Leeham News
• Jennifer Meszaros
Air Cambodia is preparing to introduce the COMAC C909, with its first two aircraft due in November 2026. The carrier’s remaining firm orders comprise two regional jets scheduled for delivery in 2027, three in 2028 and three in 2029.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
Air Cambodia is preparing to introduce the COMAC C909, with its first two aircraft due in November 2026. The carrier’s remaining firm orders comprise two regional jets scheduled for delivery in 2027, three in 2028 and three in 2029.
Poland is pursuing additional defense cooperation with the Philippines after completing deliveries of Black Hawk helicopters to Manila last month, according to a senior Polish foreign ministry official. The effort signals Warsaw’s interest in expanding bilateral defense ties beyond the recently completed helicopter program.
Qantas has opened a Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s central business district, consolidating product managers, digital-experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists. The center will develop digital travel experiences and advance the airline group’s use of artificial intelligence.
High activity
Airbus expects Asia-Pacific’s expanding middle class, new city-pair routes and fleet growth to sustain demand for thousands of aircraft over the next two decades. Despite geopolitical headwinds and supply-chain constraints, the manufacturer sees no significant regional slowdown and forecasts the region will account for about 45% of new jet deliveries.
US-Bangla Airlines plans to launch another aircraft leasing program valued at $4–5 billion within the next 60 days, Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said. The proposed transaction would follow the Bangladeshi carrier’s recently announced plan to acquire 21 Boeing aircraft worth approximately $1.5 billion.
Russia’s UAC is exploring localization of the SJ-100 regional jet and Il-114-300 turboprop in India. The proposition’s viability will depend on aircraft pricing, commercial terms and the strength of after-sales support—factors likely to determine whether Indian airlines view localized production as a credible fleet option.
High activity
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said intense competition among Gulf carriers is delaying the pass-through of higher jet-fuel costs to passengers, though fares could rise next year. He also cited Middle East conflict risks and a shortage of widebody aircraft as constraints on the airline’s expansion plans.
SWISSto12 and Mitsubishi Electric have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore advanced payload and radio-frequency opportunities in Japan, alongside a new contract for phased-array antennas. The agreement expands cooperation between the Swiss space company and Japanese electronics group across satellite communications technologies.
Create a free account to see more recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
