hand at different areas during their 1st and 2nd years, during general engineering training. And in their 3rd and 4th years, we select the most qualified students to work at the request of our industrial partners.”

A special feature of the Polytechnic University’s approach is the creation of a three-level educational ecosystem covering different age categories of students, formed on the basis of the methodological and scientific-technical background of the SPbPU PIS “Digital Engineering”.

School design bureaus — early career guidance, development of engineering thinking and involvement in the technological environment already at the stage of school education. In March 2025, with the support of the government of St. Petersburg and the Academy of Talents, 12 agreements were signed on the opening of new school design bureaus. Youth design bureaus — work with students in grades 10–11 and students of secondary vocational education, including them in project activities with real tasks from partners. Thus, a laboratory is already operating at the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education of SPbPU, where students create small series of antennas ordered by the enterprise. Student design bureaus — focus on general engineering training of 1st–2nd year students and a gradual transition to conscious engineering practice and participation in R&D from the 3rd year.

The development program of the SKB “System Engineering” will be implemented on the basis of the Office of Technological Leadership of the Polytechnic University. It is integrated into the University Development Strategy until 2030, with a perspective until 2036 and will be based on the principles of network interaction of various SPbPU divisions, including: the Student Design Bureau “Power Machines – Polytechnic”, operating since 2020, the SKB of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering”, participating in the implementation of a large project on drones since 2024, as well as the Center for Youth Trajectories and others.

Director of the Engineering Center of JSC Power Machines Konstantin Savichev noted the importance of the project in terms of training qualified engineering personnel at the company’s request and said that students are already being trained in the process of working on R&D commissioned by the company. The SKB team has already signed a contract for R&D worth 12 million rubles, in which students are participating. By the end of 2025, it is planned to attract more than 25 million rubles for the implementation of projects and the development of prototypes.

“The key objective of our SKB is to give each student the opportunity to find their place in engineering. We strive not only to transfer knowledge, but also to develop skills, teach how to work with advanced digital and production technologies, so that young specialists can make a real contribution to achieving technological leadership in the country,” noted Alena Aleshina.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China adds 29 new majors to higher education catalog

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, April 22 — China’s Ministry of Education has introduced 29 new majors to advanced education institutions in response to the evolving needs of national strategies and the pursuit of high-quality development.

The ministry on Tuesday announced updates to the catalog of undergraduate majors in general colleges and universities, adding majors such as carbon neutrality science and engineering and international cruise management.

Among the new additions serving strategic areas of national interest are majors such as marine science and technology and health and medical security.

In recognition of technological trends, majors including smart molecular engineering, medical device and equipment engineering, and spatiotemporal information engineering have been included.

To cater to emerging market trends, the catalog now includes majors such as international cruise management and aviation sports.

Reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society, the ministry has introduced majors such as AI education, smart audio-visual engineering, and digital drama.

To facilitate a more agile response to national strategies, the ministry has implemented a new mechanism allowing swift adjustments to the curriculum in response to newly prioritized strategic areas.

Addressing the rapid development needs of the low-altitude economy, six universities, including Beihang University, have been guided to add a major in low-altitude technology and engineering.

MIL OSI China News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Yemen’s Houthis claim fresh attacks at Israel, US aircraft carriers

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Yemen’s Houthi group said on Monday that it had launched fresh attacks at two Israeli targets and two U.S. aircraft carriers, using drones and cruise missiles.

“We launched a drone attack at a vital target in the city of Ashkelon and another drone attack at a military target in the city of Eilat,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

He didn’t identify the names of the targets in both cities in southern Israel.

“As part of confronting the American aggression … we targeted the aircraft carrier Truman and its escorting warships in the northern Red Sea, using two cruise missiles and two drones,” Sarea said, referring to the USS S. Harry Truman.

“We also targeted the aircraft carrier Vinson (the USS Carl Vinson) and its escorting warships in the Arabian Sea, using three cruise missiles and four drones,” he said.

Sarea reaffirmed that the group’s attacks “will continue” against Israel and the U.S. naval forces in the region.

According to the Houthi television, the attacks against Israel and the U.S. warships were carried out in the past 24 hours.

The Israeli defense forces have yet to comment on the Houthi claim, nor the U.S. military.

Meanwhile, the U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have been continuing. Early in the day, the Houthi television said the death toll from U.S. airstrikes on Sunday night against a popular market in the Shu’ub neighborhood in central Yemen’s capital Sanaa rose to 12, with 30 other “civilians” wounded.

Also on Sunday night, the Houthi television reported other U.S. airstrikes on several Houthi locations in the northern provinces of Al-Mahwit, Saada, and Marib.

Tensions between the Houthi group and the U.S. military have escalated since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15 to deter the group from targeting Israel and U.S. warships.

MIL OSI China News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Indo-Pacific Minister visits Cambodia to strengthen ties
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

World news story

UK Indo-Pacific Minister visits Cambodia to strengthen ties

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West MP visits Cambodia to advance shared interests and boost cooperation.
The UK and Cambodia are collaborating to advance climate initiatives and promote sustainable development.

This includes at Techo International Airport in Kandal Province, Cambodia, where British architecture has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to green airport design.

The airport, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, will be visited today (22 April 2025) by UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, who is in Cambodia this week to strengthen ties between the two nations and promote economic growth, climate resilience, and security cooperation.

The Minister will meet with H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and senior officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Their discussions will cover expanding trade opportunities, advancing climate initiatives, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing regional security.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, said:

My visit to Techo International Airport today is testament to the modern UK-Cambodia partnership. Innovative and green infrastructure fit for Cambodia’s future, designed by British business – an achievement that would have been unimaginable thirty years ago.

Our relationship goes far beyond just this one building – but we bring the same partnership approach to everything we do, whether increasing trade to create jobs, protect our climate and nature, or increase access to education.

Foster and Partners Associate Partner, Krzysztof Szymanski, said:

We are incredibly proud and deeply honoured to lead the design of Techo International Airport, a project that aspires to be one of the greenest airports in the world. This airport offers a transformative vision for Phnom Penh, drawing deeply from Cambodia’s rich heritage and responding thoughtfully to its tropical climate. By integrating the latest technology with local craftsmanship, we are committed to creating sustainable and efficient infrastructure.

This project not only creates a new gateway to the city and the country, enhancing Cambodia’s reputation on the global stage, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable airport design. It is a privilege to contribute to such a significant endeavour that will shape the future of Cambodia’s capital.

Minister West is going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Strategic Infrastructure Development, demonstrating our commitment to partner to boost mutual economic growth, including support for the development of a Green Special Economic Zone. Initiatives such as the Trade Partnerships programme and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme are also key to deepening ties and growth opportunities.

The Minister will meet the British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia to discuss how UK businesses are taking advantage of these policies to expand cooperation with Cambodian partners in key sectors including education, infrastructure, and financial services.

Minister West will visit De Montfort University in Cambodia, the first UK university campus in the country, to discuss the UK’s role in addressing global environmental challenges, and highlighting how UK programmes, such as the Biodiverse Landscape Fund, are empowering local communities, including marginalised groups, to regenerate and conserve local environments and improve livelihoods.

The visit also addresses shared security concerns, including combating serious organised crime and human trafficking, addressing online fraud and scam centres, and future defence cooperation initiatives.

For more information, please contact: UKInCambodia@fcdo.gov.uk

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Published 22 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – PSNA appeals to government to initiate international call for a “no-fly” zone over Gaza

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has this morning written to the Foreign Minister Winston Peters requesting New Zealand initiate the call for an internationally enforced “no-fly” zone over Gaza.

PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says this would be a small but practicable step to blunt Israel’s continuing genocidal attacks on Palestinians.

“Gaza is recognised under international law, and by the New Zealand government, as part of the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory. As such, Israel’s intrusion into Gaza airspace is illegal, and is elevated to a war crime when its aircraft attack Palestinian civilians there to further what the International Court of Justice has described as a “plausible genocide”.

John Minto says the United Nations has repeatedly said there are no safe places in Gaza for Palestinian civilians, where even so-called “safe zones” are systematically attacked as Israel terrorises the population to flee from the territory.

“Suggestions for a no-fly zone have been made in the past but there has never been a better time for a concerted international effort to enforce such a zone over Gaza”.

“In the week leading up to Anzac Day there is no better time for New Zealand to stand up and be counted.

“New Zealanders from past conflicts, including in that very region in 1917 and 1918, have died in vain if today’s politicians refuse to speak out to end the death and destruction in Gaza.”

John Minto

Maher Nazzal

National Co-Chairs

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Lankford Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Disrupt Cartel Operations by Increasing Southbound Border Inspections
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and James Lankford (R-OK), both members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase inspections of traffic going from the U.S. to Mexico, which would help combat the flow of illicit firearms and money that fuel drug cartels.

“Dismantling drug cartels requires cutting off the flow of illegal firearms and cartel money moving from the U.S. into Mexico, which help give cartels the resources to continue to operate and flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation significantly enhances our southbound inspection capabilities, which will help disrupt cartel operations and reduce the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated communities across New Hampshire and nationwide.”

“With border crossings at a record low, the results speak for themselves. President Trump’s leadership is making America safer; the southern border is much more secure than it was a year ago,” Lankford said. “But US Customs and Border Protection still doesn’t have the resources they need to stop gun smuggling to the criminal cartels in Mexico. We need to ensure border law enforcement has the personnel and technology to crack down on criminal activity that puts Americans at risk.”

Specifically, the bipartisan Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act would:
- Require that at least 10 percent of southbound vehicles are inspected, to the extent practicable
- Authorize at least 100 additional Homeland Security Investigations agents to investigate the smuggling of guns and money from the U.S. into Mexico
- Authorize at least 100 additional Homeland Security Investigations agents to investigate drug smuggling, human trafficking, child trafficking, and unauthorized entries from Mexico into the U.S.
- Authorize 50 additional x-ray inspection systems for southbound inspections
This legislation is part of Senator Hassan’s ongoing efforts to support border security. Last year, the Senate Homeland Security Committee advanced bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Hassan to allow U.S. and Canadian personnel to jointly patrol both sides of the Northern border on aircraft, helping better combat drug smuggling and other illegal cross-border activities. In March, Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the Senate. Additionally, in December, Senator Hassan worked with her colleagues to pass into law her bipartisan legislation to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its contractors are operating as effectively as possible at the Southern border.
MIL OSI USA News –
April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer meets with Teamsters, manufacturers, construction workers as America at Work tour continues

Source: US Department of Labor

BEAVERTON, OR – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer delivered a keynote address at the Teamsters Unity Conference last week in Nevada, where she also visited a training facility for aviation mechanics and held a roundtable with local small business owners. Continuing her promise to tell the story of America at Work, the Secretary then traveled to Oregon, where she toured a high school construction project and met with Daimler Truck North America’s Chief Executive Officer John O’Leary.

In her speech to Teamsters last Tuesday, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlighted that her father’s experience as a Teamster “meant a paycheck we could count on, a roof over our heads, and a promise that hard work would be respected.” The Secretary concluded her remarks by promising to “push for jobs that pay what you’re worth, for workplaces that keep you safe, and for retirements that let you rest easy after a lifetime of labor.”

NEVADA

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joins General President Sean O’Brien at the 2025 Teamsters Unity Conference.

The Secretary also visited with faculty, staff, and students at the Aviation Maintenance Institute while witnessing their specialized training program in action. Throughout the tour, she learned more about AIM’s effort to educate the next generation of aviation mechanics and to meet growing demand for airplane technicians.

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer then held a roundtable discussion with the Nevada Hispanic Business Group, an organization focused on empowering local small businesses. She heard from over a dozen employers about challenges they are facing, including overregulation and other economic barriers to success.

OREGON

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer wrapped up the week in Oregon, where she visited the headquarters for truck manufacturing company Daimler Truck North America. With seven U.S. manufacturing sites and 17,000 employees, they discussed the importance of putting American manufacturers first and quickly training the workers needed to fill these good-paying jobs.

Finally, the Secretary stopped by the construction site for Beaverton’s new high school to receive a progress update from Skanska construction workers and local ironworkers assigned to the project. So far, Ironworkers Local 29 has put in more than 21,000 journeymen hours and 6,900 registered apprentice hours for the project, which began nearly a year ago.

Learn more about the Secretary’s listening tour, including her recent stops in Florida and Pennsylvania.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Promoting Work Zone Safety Statewide
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul is promoting work zone safety by urging all drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect roadside workers and other motorists. As construction season kicks into high gear statewide, these efforts highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week — which is celebrated from April 21-25, 2025 — and the national theme: “Respect the zone so we all get home.”

“Every roadside worker deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re asking all drivers to do their part by reducing speed, eliminating distractions and staying vigilant in work zones so that our hard-working and dedicated roadside workers are safe. A few extra seconds of your time and attention can save a life.”

In 2024, there were more than 156 crashes in Thruway work zones resulting in one fatality and 30 injuries. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of the crashes. In addition, two Thruway Authority employees died and another was seriously injured in separate incidents while working on the New York State Thruway. In its 70-plus year history, 22 Thruway employees have been killed while on the job.

In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public. A total of 58 members of the NYSDOT family have died on the job across New York State, dating as far back as 1939.

Throughout National Work Zone Awareness Week, the New York State Thruway Authority and NYSDOT will be hosting awareness events, lighting digital highway signs with safety messages and sharing important safety reminders on social media platforms. In addition — at the direction of Governor Hochul — State landmarks will be illuminated in orange on Wednesday, April 23 in recognition of Go Orange Day. Drivers are encouraged to:
- Slow down when approaching work zones.
- Move over for all stopped vehicles including roadside workers, emergency responders and disabled vehicles.
- Stay off phones and avoid other distractions while driving.
- Follow posted signs and flagger instructions.
This April also marks two years since the launch of the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) pilot program. The pilot program was established by legislation enacted into law by Governor Hochul in 2021 which authorized a five-year pilot program run as a joint effort by NYSDOT and the Thruway Authority to enhance the State’s ongoing efforts to slow motorists down in work zones and make New York’s highways safer.

More than 425,000 Notices of Liability have been issued statewide, with over 38,000 repeat offenders since the AWZSE program began issuing Notices of Liability in May 2023. In locations where the cameras have been present more than once, fewer Notices of Liability are being issued, meaning that people are slowing down when cameras are present.

Fines through the pilot program are issued as follows:
- First Notice of Liability: $50 fine
- Second Notice of Liability: $75 fine if within an 18-month period of first violation
- Third and Subsequent Notices of Liability: $100 fine if within an 18-month period of first violation
To further protect the workers who build and maintain roads and bridges, Governor Hochul proposed making the AWZSE pilot program permanent and increasing penalties for repeat violators in her Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, in addition to expanding the program to include Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels and New York State Bridge Authority properties. Additionally, the Governor suggested enhancing penalties for assaults against transportation workers, extending protections similar to those provided to many MTA and retail workers. These actions will improve safety for both workers and drivers.

Beginning with National Work Zone Awareness Week and continuing through the construction season, the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will once again be conducting “Operation Hardhat” details to enforce vehicle and traffic laws in highway work zones. Under “Operation Hardhat,” State Troopers or local police officers are dressed as highway maintenance workers in active NYSDOT or Thruway work zones across New York, identifying and citing motorists for several violations, including disobeying flagging personnel, speeding through work zones, cell phone and seatbelt use, and/or violations of the State’s Move Over law. Last year 2,755 tickets were issued by State Police and participating law enforcement agencies during 62 deployments across the State.

The New York State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority have produced new videos encouraging motorists to move over in work zones. See the NYSDOT video here and Thruway Authority video here.

To celebrate “Go Orange Day” and to commemorate National Work Zone Awareness Week, the following New York State landmarks will be lit orange on Wednesday, April 23:
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
The New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) is observing Work Zone Awareness Week by conducting a “road show” at each of its five vehicular spans. Each day will consist of a meeting with staff, followed by a meeting with local stakeholders and first responders to discuss safety concerns, explore opportunities for collaboration, and share information about NYSBA’s upcoming construction season. Additionally, the necklace lights on the Mid-Hudson Bridge will be illuminated in orange in honor of “Go Orange Day” to promote work zone safety.

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “Each day, roadside workers risk their lives to enhance the safety of the roads we all rely on. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure they can perform their jobs safely and return to their families after their shifts. Drivers need to remain alert and reduce their speed in work zones. Let’s show our appreciation for the dedicated men and women who keep our roads operating safely.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Our dedicated highway maintenance and construction workers routinely work in hazardous conditions so that the rest of us can get where we need to go, safely. They have families, friends and loved ones who love them and depend on them. We owe them all a debt of gratitude and paying back that debt begins with keeping them safe. I appreciate Governor Hochul’s continuing efforts to protect our workers so remember, every driver has a role to play — during National Work Zone Awareness Week and throughout the year – that is why I urge all motorists to put down your phones, slow down, and pay attention, especially in work zones. Lives are at stake.”

New York State Bridge Authority Executive Director Dr. Minosca Alcantara said, “This week serves as an important reminder that work zone safety is a shared responsibility for everyone who travels on our state’s roadways. In recognition of this, the Bridge Authority is bringing together staff and local leaders at each of our five vehicular bridges to reinforce our partnerships and collective commitment to protecting employees working in construction zones. By remaining vigilant and looking out for our work crews, we help ensure that our staff return home safely to their loved ones—and that all travelers experience a safer journey.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Highway workers, law enforcement officers and other emergency responders, work in a dangerous environment and risk their lives to keep the traveling public safe. They should be able to do their jobs without fear of harm and go home to their families at the end of each workday. It is important that motorists are aware of their responsibility to slow down, move over and put electronic devices away.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “As someone who spends a lot of time on the road driving across New York, I cannot understate my appreciation for the men and women who work to maintain the safety of those roads. We must all mind the rules of the road, and especially the rules of the work zone, to ensure that everyone on both sides of the cones and barricades are safe at all times.”

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “This National Work Zone Awareness Week is a reminder for drivers to slow down, drive safely, and obey the rules of the road. Our highway employees work hard every day to improve our roads and get drivers where they need to go, and it’s only right that we work to keep them safe while on the job. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul, the Thruway Authority and NYSDOT for their continued partnership to keep all New Yorkers safe on the road.”

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “Work Zone safety continues to be a priority for me as Chair of the Transportation Committee. In 2021, I was proud to sponsor and get passed into law legislation creating a pilot program for the use of speed cameras in work zones. There is no excuse for speeding and reckless driving in work zones. Our workers deserve a safe working environment and to safely go home to their families at the end of their shifts.”

Associated General Contractors of New York State President and CEO Mike Elmendorf said, “Work zone safety isn’t just a one-week concern—it’s a year-round priority. As construction season ramps up, we urge all drivers: stay alert, slow down, and move over in work zones. Every day, highway workers and flaggers face serious risks from speeding and distracted drivers. That’s why New York’s work zone speed camera program is critical — it saves lives and must be made permanent and expanded. The recent rise in assaults on transportation workers makes it even more urgent to strengthen legal protections for those building and maintaining our infrastructure. AGC NYS is proud to partner with Governor Hochul and NYSDOT to create safer roads for workers and drivers alike. We applaud the Governor’s Executive Budget proposals to make the speed camera program permanent and close legal loopholes that leave workers vulnerable. Now, the Legislature must act to protect the men and women who keep New York moving.”

New York State American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations President Mario Cliento said, “In just a few days, we will mark Workers Memorial Day to honor those who lost their lives on the job. As leaders move closer to finalizing the state budget, we have a unique opportunity to improve worker safety with new work zone protections and traffic laws. No worker should fear for their life while performing their job, and no family should have to grieve the loss of a loved one due to preventable and entirely avoidable roadway incidents. We thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing worker safety, and we look forward to working with her on protecting the workforce that keeps our roads safe.”

New York State Building and Construction Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera said, “Construction sites are inherently dangerous and the added hazards and less-controllable variants of roadways and high speed traffic only increase the risks for worksites on our highways. This is why we must continue to encourage drivers to proceed with more caution and mindfulness around roadway work zones. We applaud Governor Hochul for her ongoing leadership and action on this important issue. Every hard-working New Yorker, including our brave tradesmen and tradeswomen working on our roadways, deserve to return home safely to their families at the end of each shift.”

Laborers’ International Union of North America Vice President and New England Regional Manager Donato A. Bianco, Jr. said, “National Work Zone Awareness Week serves as an important reminder to everyone traveling our highways to slow down, stay alert and respect the men and women who perform this necessary and inherently dangerous work. Every day, LIUNA members build, repair and maintain the roads we drive to our jobs and back home to our families. It is because of these workers that our commutes are safer and more efficient. We all owe it to them to prioritize their safety and ensure they also return home to their loved ones at the end of their workday.”

New York State Laborers Health and Safety Trust Fund Executive Director Frank Marchese, Jr. said, “National Work Zone Awareness Week is an important initiative that calls attention to the perils of road construction, and why driver attentiveness is imperative all year round. The data shows that prioritizing work zone safety legislation and initiatives creates a far less hazardous environment for workers simply doing their jobs by reducing speeding and distracted driving. Our union calls on everyone to do their part to keep workers safe, and show support for those who keep New York State moving forward.”

New York State Conference of Operating Engineers President Thomas A. Callahan said, “Our members work hard building and repairing New York’s roads and bridges. That dangerous work becomes deadly with reckless and careless drivers. That’s why we urge the Legislature and the Governor to pass a budget that includes speed cameras in work zones legislation in addition to other safety measures.”

Civil Service Employees Association Thruway Local 058 President Sean Kennedy said, “CSEA affirms our commitment to making sure all of our members make it home at the end of the work day. Drivers need to do their part too.”

Civil Service Employees Association President Mary E. Sullivan said, “Our union joins Governor Hochul, the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority in observing National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 21 to April 25. As road work season begins, we want to once again highlight the importance of safe driving in highway work zones. This year, we observe this week remembering our union brother Stephen Ebling, who lost his life while working in a Thruway work zone. As motorists, we must always use caution while in work zones; respect the zone so we can all get home.”

New York State Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence said, “The 54,000 members of the New York State Public Employees Federation, especially the hardworking professionals at the NYS Department of Transportation, urge all New Yorkers to stay aware, on task and use caution when driving through highway work zones. As we enter National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21-25, 2025, all New Yorkers should all be mindful that our highway workers have families that need them. In 2024 alone, there were more than 156 crashes in Thruway work zones resulting in one fatality and 30 injuries. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these accidents were entirely preventable if the drivers had focused on operating their vehicles and maintained appropriate work zone speeds — distracted driving and operator error were responsible for the vast majority of these crashes. PEF urges all motorists to pay attention and respect our highway work zones so all these dedicated workers can get home safely to their families.”

Teamsters Local 456 President and Principal Officer Louis A. Picani said, “National Work Zone Awareness Week is a crucial time to reflect on the safety of our workers and the public. One of Teamsters Local 456’s objectives is to maintain the safety and well-being of our members. We support our partners in state government in enforcing stringent safety measures to protect those who build and maintain our roads. Local 456 not only represents the New York State Thruway workers, whose lives are in danger every day, but also the construction workers who are out fixing and maintaining roadways for those who travel them every day. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Hochul for her unwavering support and commitment to enhancing work zone safety. Together, we can ensure that every work zone is a safe zone.”

Safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can reduce accidents and ensure safer roads for workers and drivers alike.

For more information on National Work Zone Awareness Week and how to stay safe while driving through work zones, visit the state’s comprehensive website at ny.gov/workzone.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: ESCO Technologies Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

St. Louis, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE:ESE) will report its second quarter financial results after the market close on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, followed by a conference call where the financial results and related commentary will be discussed.

Event: Second Quarter 2025 Conference Call
Date:        Wednesday, May 7
Time:        4:00 p.m. Central Time

The conference call webcast and an accompanying slide presentation will be available in the Investor Center of ESCO’s website. The slide presentation will be utilized during the call and will be posted on the website prior to the call. Participants may also access the webcast using this registration link.

For those unable to participate, a webcast replay will be available after the call in the Investor Center of ESCO’s website.

ESCO is a global provider of highly engineered products and solutions serving diverse end-markets. It manufactures filtration and fluid control products for the aviation, Navy, space, and process markets worldwide and composite-based products and solutions for Navy, defense, and industrial customers. ESCO is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing RF test and measurement products and systems; and provides diagnostic instruments, software and services to industrial power users and the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, ESCO and its subsidiaries have offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. For more information on ESCO and its subsidiaries, visit the Company’s website at www.escotechnologies.com.

SOURCE ESCO Technologies Inc.
Kate Lowrey, Vice President of Investor Relations, (314) 213-7277

The MIL Network –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER CALLS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY TO MEET WITH FLIGHT 3407 FAMILIES AND COMMIT TO THEM PERSONALLY TO PROTECTING 1,500 HOUR RULE AND AIR SAFETY REGULATION SENATOR & FAMILIES FOUGHT TOGETHER TO…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Trump’s FAA Nominee, The CEO Of Republic Airways, Has Previously Fought To Roll Back Basic Air Safety Standards – Including Rule that Pilots Must Have 1,500 Hours Of Flight Training – That Flight 3407 Families Have Fought For
Amid Growing Calls For FAA Safety, Schumer Urges Trump’s Transportation Secretary To Meet With Flight 3407 Families, Which Every Previous Transportation Secretary Has Done
Schumer: We Must Protect Air Safety Regulations And Honor Advocacy Of 3407 Families
A longtime advocate for airline safety, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for U.S. Transportation Sean Duffy to meet with the families of Flight 3407 and commit to them clearly and unequivocally that he will not roll back the aviation safety law and pilot training standard, including the 1,500 rule, that they fought together to create. Schumer said amid growing calls for FAA Safety he is concerned about Trump’s FAA nominee’s proposal to roll back basic air safety standards and urged Secretary Duffy to meet with families and commit to upholding air safety regulations.
“With air safety concerns more prevalent than ever, this rule is vital to keep air travel safe, uphold the integrity of our aviation system, and save lives. I strongly urge Secretary Duffy to meet with the families of Flight 3407… I urge you to meet with the families of Flight 3407—the ones who paid the highest price—and make that same commitment to them, clearly and unequivocally,” wrote Senator Schumer. “I will be frank: I am gravely concerned about Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as FAA administrator. Mr. Bedford has been one of the most vocal and persistent advocates of rolling back and circumventing basic air safety standards, including the 1500-hour rule. I find Bedford’s nomination to run the very agency tasked with keeping our skies safe incredibly dangerous.”
Schumer has been a long-time, relentless advocate for air safety standards following the tragic crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407. In February 2009, the tragic crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York claimed 50 lives and alerted the nation to the shortfalls in our aviation safety system, particularly at the regional airline level. In the wake of the tragedy, Schumer worked with the families who lost loved ones in the crash, to pass the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. This landmark aviation safety legislation addressed many of the factors contributing to the increasing safety gap between regional and mainline carriers by requiring the FAA to develop regulations to improve safety, including enhanced entry-level pilot training and qualification standards, pilot fatigue rules, airline pilot training and safety management programs, and the creation of an electronic Pilot Record Database.
Notably, the legislation included a mandate that first officers – also known as co-pilots – hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires that the pilot log 1,500 flight hours, and the advocacy of the families has led to many other laws including regulations to combat pilot fatigue, the establishment of the electronic Pilot Records Database, and more.
Schumer’s letter to Secretary Duffy can be found HERE or below:
Dear Secretary Duffy:
I write to you during a pivotal moment for air safety regarding an issue near and dear to me: the 1500-hour pilot training requirement established in the aftermath of the tragic Colgan Flight 3407 in February 2009, which claimed the lives of 50 people.
This essential safety standard—born from profound loss and championed with unwavering dedication by the families of the victims—has been instrumental in advancing the safety of our nation’s skies over the past decade. Now, with air safety concerns more prevalent than ever, this rule is vital to keep air travel safe, uphold the integrity of our aviation system, and save lives. I strongly urge you to meet with the families of Flight 3407, as every Transportation Secretary has done since the tragedy. I am confident that you, like your predecessors, will find their wisdom, experience, and insight to be invaluable.
As you know from our January 2025 meeting in my office, I have worked arm-in-arm with the 3407 families for more than 16 years. With serious and growing concerns about air travel safety across the country, there is no room for hesitation: the 1500-hour rule must not only be upheld, it must be defended without compromise. You gave me your word that you would protect it. Now, I urge you to meet with the families of Flight 3407—the ones who paid the highest price—and make that same commitment to them, clearly and unequivocally.
The Colgan crash alerted our nation to shortfalls in our aviation safety system, particularly at the regional airline level, where the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident report found 46 contributing factors, many directly related to piloting experience. Immediately, I joined the families in the fight to close the massive gaps in air safety and save lives: ultimately leading to the passage of the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.
The totality of the 2010 law’s provisions has made the skies safer by putting the best pilots in the cockpit and setting them up for success. A keystone of that law was a mandatory First Officer Qualifications (FOQ) rule, colloquially known as the 1500-hour rule, that was formally adopted in 2013. This rule requires 1500 hours of in-air training and experience, among other requirements, prior to prospective pilots earning their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Against industry objections and repeated attempts to circumvent this safety standard, the 1500-hour rule has proven to be a life-saving success and has been upheld in every FAA reauthorization since its adoption, including the most recent 2024 reauthorization.
I will be frank: I am gravely concerned about Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as FAA Administrator. Mr. Bedford has been one of the most vocal and persistent advocates of rolling back and circumventing basic air safety standards, including the 1500-hour rule. I find Bedford’s nomination to run the very agency tasked with keeping our skies safe incredibly dangerous.
As early as 2014, less than a year after the 1500-hour rulemaking process took effect, Mr. Bedford – serving as Republic Airways CEO – sought to reduce the number of hours required to serve as a pilot-in-command of a commercial airline. Again in 2022, the Bedford-led Republic Airways sought to circumvent flight-safety regulations by requesting an exemption from the 1500-hour rule.[2] The FAA eventually denied this request, following strong advocacy from me and the families against Bedford’s attempt to roll back safety standards. Given his history, there is ample reason to believe that Bedford would utilize the authority delegated to the Administrator in Sec. 217(d) of the 2010 law to grant credits that would effectively erode the 1,500-hour rule.
Congress’s intent in delegating this authority was to empower a safety-minded FAA Administrator with flexibility to give credits for accredited academic training experience certified by either the military or the FAA, not with an end-around to effective safety standards. Mr. Bedford’s anti-safety track record suggests that he will abuse his authority to enhance the financial performance of regional airlines at the cost of safety for the American flying public.
Make no mistake, the 3407 families and I will doggedly fight against any attempt by Bedford to weaken air-safety, just as we have successfully done so for years.
There is a phrase in Hebrew: “May their memory be a blessing.” Since the 2010 FAA law’s passage, the memory of the 50 lives lost on Flight 3407 has become just that—a blessing that has protected millions of American travelers. Through unimaginable loss, the families turned grief into action and pain into purpose. Today, with serious questions surrounding air safety in America, I ask you to honor your commitment to me to protect the 1500-hour rule, to meet with the Flight 3407 families to reaffirm the same, and to let the memory of those we lost continue to serve as a blessing—for their families, for our skies, and for all Americans.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade

Source: Government of India

Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade

Stakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:45PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today chaired a crucial stakeholder meeting at Delhi Airport to address operational challenges arising from the ongoing upgradation work on runway 10/28 and the impact of unexpected westerly wind patterns. The meeting had participation of all the stakeholders from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, along with representatives from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), all the airlines and the CISF.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the current situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stressed that smooth operations at Delhi Airport are of paramount importance and directed all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address the challenges effectively. He emphasized on the need for comprehensive planning that factors in both the ongoing runway upgradation and potential weather-related disruptions.

Reiterating that passenger comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has given strict instruction to all stakeholders to take timely, pre-emptive measures based on weather updates and ensure efficient utilization of available resources.

Addressing the workforce readiness, the Minister called for enhanced coordination amongst the stakeholders to prepare for any unforeseen challenges, ensuring seamless airport operations despite 1 of the 4 runways under upgradation. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) and AAI teams have been encouraged to leverage their expertise for maintain operational efficiency during this critical period.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu expressing confidence in the collective capabilities said, “I am confident that with collective efforts and robust coordination, Delhi Airport will continue to deliver a world-class experience to its travelers, even amidst the challenges posed by infrastructure enhancements and unexpected weather conditions.”

The meeting focused on the importance of transparent and timely communication with passengers to alleviate any inconvenience during this period. The discussion concluded with a clear emphasis on meeting the runway upgradation timelines while minimizing disruptions to airlines and inconvenience to passengers.

The Ministry remains committed to prioritizing passenger convenience and operational efficiency, ensuring that India’s aviation sector remains a benchmark for excellence.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2123298) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in Gurugram

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in Gurugram

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Air India Safety Promotion Centre

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today undertook a comprehensive visit to Air India’s corporate and training infrastructure in Gurugram, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing safety, training, and operational excellence in Indian aviation. His visit commenced with a walkthrough of the Air India Experience Centre, a facility that encapsulates the airline’s 92-year legacy and showcases its Vihaan.AI transformation journey.

The Minister then visited the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) and the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC)-critical facilities that underscore Air India’s operational resilience and commitment to on-time performance. At the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, he received an overview of the Academy’s role in shaping aviation professionals, followed by an in-depth tour of training infrastructure including the Safety Lab, Grooming Centre, Security Lab, and the under-construction Simulator Buildings.

The visit marked a key milestone with the inauguration of the Air India Safety Promotion Centre by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu in the presence of the Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India. Speaking at the occasion, he said, “On the occasion of inaugurating the Air India Safety Promotion Centre, I am pleased to see a strong commitment towards fostering a safety-first culture in Indian aviation.” “I congratulate Air India for bolstering safety by investing in training its manpower through this state-of-the-art centre inaugurated today, where learnings from past incidents have been thoughtfully curated and translated into immersive, real-world training that goes far beyond the classroom” he added.

Commenting on the broader vision for Indian aviation, the Minister said, “As India expands its air connectivity across regions, safety remains our top priority. Air India, under the stewardship of the Tata Group and with the dedicated efforts of its committed staff carrying forward the legacy of JRD Tata, is well on its path to becoming one of the world’s best airlines.” He also reiterated the government’s continued partnership with the aviation sector “The Government of India extends its full support to our airlines in building a globally competitive, safe, and reliable aviation ecosystem.”

The Safety Promotion Centre aims to cultivate a safety-first culture within Air India through immersive learning experiences that draw from real-world scenarios and past incidents. The visit underscored the Ministry’s focus on strengthening India’s aviation infrastructure through enhanced safety protocols, advanced training, and close collaboration with industry stakeholders. Earlier, the Minister was welcomed at the Air India Headquarters by Mr Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India and his management team.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2123287) Visitor Counter : 96

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: “Booker” for High-End Brothel Network Sentenced to One Year in Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant vetted clientele via cell phones which contained thousands of verified sex buyers in Massachusetts and Virginia; Brothel network generated over $5.6 million in revenue from approximately 9,450 scheduled commercial sex dates with sex buyers

BOSTON – A Korean national residing in Dedham, Mass., who served primarily as the “booker” for an interstate prostitution network that operated sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia, was sentenced on April 18, 2025 in federal court in Boston.

Junmyung Lee, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to one year in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Junmyung Lee is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. The Court also ordered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $200,000, equal to the amount of proceeds earned by the defendant during the conspiracy. In October 2024, Junmyung Lee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; and one count of money laundering conspiracy.

Junmyung Lee was arrested and charged in November 2023 with co-defendants Han Lee, 42, of Cambridge, Mass. and James Lee, 69, of Torrance, Calif. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Han Lee pleaded guilty in September 2024 and, in March 2025, was sentenced to four years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $5,418,572 and restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. James Lee pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2025.

From at least January 2022 through November 2023, Junmyung Lee conspired with Han Lee and James Lee to operate an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels, in greater Boston and eastern Virginia, designed to entice women to travel interstate to engage in prostitution. Junmyung Lee and his co-conspirators also conspired to launder the proceeds from the prostitution network by concealing that the money was derived the prostitution conspiracy.

Junmyung Lee was recruited to work for the prostitution network in approximately late 2021 through early 2022, as the business expanded. His main role in the conspiracy was that of the appointment “booker” and assisted with various tasks to maintain the prostitution network. In exchange, Han Lee paid Junmyung Lee $6,000-$8,000 per month. During the entirety of the conspiracy, the brothel network generated over $5.6 million in revenue from approximately 9,450 scheduled commercial sex dates with sex buyers.

As “booker,” Junmyung Lee was responsible for vetting sex buyers, booking appointments and communicating directly with vetted customers via at least two cell phones – for Massachusetts and for Virginia, respectively. The brothel cell phones each contained over 2,800 verified customers of the prostitution business. An additional known cell phone containing additional contacts for the Virginia brothel was never recovered. Junmyung Lee also helped transport women to and from the airport, with some women working at the brothel locations on multiple occasions and in multiple states.

The defendants rented high-end apartments in Massachusetts and Virginia to serve as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. In June 2022, Junmyung Lee leased one of the brothel locations in Cambridge, Mass. under his own name. In exchange for the lease, Junmyung Lee received a large cash payment of prostitution proceeds from Han Lee. Junmyung Lee used a portion of the cash payment towards the purchase of a Corvette.

Additionally, Junmyung Lee collected the cash proceeds from the various brothel locations at the direction of Han Lee and then conceal the proceeds via structured deposits into personal bank accounts and through peer-to-peer payments with other conspirators. The defendants also regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at the brothel locations.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Virginia; the U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces Over $21.8 Million for Hurricanes Ida, Laura Recovery

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $21,879,841.94 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in reimbursement for permanent repairs and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Laura and Ida.
“This funding supports schools, hospitals, and airport infrastructure,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These investments help our communities recover and prepare for the next storm.”
Grant Awarded
Recipient
Project Description
$11,270,163.36
Terrebonne Parish School Board
This grant will provide federal funding for the replacement of damaged school property as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.
$1,239,204.18
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to the Kenner Ochsner Medical Office Building damaged by Hurricane Ida.
$7,071,039.26
Calcasieu Parish School Board
This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs at Barbe High School campus facilities damaged by Hurricane Laura.
$1,020,440.82
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to buildings damaged by Hurricane Ida.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cyber A.I. Group Names Dr. Peter J. Morales as Chief Technology Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI and NEW YORK and LONDON, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI” or the “Company”), an emerging growth Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and IT services company engaged in the development of next-generation Cybersecurity technology, announced today the appointment of industry leading expert and adjunct professor at NYU, Dr. Peter J. Morales as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer.

Dr. Morales brings over 30 years of pioneering experience across finance, education, enterprise technology and the defense sectors, with a long-standing commitment to ethical innovation, advanced systems architecture, and AI expertise. As CTO at CyberAI, Dr. Morales is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the CyberAI’s strategy and scaling AI-powered solutions by driving the launch of the Company’s next-generation AI-driven cybersecurity IP through its CyberAI Sentinel 2.0™ initiatives.

CyberAI Sentinel 2.0™ represents a paradigm shift in Cybersecurity, committed to monetizing proprietary technology and providing clients with a holistic solution to cybersecurity threats by safeguarding digital assets. CyberAI intends to become a cost-effective solution to comprehensive Cybersecurity services for middle market companies on a global basis. This is in addition to CyberAI’s short-term objective of acquiring, consolidating and transforming IT services companies aggregating $100 million in revenues within the next 12 to 18 months with an anticipated listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

“We are honored to announce the appointment of Dr. Morales as our new Chief Technology Officer,” stated Walter Hughes, CEO of CyberAI. “His proven track record of building secure, scalable systems across both public and private sectors—including developing technology infrastructure at the NYSE and leading cloud initiatives at NYU— makes Dr. Morales uniquely qualified to guide our global technology initiatives, including CyberAI Sentinel 2.0, as we acquire and evolve top-performing IT service companies toward our stated objective of achieving $100 million in revenue.”

Over the years, Dr. Morales has held executive and academic leadership roles that bridge advanced technology with strategic innovation. At the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), he served as VP, CIO, and CISO, leading programs in cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, and enterprise systems. In addition, over 10 years at NYU, Dr. Morales led a global peer-to-peer collaboration platform initiative, launched a PMO, oversaw the university’s first AWS cloud migration, and cultivated a research partnership with NASA Langley, resulting in a Space Act Agreement.

His early career included developing mission-critical systems for the U.S. Navy’s F-18 aircraft and building high-performance trading infrastructure for the American and New York Stock Exchanges. Dr. Morales also led the creation of a pioneering diagnostic platform for pediatric neurological research at North Shore University Hospital.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to challenges where complex systems, human ingenuity, and mission-critical outcomes intersect, and that’s exactly what CyberAI represents,” said Dr. Morales. “CyberAI’s model—rooted in acquiring established, high-performing companies and enhancing their value through practical, responsible A.I. adoption—is exactly the kind of approach that intrigues me. With its visionary strategy and strong momentum, CyberAI is positioned to transform the IT services landscape and I look forward to helping integrate and elevate their CyberAI Sentinel 2.0 initiatives through secure, intelligent systems that drive real-world impact.”

Dr. Morales holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, an M.S. in Engineering Management from NYU Tandon School of Engineering, as well as a Doctorate in Computer Science with a specialization in computational econometric modeling. He has been a PMP-certified project manager for more than 20 years and is Scrum Master certified.

In addition, Dr. Morales continues to teach in NYU’s M.S. programs in Project and Systems Management, and he serves on the boards of the EPIC Education Foundation and NABU, a UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) NGO. He has also delivered project management training across numerous New York City agencies and taught advanced tech and leadership courses at St. Francis College in Brooklyn.

“Dr. Morales brings the kind of visionary yet grounded leadership that is essential to CyberAI’s long-term success,” said Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr., Executive Chairman of CyberAI. “As we execute on our global acquisition strategy, we are not simply aggregating companies—we are transforming them into next-generation technology enterprises. His leadership ensures we can generate our own proprietary technology into industry leading AI innovation, operational efficiency, and cyber resilience.”

Through AI innovation, CyberAI Sentinel 2.0 is designed to empower enterprises with intelligent, adaptive, and proactive protection, while also leveraging CyberAI’s expanding customer base as the Company continues to grow through its M&A initiatives.

About Cyber A.I. Group

Cyber A.I. Group, Inc. (“CyberAI”) is an international company engaged in the acquisition and management of worldwide Cybersecurity and IT services firms. CyberAI is pursuing a highly proactive “Buy & Build” strategy to rapidly expand operations internationally by acquiring a broad spectrum of IT services companies and repositioning them to address fast-growing market needs for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence markets. The Company has developed an active pipeline of 300+ perspective acquisitions which are in various stages of analysis. The Company’s initial target is to acquire multiple companies representing aggregate revenues annualizing $100 million within the next 12 to 18 months with an anticipated listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). CyberAI’s business model is focused on the acquisition and consolidation of IT services worldwide with proven ability in broad conventional technology services with strong cash flow and enhance performance through A.I.-driven Cybersecurity initiatives. This emphasis on conventional companies with strong revenues and EBITDA distinguishes CyberAI from the explosion of A.I. startups that may be pinning their future on a single technological breakthrough which may never materialize. This “Buy & Build” strategy provides CyberAI with the maximum flexibility for diversification and risk management for moving into new fields and addressing fast moving market opportunities. For additional information, please visit: cyberaigroup.io.

Contact

Cyber A.I. Group, Inc.
Tel: 786.749.1221
info@cyberaigroup.io

London:
60 Park Lane, #3
London, W1K 1NA

New York:
641 Lexington Avenue, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Miami:
990 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 503
Miami, FL 33132

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee965b05-1ae6-4730-b9a3-aa42dd86d1ef

The MIL Network –

April 22, 2025

CONTACT:	Scott B. Flaherty
	Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
	sflaherty@willislease.com
	561.413.0112

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Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgradeStakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in GurugramShri Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Air India Safety Promotion Centre

India Stakes Claim to the Top Leadership position at International Telecom Union (ITU)

Ms. M. Revathi Nominated as Indian Candidate for the post of Director at ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau

Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade

Stakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in Gurugram

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Air India Safety Promotion Centre