Delta Looks Towards the Future with Maeve Jet 500

Good afternoon!

In today’s email:

• Delta Aligns With Maeve Aerospace for Sustainable Regional Travel

• Around the Skies: States push Congress for drone defense powers, National Air Races thrill in Roswell debut, FAA pushes for smarter runway safety lights, Epic Flight Academy launches largest scholarship yet, Second B-21 Raider joins flight testing, Flying for hope: CAN’s 70,000th milestone, Uber Eats takes flight with drone delivery

• PilotTube: Their Aircraft Story: Bought, Built, and Bush-Ready

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

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A Bold Step: Delta Supports Maeve’s Hybrid-Electric Jet Vision

Delta Air Lines is strengthening its sustainability push by partnering with Dutch developer Maeve Aerospace to advance the Maeve Jet 500, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed for 76 to 100 passengers. The aircraft is expected to cut fuel burn and emissions by 40 percent using conventional fuel and up to 95 percent with sustainable aviation fuel, potentially reshaping short-haul flying with lower costs, quieter cabins and greener operations.

The jet’s design is similar to regional aircraft like the CRJ-900 but introduces tail-mounted hybrid-electric engines, a high-efficiency wing and a five-abreast cabin that can be configured for multiple classes. With ranges between 950 and 1,450 nautical miles depending on load, it can handle routes such as Chicago to Los Angeles while consuming only about 5.5 gallons of fuel per seat on 500-mile trips.

Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab has secured exclusive North American partnership rights, making the airline Maeve’s flagship U.S. supporter. The partnership follows SkyWest’s recent equity stake in Maeve and complements Delta’s broader work with JetZero, Joby Aviation, Airbus and Boeing as part of its drive to reach net-zero by 2050.

For Delta, the Maeve Jet is more than just another regional aircraft. It represents a bold step toward redefining short-haul travel and proving that sustainability and performance can share the same flight path.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ More than 30 U.S. governors are pressing Congress to expand counter-drone powers beyond federal agencies, citing rising threats to airports, stadiums and critical infrastructure. With over a million drones now registered, incursions at public events and military bases are on the rise. Governors warn the gap between drone tech and enforcement is widening—and say Congress can’t wait for a disaster before acting.

🛩️ The National Championship Air Races closed out their first Roswell run with thrilling races, new champions and a full lineup of aerial excitement. From WWII bombers to jet drag races and a student-focused STEM Zone, the event delivered something for everyone. Despite a brief weather delay, organizers called it a resounding success—and momentum is already building for 2026, when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take center stage.

🛩️ The FAA is on the hunt for a smarter, more affordable runway lighting system to boost safety at airports nationwide. Current Runway Status Lights are effective but costly, limiting their use to just 20 major hubs. By finding a lower-cost alternative, the FAA hopes to bring this critical “red-light, green-light” tool to dozens more airports within the next few years. The goal: give pilots clearer situational awareness and keep America’s busiest runways moving safely and smoothly.

🛩️ Epic Flight Academy is offering $145,000 in scholarships for high school juniors and seniors pursuing pilot or aircraft maintenance training, with applications due by October 1. Seventeen awards will be distributed across its 12 campuses, marking the school’s largest scholarship offering yet. With FAA approval to conduct in-house check rides, Epic is making it easier than ever for aspiring aviators to launch their careers.

🛩️ The B-21 Raider program gained momentum as a second bomber joined flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base. Delivered from Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale plant, the aircraft now moves into mission and weapons systems evaluations. Officials say the extra jet speeds testing and gives crews vital hands-on experience—marking another step toward replacing the B-1 and B-2.

🛩️ Corporate Angel Network (CAN) celebrated its 70,000th patient flight by transporting colon cancer patient Michael Newton from Minnesota to New York for treatment. Flown on a donated Learjet 40XR by Bruce Hanson and his son Dominick, the mission showcased the teamwork of CAN’s aviation partners. Newton praised the program for giving him access to top-level care—and for the kindness of his crew. Since 1981, CAN has been helping cancer patients reach treatment, showing how aviation can truly lift lives.

🛩️ Uber Eats is taking food delivery to the skies with an investment in Israel-based Flytrex, set to launch drone service in pilot markets later this year. Competing with DoorDash’s existing drone ops, Flytrex drones carry up to 6.6 pounds and drop orders straight into backyards. With more than 200,000 deliveries already completed, the partnership gives Uber a fast, futuristic edge in the race to make takeout fly.

PilotTube

Erin and Paul have been chasing a big adventure—turning their dream of airplane ownership into reality by building one from the ground up. After years of searching, they found the perfect aircraft for bush flying, backcountry strips and even “camper plane” adventures. Their journey took them to Oklahoma, where they spent weeks riveting, assembling and learning the art of aircraft building. This video captures the exciting beginning of their hands-on journey into aviation.

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