ch-aviation
• Dirk Andrei Salcedo
Air China Cargo began dedicated Urumqi–Liège service on September 3, 2026, using A330-200 freighter B-6113. The inaugural flight carried 53 tonnes of cargo and represents the carrier’s first dedicated cargo operation from Urumqi, adding a new China–Europe air freight connection.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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Air China Cargo began dedicated Urumqi–Liège service on September 3, 2026, using A330-200 freighter B-6113. The inaugural flight carried 53 tonnes of cargo and represents the carrier’s first dedicated cargo operation from Urumqi, adding a new China–Europe air freight connection.
Japan scrambled fighter aircraft in response to Chinese Y-9 surveillance flights over the East China Sea on five consecutive days. Japan reported no airspace violations, but the repeated activity underscores sustained military aviation pressure and the operational demands of monitoring activity near its airspace.
The European Union is calling for fair commercial terms as Airbus seeks a potential aircraft agreement with Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The intervention adds a policy and trade dimension to Airbus’ pursuit of the Bangladeshi flag carrier and could influence the structure of any eventual deal.
Malaysia Aviation Group is adding routes and frequencies under its LTBP3.0 plan, including Malaysia Airlines’ return to Busan and Firefly’s entry into Kunming. The group also outlined development of MAGCS as part of a broader update to its network and services strategy.
Hydrosat and Kazakhstan’s JSC “NC “KGS” have established a framework to assess a dedicated thermal-infrared satellite constellation. The proposed capability would focus on supporting water-security needs across Central Asia, though the announcement does not specify a development timeline, funding structure or constellation size.
Boeing plans to propose the Australian-developed MQ-28 Ghost Bat to Japan as Tokyo develops SHIELD, a coastal defense network centered on unmanned aircraft and crewed-uncrewed teaming. The offer follows Boeing’s partnership with Germany and a recent U.S. Air Force evaluation of the drone.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved proposals worth ₹1.1 lakh crore, taking approvals this year to ₹1.6 lakh crore and those since 2025 to ₹13 lakh crore. The package includes long-range hypersonic weapons, Sukhoi-30 upgrades, mine-laying systems, indigenous warship engines and continued AMCA development.
SpiceJet is reportedly preparing to lease 20 aircraft as the Indian carrier seeks to expand capacity. The move would add leased lift to its fleet, but the available reporting does not specify the aircraft types, lessors, delivery timeline or routes targeted by the expansion.
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