Telecommunication comapnies NTT DOCOMO and Space Compass led a $100m investment in Airbus-backed AALTO HAPS, an aircraft components manufacturer, with participation from Mizuho Bank and Development Bank of Japan. “This is a landmark investment for AALTO. It is the natural next step in the roadmap of the Company’s targeted entry-into-service in 2026, as we industrialise and commercialise our technology. This investment comes as AALTO moves into its next phase of development. This includes launching several customer missions over the coming year, establishing launch and landing sites for Zephyr, and advancing our certification process. We are excited to forge a new frontier in sustainable connectivity and earth observation from the stratosphere, while generating significant value for all our stakeholders," Samer Halawi, AALTO CEO.