FlightGlobal
• Alfred Chua
Vietravel Airlines has agreed to acquire 50 new single-aisle Airbus aircraft as it pursues an aggressive expansion, while Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding for five A350-900s. The widebodies are scheduled for delivery in 2033 and 2034, extending the flag carrier’s long-term fleet plan.
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Vietravel Airlines has agreed to acquire 50 new single-aisle Airbus aircraft as it pursues an aggressive expansion, while Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding for five A350-900s. The widebodies are scheduled for delivery in 2033 and 2034, extending the flag carrier’s long-term fleet plan.
Biman Bangladesh’s arrears to its regulator reportedly reached $474 million, highlighting substantial unpaid obligations at the national carrier. The available report provides no further detail on the debt’s composition, timing or consequences, limiting assessment of the potential impact on operations, liquidity and regulatory standing.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will provide passengers with free in-flight wireless internet through SpaceX’s Starlink, joining a growing number of airlines adopting the satellite connectivity service. The move adds high-speed connectivity to the carriers’ passenger offering and increases competitive pressure on onboard Wi-Fi providers.
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Austrian Airlines has begun operating its first aircraft equipped with Starlink connectivity, while SAS completed a substantial portion of its own deployment earlier this month. The updates mark further progress in bringing high-speed satellite internet to European airline fleets and passengers.
China Southern Airlines has received final approval to issue up to 5.4 billion new A shares to no more than 35 investors, including its controlling shareholder, China Southern Air Holding. The equity raise could provide up to CNY15 billion ($2.2 billion) in fresh capital for the carrier.
South Korean carrier Sirius Airlines is seeking a buyer as part of rehabilitation proceedings, opening a potential ownership or rescue process. The development places the airline’s future, including the viability of its operations and obligations, under review.
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Finnair says Chinese airlines’ continued use of Russian airspace gives them a routing advantage over Western carriers barred from flying through Russia. The Finnish airline says the disparity has weighed on its competitiveness since Moscow closed its airspace to Western airlines.
IndiGo plans to expand its fleet to 550 aircraft by fiscal 2030 while increasing the share it owns to 30–40%, with the balance remaining under operating leases. The strategy would give India’s largest airline greater control over fleet assets while retaining leasing flexibility.
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