Skift
• Rafat Ali
IndiGo and Ethiopian Airlines have emerged as two of the Global South’s most consequential carriers, but their rise followed sharply different models. Their contrasting strategies offer a useful lens on how airlines outside traditional aviation centers are reshaping the industry’s competitive landscape.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
IndiGo and Ethiopian Airlines have emerged as two of the Global South’s most consequential carriers, but their rise followed sharply different models. Their contrasting strategies offer a useful lens on how airlines outside traditional aviation centers are reshaping the industry’s competitive landscape.
High activity
Cathay Pacific posted its strongest first-half performance since 2010, with passenger and cargo growth offsetting higher fuel costs, while Lufthansa’s operating profit fell to €383 million and Air Astana slipped into a small loss. Carriers remain cautious as Middle East-related fuel price pressures persist.
High activity
From 2 February 2027, Jetstar will replace its 7kg cabin-baggage allowance with size-based rules, charging separately for larger bags stored overhead and priority boarding. Separately, Qantas has agreed to divest its entire stake in Jetstar Japan in a deal valued at about ¥8.2 billion ($52 million), expected to close by June 2027.
Archer Aviation’s piloted, all-electric Midnight prototype flew roundtrip between Salinas Municipal and Monterey Regional airports on July 30. Separately, Korean Air is exploring a military transport version with Archer, while Indonesia’s Whitesky Group ordered 60 Volant VE25-100 aircraft in a deal valued at approximately $221 million.
High activity
Qantas has completed the sale of its 33.32% Jetstar Japan stake to the low-cost carrier for ¥8.2 billion ($52.1 million). The restructuring, involving Japan Airlines and the Development Bank of Japan, will leave Jetstar Japan wholly Japanese-owned and redirect Qantas capital toward its Australian operations.
Bamboo Airways has effectively stopped selling individual domestic tickets, with its website showing no flights on major Vietnam routes including Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi, Hanoi–Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City–Da Nang. The move intensifies questions about the carrier’s viability as its operating fleet contracts to three aircraft.
Thai Airways International plans to sign a 50-year lease on Aug. 4, 2026, for a 210-rai, or 336,000-square-meter, site at Thailand’s Utapao airport. The lease will take effect Sept. 1, establishing the contractual basis for the airline’s planned MRO presence at the facility.
Create a free account to see more recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
