Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

Associated Press

Japan begins recovery of U.S.-made Global Hawk surveillance drone after sea crash

Japan’s air force has started recovery operations for a U.S.-made Global Hawk surveillance drone that crashed into the sea last month. The operation underscores the continuing operational and investigative implications of incidents involving high-value unmanned military aircraft.

Bloomberg

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Thai Airways fires CEO after Bangkok floods strand thousands of bags and disrupt hub operations

Thai Airways has removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri and appointed Samrit Samniang as acting CEO after severe Bangkok flooding triggered major operational disruptions, including thousands of stranded bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board is reviewing the flag carrier’s crisis-management procedures and response to the weather event.

Reuters

China’s Antelope Reef runway construction accelerates, with completion estimated by mid-2027

New satellite imagery shows China’s construction of a runway on Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracel Islands gathering pace. Analysts estimate the facility could be completed by mid-2027, potentially strengthening Beijing’s military control and operational reach in the South China Sea.

Economic Times

Embraer and Mahindra identify Nagpur for potential C-390 assembly line in India

Embraer and Mahindra have selected Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the proposed site for a C-390 Millennium final assembly line if India chooses the aircraft for its Medium Transport Aircraft program. The Brazilian jet is competing against Lockheed Martin’s C-130J in the Indian Air Force tender.

AeroTime

U.S. to transfer three maritime-surveillance King Air aircraft to Philippine Coast Guard

The Pentagon said the United States will transfer three King Air turboprop aircraft configured for maritime domain awareness to the Philippine Coast Guard. The planned handover expands the coast guard’s dedicated airborne surveillance capacity, though the announcement did not provide details on timing, aircraft variants or support arrangements.

ch-aviation

Mongolia eyes COMAC C919s for national carrier MIAT fleet renewal

Mongolia is considering COMAC C919s as part of the fleet renewal of its national airline, MIAT. The interest would give the Chinese narrowbody a potential foothold in Mongolia and add another prospective customer as COMAC seeks to expand the aircraft’s international presence.

investors.rocketlabcorp.com

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Rocket Lab signs largest Electron contract with Synspective for 20 launches

Rocket Lab has signed a 20-mission Electron launch agreement with Japanese radar satellite company Synspective, calling it the rocket’s largest commercial contract to date. The deal extends a longstanding customer relationship and provides Synspective with dedicated launch capacity for its satellite program.

AeroTime

Air New Zealand to add 7,000+ Shanghai–Auckland seats for 2027 Chinese New Year

Air New Zealand will add more than 7,000 seats between Shanghai Pudong and Auckland during the 2027 Chinese New Year period, targeting one of the busiest travel seasons for Chinese visitors to New Zealand. The increase expands capacity on a key Asia-Pacific market for the national carrier.