SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
The Indian government has selected a consortium led by Pixxel to design, build, own and operate the country’s first privately led Earth-observation satellite constellation, establishing a new commercial space effort with private-sector responsibility across the system’s full lifecycle.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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The Indian government has selected a consortium led by Pixxel to design, build, own and operate the country’s first privately led Earth-observation satellite constellation, establishing a new commercial space effort with private-sector responsibility across the system’s full lifecycle.
Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines launched three-times-weekly flights between Taipei Taoyuan and Prague Václav Havel on Aug. 1, 2026, marking the carrier’s first European route and its entry into the continent’s long-haul passenger market.
China’s government has renewed its five-year civil aviation plan, setting 2030 goals for the sector to achieve world-class standards in safety, service capacity and infrastructure. The strategy outlines Beijing’s priorities for developing the country’s aviation system over the remainder of the decade.
ASL Airlines Australia plans to add four incremental Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, expanding the fleet of the Sydney Bankstown-based operator. The move forms part of parent ASL Aviation Holdings’ broader growth strategy across Australia and New Zealand, strengthening its regional cargo capacity.
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AirAsia is delaying London and Bahrain launches and plans to cut third-quarter 2026 capacity by 20% to 25% after fuel expenses rose 58% year over year, with jet fuel averaging $183 per barrel. Singapore Airlines also reported a rare quarterly net loss despite record passenger numbers and strong revenue.
High activity
Heart Aerospace’s X1 demonstrator completed its first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York, becoming the largest all-electric aircraft to fly. The test advances technologies intended for the company’s ES-30 hybrid-electric regional aircraft and provides an early validation point for electric regional aviation.
High activity
India’s Ministry of Defence has issued an RFP for at least 60 Medium Transport Aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging Soviet-era An-32 fleet. Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Airbus are expected to compete, with the tender requiring 60% local manufacturing through partnerships with Indian firms.
High activity
Pegasus, Philippine Airlines and Thai Airways reported weaker second-quarter or first-half earnings as elevated fuel costs and Middle East-related disruption weighed on results. Separately, Turkish regulators approved Pegasus’ acquisition of Smartwings Group, expanding its European footprint amid a more challenging operating environment.
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