CNBC
• Leslie Josephs
United Airlines is expanding its 2027 international network with up to 10 new destinations across Europe and Asia, including five transatlantic markets planned for Airbus A321XLR service. The narrowbody’s range will allow United to serve smaller markets that may not support larger aircraft, as it continues its European growth strategy.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
Bangladesh has prepared draft documents for negotiations covering Chinese J-10CE fighter aircraft and Turkish attack helicopters, with funding sought in the country’s fiscal 2026-27 budget. The proposals would advance potential procurement discussions involving suppliers from China and Turkey.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to dock in Thailand next week after a prolonged, record-setting deployment in the Middle East. The port visit follows reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier, which could subsequently head to Bremerton, Washington.
Etihad Airways expects to double its capacity to China over the next seven years, signaling a significant planned expansion of the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s presence in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
High activity
United Airlines is expanding its 2027 international network with up to 10 new destinations across Europe and Asia, including five transatlantic markets planned for Airbus A321XLR service. The narrowbody’s range will allow United to serve smaller markets that may not support larger aircraft, as it continues its European growth strategy.
Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University has completed flight testing of the country’s homegrown electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft program. Trials were conducted in Germany in July, marking the conclusion of three years of research and development on the eVTOL aircraft.
SkyDrive, Air India and Suzuki Motor Corporation will evaluate potential Indian routes for eVTOL-based medical logistics, initially targeting urgent pharmaceutical shipments, organ transport and other medical deliveries. The assessment marks a potential aviation use case for advanced air mobility beyond passenger air-taxi operations.
Korean Air is expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities and pursuing third-party work as it nears completion of its Asiana Airlines integration. Separately, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul are merging to create South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, consolidating the country’s airline sector.
High activity
ICEYE has formally established ICEYE India in New Delhi, expanding its presence in one of the world’s largest defense and space markets. The Finnish satellite operator plans to support Indian agencies with sovereign synthetic-aperture radar intelligence while developing domestic production capacity for radar satellites serving defense customers.
Create a free account to see more recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
