NFI recaps strong showing at APTA TRANSform EXPO

NFI Group Inc. (NFI), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in zero-emission electric mass mobility solutions, today recapped a successful week attending the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) TRANSform Conference and EXPO (EXPO) in Orlando, Florida. NFI showcased its mobility solutions ecosystem and market-leading vehicle lineup, with attendance from all NFI subsidiaries.

“It was fantastic to reconnect with our customers, suppliers, and industry partners this past week at APTA EXPO, where we showcased NFI’s mobility solution ecosystem, which includes vehicles; infrastructure; parts and service; workforce development and training; connected technology; and vehicle financing. As we focus on ramping up our production rates to execute on our record backlog, we were proud to display our continued commitment and dedication to the transportation industry in North America. Thank you to the entire APTA team for another hugely successful event,” said Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer, NFI.

NFI hosted numerous events and training sessions in its booth—covering NFI’s innovative battery-electric and fuel cell-electric bus offering, the NFI Connect™ data platform, NFI Service Centers, and NFI Infrastructure Solutions™—bringing together customers, suppliers, and industry partners for collaborative conversations. NFI also honoured the late David Warren’s contributions to the transit industry.

On October 9, NFI announced the option to add a seventh and eighth string of batteries to New Flyer's battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 60-foot bus, which increases the range of the bus by over 30%. The additional range provided by these new battery options, combined with the large passenger capacity of the 60-foot model, makes the New Flyer 60-foot EV ideal for use in high-volume traffic routes and bus rapid transit (BRT). Click here to watch a video about these exciting updates.

On October 10, NFI introduced another technology advancement – New Flyer's battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot transit bus designed with a three-door configuration to enable more efficient and flexible boarding for BRT projects. NFI announced California’s Omnitrans as the first transit agency that ordered the new 40-foot EV with three doors, which was jointly announced with Erin Rogers, CEO and General Manager, Omnitrans. The order included 18 battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot buses and four fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ 40-foot buses. Click here to watch a video about the new three-door configuration.

NFI Vehicles Now Eligible for Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit

NFI is also pleased to announce that NFI (and subsidiaries New Flyer of America Inc., Motor Coach Industries Inc., ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC, and Alexander Dennis Incorporated) is now a qualified manufacturer for the commercial clean vehicle credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. NFI’s electric vehicles in the United States are eligible for up to $40,000 USD in tax credits, per vehicle, from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). There is not currently a limit as to the number of tax credits a business can claim. NFI is pleased to be able to support its customers with more information regarding how they may be able to claim this credit with respect to their vehicle purchases.

NFI is Leading the ZEvolutionTM

NFI’s battery and fuel cell-electric buses and coaches have collectively travelled over 120 million electric service miles, with NFI Infrastructure Solutions’ turnkey smart charging services delivering more than 410 chargers delivered to date. NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating (or on order) in more than 140 cities in six countries.

Today, NFI supports growing North American cities with scalable, clean, and sustainable mobility solutions through its mobility solution ecosystem, which includes buses and coaches; infrastructure; parts and service; technology; workforce development and training; and vehicle financing. NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (“VIC”), the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening in late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 350 interactive events, welcoming 7,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.

About NFI

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world. With zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.

With 7,700 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of over 100,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI’s common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI, its convertible unsecured debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI.DB.

Lilium Jet Becomes First eVTOL for Private Sale in the US

Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM), developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) jet, has today opened private sales of its eVTOL jets in the U.S. market, in partnership with EMCJET, an industry-leading full-service aircraft brokerage and management company. EMCJET is set to be the exclusive Lilium dealer in Texas through 2030 for private sales. Under the terms of the partnership, which includes a commercial commitment to Lilium for five production slots, EMCJET will enable individuals to purchase some of the first Lilium Pioneer Edition Jets available in the U.S. market. This announcement is the first step in unlocking the U.S. private aviation market, the largest private aviation market, for Lilium and follows Lilium’s commercial strategy to start in the premium market before expanding to the airline and passenger shuttle market.

EMCJET, renowned for its expertise in international aircraft trading and services, is dedicated to offering customers a seamless and sophisticated experience when it comes to buying, selling, and acquiring aircraft. The Lilium Jet will be available countrywide, with the initial focus on key cities in Texas, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, aligning with Texas' commitment to sustainability, delivering efficient and eco-friendly transportation choices for residents and visitors.

“We are thrilled to partner with EMCJET as we embark on our mission to revolutionize regional air mobility in the United States. EMCJET’s proven track record of private premium market jet sales in the U.S. and managing privately owned aircraft and exceptional customer service aligns seamlessly with Lilium's vision of delivering an unparalleled flying experience to our potential customers,” said Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer at Lilium.

The Lilium Pioneer Edition Jet is Lilium’s planned first edition version of the Lilium Jet being sold to private individuals across the globe. The Lilium Jet is an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions purpose-built for regional connectivity.

“EMCJET is excited to be at the forefront of introducing Lilium's groundbreaking eVTOL technology to the Texas and U.S. markets,” said Memo Montemayor, Founder & CEO of EMCJET. “Our client-first mentality ensures that we deliver superior value and expert attention required in making sound private aviation investments and introducing our clients to the most innovative modern technology for current and future market practices. This partnership with Lilium will allow us to serve our well-established network of aviation enthusiasts with the latest technological advancements and continue to provide exceptional service and results that our clients deserve and depend on.”

The agreement with EMCJET marks Lilium’s fourth dealer globally.

“Dealers and aircraft management companies are eager to partner with Lilium on jet sales to help decarbonize general aviation and provide an elevated flying experience, all while being incredibly efficient to operate,” added Borel.

Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology, and infrastructure leaders, and with announced sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, UK, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lilium’s 800+ strong team includes approximately 450 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com.

Catch the Gingerbread Man to Theaters in the US

Baby Shark's favorite duo, Pinkfong and Hogi, return to the big screen across the U.S. with new adventures filled with memorable songs, fun dances and new characters.

The Pinkfong Company, the global entertainment company behind global sensation Baby Shark, is teaming up with Cinemark, one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world, to bring its highly anticipated cinematic special, Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 3: Catch the Gingerbread Man, to theaters across the U.S. this fall. This 3D animated feature will be on the big screen on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, exclusively at participating Cinemark locations.

Tickets for Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 3: Catch the Gingerbread Man will be available from today at Cinemark.com, on the Cinemark app and at participating theater box offices. For the full list of participating theaters, visit Cinemark.com.

Produced by award-winning creators, Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 3: Catch the Gingerbread Man is the threequel to Pinkfong's hit sing-along movie franchise which made Netflix's Today's Top 10 Movies in 18 countries, including the U.S. This hour-long special will invite kids and families to a sweet, magical adventure packed with 16 fan-favorite Pinkfong songs including the iconic 'Baby Shark' from the most-viewed YouTube video of all time.

Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 3: Catch the Gingerbread Man follows Pinkfong and Hogi as they journey into the Ice Cream Land to catch the Gingerbread Man, the perfect topping. On a mission to make the world's most delicious ice cream for their best friend, Baby Shark, the duo chases the Gingerbread Man by exploring six different stages while singing and dancing to beloved Pinkfong songs.

"We are delighted to partner with Cinemark to bring Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 3: Catch the Gingerbread Man to the big screen providing a new and immersive way for our fans to connect with our content," said Bin Jeong, CEO of Pinkfong USA. "The theatrical experience brings a new level of shared excitement and interaction, and we look forward to showcasing our storytelling in the cinematic environment."

About The Pinkfong Company

The Pinkfong Company is a global entertainment company that delivers content and entertaining experiences around the world. Driven by award-winning brands and IPs, the company has created and distributed a range of content across genres and formats including original animated series, world live tours, interactive games, and more. Believing in the power of entertaining and engaging content, The Pinkfong Company is committed to connecting people around the world and bringing joy and inspiration to worldwide audiences of all ages. For more information, please visit the website.

About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Cinemark (NYSE: CNK) is one of the largest and most influential movie theater companies in the world. Cinemark's circuit, comprised of various brands that also include Century, Tinseltown and Rave, operates 514 theaters (315 U.S.; 199 South and Central America) with 5,812 screens (4,370 U.S.; 1,442 South and Central America) in 42 states domestically and 14 countries throughout South and Central America. Cinemark consistently provides an extraordinary guest experience from the initial ticket purchase to the closing credits, including Movie Club, the first U.S. exhibitor-launched subscription program and the first to reach the one-million-member milestone; the highest Luxury Lounger recliner seat penetration among the major players; XD - the No. 1 exhibitor-brand premium large format; and expansive food and beverage options to further enhance the moviegoing experience.

Group at Flight Test Facility

Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) proudly hosted the Federal AAM Interagency Working Group at its flight test facility recently. The delegation of federal stakeholders featured more than 70 representatives from the DOT, White House, FAA, NASA, FCC, DOD, NTIA, and other agencies who met with over 20 Archer executives. As part of the visit, the attendees witnessed a live flight test, viewed Archer’s Midnight aircraft and learned more about Archer’s approach to aircraft design, safety and certification.

The Biden Administration formed the Federal AAM Interagency Working Group to meet the requirements of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in October 2022. The working group supports the goal of achieving safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility into the national airspace and ensuring that the U.S. maintains its global leadership position in the aerospace industry. This is being done in order to grow new transportation options, amplify economic activity and jobs, advance environmental sustainability and new technologies, and support emergency preparedness and competitiveness.

“It was inspiring to see the level of support from across the federal government focused on ensuring the safe entry of eVTOL aircraft into the U.S. market in 2025,” said Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer. “For many of our guests, this was the first time they’ve been able to witness an eVTOL aircraft flight in person. Our showcase emphasized just how far along we are, and demonstrated the safety and low noise advantages of eVTOL aircraft.”

Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60-90 minute commutes by car, with estimated 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost competitive with ground transportation. With a range of up to 100 miles, Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time in between flights.

About Archer

Archer is designing and developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility networks. Archer’s mission is to unlock the skies, freeing everyone to reimagine how they move and spend time. Archer's team is based in Santa Clara, CA. www.archer.com