Aviation logistics roundup: VTOL, AOG, and MRO deals, July 2

Three aviation logistics deals announced July 20, 2026: Anduril and Archer unveiled an autonomous dual-use VTOL platform (Thunder); Expeditors expanded global Aircraft on Ground emergency logistics services; StandardAero secured a LEAP-1B engine MRO contract with Arajet. Together, they signal accelerating demand for specialised operational infrastructure across defence, commercial aviation, and aftermarket services.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Aviation Tech and Defense Tech. Wire is Fusion42's founder-focused intelligence feed: each story is connected to the funds and startups it names — every one with a live profile on Raise or Scout — so founders can follow the capital and the momentum behind the headline rather than just the headline itself. Wire analysis is one of the live surfaces Arthur reasons over.