Pune: While all factories in the country chug along smoothly manufacturing various products, adding to our gross domestic product (GDP), the fallout of this growth is the industrial waste that is generated. According to sciencedirect.com, we produce more than 10 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of industrial waste every year and almost 100% of that is dumped into our landfills. Not a very pretty picture, this. Alok Kale had an idea of industrial waste as his family runs an auto component manufacturing business. Alok was not completely aware of its enormity until he went to work with different auto companies across the world that he realised the magnitude of the problem. “I realised that every industry as a part of its manufacturing process generates some amount of waste. Foundries use huge amounts of silica sand for their manufacturing, and since this sand loses its bonding capacity, it is rendered useless. This sand is then disposed of as per the government mandate most often in landfills,” Alok said. He now had an in-depth understanding of the problem. On returning to India after working at various firms across the globe, Alok made another observation. “As India rapidly urbanises, the construction industry too grows. And this industry is responsible for at least 37% of global carbon emission with natural sand consumption being a large reason for this. This sand is mined, crushed and processed before being transported to the construction sites. Using this sand also gives rise to pollution at the sites. Today we see a lot of construction sites in Pune and Mumbai being asked to stop work due to this pollution,” he said. With the enormity of the problem staring him in the face, Alok could no longer be a bystander. He decided that there must be a way out. A way where the disposal of the industrial waste could be managed in a better and environment friendly way. His family business notwithstanding, Alok decided that he must look for the solution. With this in mind, he started his research and development (R&D) project in 2010. Failure’s lessons Based on various construction site visits since 2010, Alok was researching ways to develop products like tile adhesives, mortars and plasters. “While the initial results were good, the products would de-bond and fail in the long term. For plaster and adhesives, I asked some of my friends in the construction industry to try these at their sites at several places, like underground car parks and the like to see how my adhesives and plasters were working. Every time there was an issue, I would go back to my lab and work out a new equation,” he said. After four years and over 100 iterations, in 2013, Alok had his formulation right. But just finding a solution was not enough as many founders who have done research would know. They have to consider several factors such as price, scalability and so on. While on his search for a solution, Alok was also involved with the family business and had a close-up view on these very important concepts that run a business. “My initial solution was far too expensive to be used commercially,” he said. But this failure did not wear him down. His commitment to the cause continued. “I continued with my R&D to find a viable solution for adhesives when I thought why not use the discarded silica to make bricks as an interim solution to the problem of industrial waste? “Brick making is not difficult in the sense you have to simply compress the sand with the right bonding agents to get bricks. This helped us as an entry point into the construction industry,” he said. Alok managed to get this part of the recycling business going whilst still working with the family’s business. “I very soon started selling 5 lakh bricks per month. But realised that this business would not be able to help me be very effective as I wanted to be. The issue with brick making is that though it involves a simple technology, a large portion of its cost is the transportation. To grow in this business, I would need to get to different geographies and that would mean setting up a brick making facilties every 200 kms. Hence, limiting my scalability,” he said. “Whatever money I made through this business, I reinvested it into my R&D,” he said. Moreover, given the nature of brick selling, Alok was eager to shift to a more mature sector where the buyer would not haggle over paise literally. Try, try till you succeed The R&D efforts for adhesives and plasters bore fruit in early 2020. This came after rigorous testing over prolonged periods in harsh conditions — like testing his products on the foundation of a large industrious chimney constantly exposed to vibrations. When asked why, he said, “To be doubly sure, as my product is ‘recycled’ not ‘established’ like my competitors’ products are. Any person making a house using my products should not face any issues. People should be able to trust a recycled product.” The foolproof first-of-its-kind formula was patented in 2023. Go-to-market A market is full of competition and Alok knew he would have to play the game with large multinational companies (MNC) with deep pockets. “These are all big guns and well-established brands. But none of them so far use discarded waste silica like I do. And that is my USP (unique selling proposition). My plaster will not only just do your job, but will also help the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of the industry,” he said. As per data from a life cycle analysis conducted by green design consultancy firm Sustain & Save, products of Magnus Ventures, launched by Alok, have a carbon footprint of 0.34 kg CO2eq./kg of ready-mix plaster and 0.32 kg CO2eq./kg of tile adhesives, which is one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. While the environment benefit was a huge USP, Alok also understood that price played a big role in the real estate industry. He also ensured that the price of his products was at par with competitors. In 2023, the products got “Green Pro” certified by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) — a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) initiative, which incentivises real estate companies for using green products by giving rebates in the form of additional FSI (floor space index). But no new product gets easily accepted until proven. After making a sales pitch for his plaster, Alok managed to get Kohinoor Builders to agree to try out his product. “That was a big chance I was getting. For any startup the first big break is the most critical. Kohinoor used my plaster at its various sites and waited for six months to see how it performed,” he said. It worked! In more ways than one. Not only did Alok get an order from Kohinoor, but they agreed to buy his products for the next three years! “In addition to this sale, my product got ratified from a leading quality conscious brand in the city which gave an opportunity to new product. I could now approach other builders with this ‘proof of the pudding’,” he said. Which he did. Shapoorji Pallonji, Goel Ganga, and many more. “These companies take their time to take a decision but once they are convinced with quality, they are ok with trying something different,” he said. Money’s role Since the start of commercial sales in February 2020 to date, Alok has invested over ₹ 6 crore in Magnus Ventures. “I am completely bootstrapped and have reinvested every penny made back into the business. Setting up an R&D facility, purchasing the machinery and setting up the factory (in Talegaon) has had costs attached. As of now, we sell over 2,500 tonnes per month with a plan to grow by 3x in the next year. Though I do not take a salary, I have hired a team of 12 people and will hire 30 more for business development in the next quarter. The target is not just sales, but to reach maximum companies to communicate the benefits of using eco- friendly materials,” he said. “I do not foresee any need for fund raising as of now. Perhaps when I have to penetrate additional geographical regions and scale rapidly I might. Meanwhile, I want Magnus to be able to capture 10% of the market we service,” he said. The way ahead “As of now, we are focusing on Pune district. But I want to sell all over Maharashtra before getting into other states. I think if we have managed to serve one state, we would have had enough experience to manage other states. At that time, I will have to set up manufacturing units and a marketing base in different states. That’s the plan,” he said. With his production centre using 60 MT tonnes of waste silica sand per day, Alok has stayed true this commitment. “Like any entrepreneur, there are days when you do get disappointed, but I guess my goal to reduce the burden on our earth was far more strong. I never lost sight of that,” he said. In fact, his work is already speaking for itself. “I have been approached by some companies who want me to work on some solutions for the waste generated by their processes. I am going to work on that too.” So, while our factories keep manufacturing and spewing waste, startups like Magnus will do all they can to reduce that burden. Thank God!LaConte: The passion of the postman
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured ANC supporters the party is pushing back against the DA’s demands to have certain clauses of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act scrapped. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the act into law in September but delayed the implementation of two clauses, 4 and 5, by three months to allow for further parliamentary discussions. This as ANC’s GNU partner, the DA, has rejected the two clauses in the act. The debated clauses deal with policies on admission to public schools proposing changes to the authority of school governing bodies in determining admission policy. The other clause deals with language in schools. Mashatile, speaking at the Steve Tshwete Memorial Lecture on Saturday in the Eastern Cape, said the ANC is fighting for the clauses not to be excluded. “We will continue to invest in the promotion of our indigenous languages. It is in this regard that we are convinced that we in government were correct to get the Bela Bill passed by parliament. There are people who want to remove it. I was reading on social media as I was coming here that there is an agreement somewhere that some of the clauses in the act should be scrapped. We are saying no, we cannot exclude the clauses,” Mashatile said. Solidarity Movement, which protested with the DA against the act, on Thursday said there was a settlement for the disputed provisions not to be implemented. Mashatile, however, disputed this saying the government has not reached an agreement regarding proposed exclusion of Bela act provisions. “The president appointed me to chair the clearing house on behalf of all parties so that we can fix this thing. Other people are forward saying no this ‘Language and admissions is not important, we will see it some other time.’ No, we want it now. It must be sorted now,” he said. Solidarity Movement in a statement had said: “In terms of the settlement, the controversial sections in the Bela Act will no longer be implemented on 13 December. Norms and standards and national policies and regulations must first be developed which will, among other things, determine that schools which are running at their full capacity may not receive instructions to change their language and admission policy. This will all form part of a process in which the minister of basic education Siviwe Gwarube will make comprehensive recommendations to Ramaphosa for his due consideration.”BetMGM bonus code NJCOM (Dec. 2024): Grab 100% match up to $1K, plus $25 no deposit bonus
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The Edo State Government and the immediate past administration are at loggerheads over revelations by former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka regarding the state governorship election on September 21. Chidoka, during a programme on Channels Television on Friday, criticised the conduct of the election, alleging that it was rigged. In response, Governor Monday Okpehbolo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in a statement released Saturday, said Chidoka’s Athena Centre did not cover substantial parts of the state during the election. He stated further that representatives of the Athena Centre were stationed at the Edo State Government House under the supervision of former Governor Godwin Obaseki to manipulate figures. He said, “On Friday, 29th of November, 2024, Osita Chidoka decided to throw his toys around on behalf of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, as bad losers do. In a well-orchestrated plot hatched by the PDP, in connivance with a serial defector featherweight politician from Anambra State, Osita Chidoka, they tried to bully and blackmail the judiciary into circumventing the will of Edo people. The shameful display, which was unfortunately aired on a once-respected national television, Channels TV, reeled out numbers purchased from ‘Oluwole Market,’ and impetuously concluded that the 21st September governorship election in Edo State was rigged. “Unfortunately, Osita Chidoka’s Athena Centre did not cover the election in substantial parts of the state. They sat in Edo State Government House under the supervision of ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki to concoct and orchestrate figures and numbers to suit their mindset. “First, the factional chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Edo State is blind to the glaring reality that the party was spurned by Edo people in the last governorship election because of their weakness as their own enemies. “Overlooking its messy and divided house, the party is shopping for non-existent evidence to upturn the popular will of the people at the Tribunal. What exactly is the intention or benefit of orchestrating a media trial, as Mr. Chidoka has done? It amounts to deliberate ambush. “Even though the PDP and its hatchet man understand that discussing an issue that is sub-judicial is wrong, they are unremitting in their shambolic plot to supplant facts with concoctions, hoping to arrive at their premeditated end. “This case is already in the tribunal; it should be allowed to run its full course without inhibitions. Thankfully, courts do not pander to concoctions, prevarication, sentiments, red herrings, contradictions, and orchestrations but rely on evidence and facts. “We are hopeful that the judiciary will remain firm in the face of this blackmail, intimidation, and orchestrated media attacks. “The recent attempt by the PDP and their serial defector, Osita Chidoka, to arm-twist logic and employ demagoguery to whip up sentiments amounts to the last cry of a bull as the butcher’s knife serrates its chord; and nothing more. Related News Traffic offenders to do community service in Edo Cheers and jeers: Mixed reactions as Okpebholo begins reforms in Edo Inauguration of Stella Obasanjo Hospital by Obaseki disgraceful - Okpebholo “We are aware that former Governor Godwin Obaseki and some PDP leaders in Edo State, along with their supporters, held a meeting during the week with online merchants and editors of leading newspapers, where it was decided that media trial would be their pattern to discredit the credible Edo election of 21st September. “The truth of the matter is that INEC conducted a very free, fair, and violence-free election acknowledged by domestic observers in their reports. Even the PDP leadership in Edo State, in its review and report, acknowledged that the APC won the election. The latest drama by Osita Chidoka amounts to merely beating about the bush, trying to rake up mud against the election. The PDP should allow the tribunal to do its job in line with established procedures. “We can see that they have recourse to social media, national newspapers, and pliable television stations to push their ugly narratives that Governor Okpehbolo did not win the 21st September governorship election in Edo State. “By this, we make them aware that Governor Monday Okpehbolo is making good progress in office as the duly elected governor with an irrevocable mandate for the next four years.” However, media aide to Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, said the revelation clearly threw the Edo State governor and his allies into a frenzy. He said, “The independent analysis by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a non-partisan research institute, of the sham election that installed Monday Okpehbolo as governor of Edo State clearly threw the governor and his godfathers into a frenzy. “Channels TV, in their show, Politics Today, laid bare the mindless and unprecedented transgressions of the Independent National Electoral Commission and their conspirators, the Edo All Progressives Congress. The show must have been a difficult 30 minutes even for the most vile criminal. “Taunted by overwhelming evidence and data exposing the systemic rigging and brazen subversion of the people’s will during the September 21 governorship election, the APC, rather than covering their faces in shame, resorted to a smear campaign, lies, and propaganda to distract from the daylight robbery and undermine the integrity of institutions advocating for the judiciary to right the wrong of the electoral umpire and their conspirators. “The independent analysis broadcast yesterday is the outcome of a forensic examination of data and documents made available to the research institute by the Independent National Electoral Commission. It revealed widespread manipulation and substantial interference in the electoral process by the umpire. But the APC, a party to the robbery, would rather have the findings dismissed, distorted, or buried under a barrage of propaganda and baseless accusations. “Among other things, the centre uncovered shocking discrepancies in the election results, showing that INEC inflated the number of accredited voters by over 100,000 in 798 polling units. They also discovered that polling officers recorded 580,000 accredited voters, yet INEC’s backend mysteriously produced 687,000, further buttressing evidence of deliberate tampering with the election. “There were glaring inconsistencies between INEC’s certified results and the data uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Specifically, the forensic analysis revealed that PDP’s results were slashed by 11,665 votes during collation, while 32,284 votes were illegally added to APC’s tally, demonstrating the brazen manipulation and fraud perpetrated against the people of Edo State during the last governorship election. “While we sympathise with the APC over their trauma from the public exposure of their electoral fraud in Edo State by the Athena Centre, we restate our resolve to reclaim the mandate duly given by the good people of Edo State. “We trust in the impartiality of the judiciary and are confident they will rise above the distractions and intimidation tactics of the APC, ensuring justice is served and the will of the people prevails.”WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Donovan Newby had 16 points in UNC Wilmington's 76-61 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday night. Newby also added six assists for the Seahawks (5-2). Nolan Hodge added 15 points while shooting 6 for 10, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc and had six rebounds. Harlan Obioha had 12 points and shot 5 of 5 from the field and 2 of 5 from the free-throw line. The Mountaineers (5-3) were led in scoring by CJ Huntley, who finished with 17 points. Jalil Beaubrun added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Appalachian State. Alonzo Dodd had 11 points. UNC Wilmington took the lead with 15:43 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 44-33 at halftime, with Hodge racking up 15 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
STUART, Fla. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, Inc., an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock, at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. In addition, Health In Tech has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 345,000 shares of its Class A common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 23, 2024 , under the ticker symbol "HIT". The offering is expected to close on December 24, 2024 , subject to customary closing conditions. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. is acting as the sole book-running manager of this offering. Health In Tech intends to use the net proceeds from the offering towards system enhancements, the expansion of service offerings, expansion of sales and distribution channels, talent development and retention, working capital and other general corporate purpose. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281853) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on December 19, 2024 . This offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained when available, by contacting American Trust Investment Services, Inc., 230 W. Monroe Street , Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606, or via E-Mail at ECM@amtruinvest.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Health In Tech Health in Tech, Inc. ("HIT") is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology. We offer a dynamic marketplace designed to create customized healthcare plan solutions while streamlining processes through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By eliminating friction and complexities, HIT enhances value propositions for employers and optimizes underwriting, sales, and service workflows for Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), insurance carriers, licensed brokers, and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). Learn more at healthintech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding Health In Tech Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Investor Contact Investor Relations: ir@healthintech.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-inc-announces-pricing-of-initial-public-offering-302337631.html SOURCE Health In Tech © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
(TNS) — Indiana State University junior Elaine Hardman played a Valorant video game on the competition stage of ISU’s new eSports lab Tuesday during the grand opening of the new facility in Jones Hall. She wasn’t alone. The room was crowded with visitors and students eager to use the new facility, which has 25 new gaming computers and other technology. Funded through student fees and philanthropy, it will be used for both competitive and recreational gaming. “It’s awesome. It’s nothing short of what I think ISU needs,” said Hardman, who will play competitively on the Valorant eSports team at ISU; her teammates were also on the stage. There are two others teams, Super Smash Brothers and Rocket League; that’s expanded from one Super Smash Brothers team that competed last spring. All three will play teams from other Missouri Valley Conference schools. Said ISU president Mike Godard, “Having a venue like this helps us recruit the next generation of students who want to have this type of space, whether or not they are competitive players or recreational players.” The initiative also will pair up with academic programs, as there are many career opportunities. Esports has become a global phenomenon and a multi-billion dollar industry, Godard said. “We want to make sure that we have opportunities for our students who are interested on the production side, the media side, the business side ... and those who really like to play and are competitive players as well,” he said. Michele Soliz, ISU vice president for student affairs, said the new eSports lab “is important to the student experience. We want all students to feel a sense of belonging on our campus. We know students who get involved in gaming have different interests than other students. This is a way to meet all of our students’ needs.” The idea for the eSports initiative grew out of student interest, she said. Among those pleased with the new lab is Cam Parvin, an ISU staff member who coaches the Super Smash Brothers team, which played in competition this past spring. “I’m astounded by the turnout and the reaction,” he said. “We’re hoping it’s a wonderful asset for the students, both for recreation and education.” The lab also has a production desk as well as Nintendo Switch, Xbox series X and PlayStation 5. It also has some wheelchair accessible desks. Parvin agreed that “something like this is important for actually giving people a sense of community.” Luke Kanter, a student and member of the Super Smash Brothers team, said of the new eSports lab, “I think it’s great ... I didn’t know how big this would be.” He’s not surprised by the level of interest “because there are so many people who really like video games.” Brayton Mier, another student on the Super Smash Brothers team, transferred from Purdue to ISU this year. “It’s incredible,” Mier said of the lab. “It’s so nice to have a whole new space where you can meet in person with people and meet new friends” who share an interest in gaming. Also Tuesday, officials announced Indiana State University’s partnership with the Indiana Association of School Principals. ISU will be the main sponsor of the IASP new eSports program. Todd Bess, an Indiana State alumnus and IASP executive director, spoke at the grand opening. “We’ve been looking and working to develop an eSports program at the middle and high school level,” Bess said. IASP does many academic competitions. “Involving ourselves in eSports or digital sports allows us to connect with a another group of kids,” Bess said. “Our first competition will start this spring.” Students involved in eSports have better attendance and better grades because of their connections to people at school, he said.Andrew Luck returns to Stanford as the GM of the football programRosen Law Firm Encourages Light & Wonder, Inc. Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - LNW
These are the airline stocks ready to take flight By ANNE ASHWORTH Updated: 21:51, 13 December 2024 e-mail View comments Record passenger numbers at Heathrow indicate that wanderlust has been rekindled, with multitudes expected to take to the skies during the Christmas break. The results are more evidence that we continue to prioritise holidays over other spending. For many, a getaway is not an indulgence, but an essential. Does this proof that the post-pandemic passion for travel is here to stay mean that you should consider a flutter on airline stocks? Yes, but it is important to sort companies that are thriving from those whose predicament illustrates why this sector can be 'a difficult investment destination', as Richard Hunter of broker Interactive Investor puts it. But Jack Barrat, portfolio manager at investment manager Man Group, contends that there are some 'rare opportunities' available. The airline industry is frequently a source of irritation, with flight delays and poor customer service. But the things that may most annoy you as a customer, like extra costs for bags, can be a useful source of income for airlines, boosting their key metric, the RASK (revenue per available seat kilometre). Flying high: IAG, or International Airlines Group, is the £14.2billion group that owns British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling Some in the sector are finding fresh ways to turn their planes into what have been called 'shops with wings'. Earlier this year WizzAir launched a £534 All You Can Fly Netflix-like subscription scheme. The 100,000 members enjoy unlimited flights for £8.90 each – but they must pay for all luggage, except one small personal item. Although we can expect more innovation, investors should be aware that all airlines are vulnerable to severe turbulence from external factors outside their control. In 2010, they suffered after the eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which caused thousands of flights to be cancelled. The pandemic also played extreme havoc with the industry. So which shares are ready for take-off and which will continue to be left behind? RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next How you can cash in on DEAL MANIA now Britain's top share-pickers: 'Most accurate' analysts of... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account IAG IAG, or International Airlines Group, is the £14.2billion group that owns British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. In June, when its share price stood at 167p, this column reported that several analysts considered the stock to be undervalued. This was a reasonable assessment since the price has subsequently climbed to 293.2p, although it remains 50 per cent down over five years, revealing the extent of the damage wrecked by the pandemic. However, third-quarter results indicated that IAG is continuing to leave this unhappy era behind. Operating profits rose by 15 per cent to £1.7billion, boosted by improved demand for seats on transatlantic routes, a share buyback scheme, the restoration of the dividend and some reduction in debts. Despite this year's rise, some analysts argue the shares are still headed upwards. The average target price is 342p. One analyst evidently believes that the sky is the limit, however, setting a target of 599p. EASYJET The shares in this £4.4billion airline have risen by 16 per cent to 586.6p since January, propelled by a 34 per cent rise in full-year pre-tax profits to £610m – and the outlook for 2025 is positive. EasyJet has been helped by a successful foray into higher-margin package holidays, a venture pioneered by boss Johan Lundgren who last month stepped down. His successor, Kenton Jarvis, plans to attract '25 per cent more customers' on such vacations, which suit value-conscious families. Most analysts think that the only way for easyJet shares is up from here, rating the shares a 'buy'. JP Morgan analyst Harry Gower earlier this month set a target price of 750p. Jarrod Castle of UBS has opted for 800p. WIZZAIR Despite the popularity of its All You Can Fly loyalty programme, shares have fallen by 33 per cent since January – and by 63 per cent since the onset of the pandemic. This is partly due to a string of crises at the London-listed Hungarian airline. These include problems with its Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines that left about 40 planes temporarily grounded, leading to a 20 per cent drop in half-year profits. Boss and founder Jozsef Varadi has said the engine issue may not be fully solved until 2027. But analysts think that anyone already holding the shares should stay put RYANAIR Controversial: Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary Shares in Dublin-listed Ryanair have rebounded in recent months, amid the perception the low-cost carrier may be casting off some of its woes. Last month Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's perennially controversial and disputatious boss, said the airline was 'over-scheduled, over-crewed and over-costed' during the summer. He also revealed that it was trimming passenger growth numbers for 2025 in response to delays in the delivery of its Boeing 737 Max planes. But Ryanair has settled its dispute with online travel agents such as Booking.com which had refused to sell its tickets after a period of conflict. This week Alexander Irving of the brokers Bernstein advised clients to buy Ryanair, setting a target price of €22.50. JP Morgan's Alexia Dogani is also a fan and has set a price of €25. Since O'Leary owns a 3.9 per cent stake in the company, he will be hoping that these predictions come true. JET 2 The woes of Ryanair and Wizz Air have been something of a boon to AIM-listed Jet 2. Last month, the Leeds-based airline reported record revenues, profits and passenger numbers for the half-year. The company seems to please its customers, while also rewarding its investors. The shares have leapt by 30 per cent this year to 1620p. You might not think that further progress was possible, but analysts rate Jet 2 a 'buy', with an average target price of 1,996p. Investors will be hoping that the ascent to this level will be smooth. 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