Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

Skift

Survey: China’s outbound travel recovery is constrained by aircraft availability, not demand

A Dragon Trail survey says China’s outbound travel rebound is being limited primarily by insufficient flight capacity—availability of aircraft and seats—rather than demand. The finding reframes recovery expectations for carriers and suppliers planning near-term summer and peak-season growth.

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High activity

Singapore Airlines posts first quarterly net loss since pandemic as jet-fuel surges; simultaneously rolls out premium upgrades a

Singapore Airlines Group reported its first quarterly net loss since 2022 despite record revenue, citing soaring jet-fuel costs tied to Middle East tensions and additional losses from Air India, referenced alongside broader group updates. The airline also unveiled passenger upgrades and received interim Australian Competition and Consumer Commission authorization for its ANA joint-venture expansion planning.

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Juneyao Air parent pledges 7.7M shares to Huaxia Bank, lifting stake pledge to 34.5%

Shanghai Juneyao Group pledged 7.7 million shares in Juneyao Air to Huaxia Bank’s Shanghai branch on July 24, 2026, to back debt performance guarantees. The filing raises the parent’s pledged stake in Juneyao Air to 34.5%, tightening the company’s credit-linked collateral position.

PaxEx.Aero

HK Express launches “Cabin Connect” digital retail platform with Inflight Dublin for onboard snacks, souvenirs and space purchas

HK Express has rolled out “Cabin Connect,” a new in-cabin digital retail platform powered by Inflight Dublin. Passengers can buy items such as snacks, souvenirs and select “space” products via a few taps on their personal devices, expanding retail and ancillary revenue beyond traditional sales channels.

FlightGlobal

IndiGo/InterGlobe Aviation names Kiran Thadimarri CFO as Willie Walsh receives security clearance

InterGlobe Aviation has appointed Kiran Thadimarri as IndiGo’s chief financial officer, effective July 28, replacing Gaurav Negi, who will move to an advisory role. The shift aligns with the expected arrival of Willie Walsh as next CEO in the first week of August following a government security clearance.

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India's Akasa Air lifts share capital limit amid fundraising

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High activity

India pushes hub-and-spoke connectivity: 44-airport network plans, Air India expands to nonstop Delhi–Toronto and adds Amritsar

India is advancing a hub-and-spoke international network proposal covering 44 airports, including four major hubs. In parallel, Air India is rolling out hub feeder connectivity from Amritsar via “Easy Connect” and is restoring Delhi–Toronto nonstops from Aug. 1, 2026 by eliminating the Vienna fuel stop. ATR also argues regional turboprop aviation can strengthen archipelago connectivity across Indonesia.

The War Zone

Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat could be commanded by U.S. pilots to enable cross-allied Collaborative Combat Aircraft operations

New reporting suggests Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat fighter-style drone concept could be controlled by U.S. pilots, enabling more fluid Collaborative Combat Aircraft teaming during high-intensity combat. The capability is framed as a potential operational advantage for U.S. and Australian airpower in contested environments.