Reuters
• Rozanna Latiff
AirAsia has entered its first codeshare agreement, partnering with Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus to connect Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul via Pegasus’ network at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The initial partnership covers five European destinations, while AirAsia plans to increase Istanbul operations from 2027.
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Rocket Lab launched the 11th satellite for Japanese radar-imaging company Synspective, reinforcing the customer’s role as one of Electron’s largest users. The mission adds to Synspective’s Earth-observation constellation and highlights recurring demand for dedicated small-satellite launch services.
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AirAsia has entered its first codeshare agreement, partnering with Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus to connect Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul via Pegasus’ network at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The initial partnership covers five European destinations, while AirAsia plans to increase Istanbul operations from 2027.
Sceye said its ST1 high-altitude platform system has completed its first transpacific deployment, flying from the United States to Japan through the stratosphere. The airship-like, long-endurance vehicle is designed to support communications and surveillance missions from high altitude.
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Lufthansa Technik Philippines will continue providing heavy base maintenance for Emirates’ Airbus A380 fleet through 2030 under an extended multi-year agreement. The deal includes additional capacity in Manila and makes Emirates the launch customer for Lufthansa Technik’s planned maintenance facility in Clark, Philippines.
Asia-Pacific airlines continue to benefit from strong long-haul demand, but high fuel prices are weighing more heavily on short-haul operations. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines said international passenger volumes continue to decline, while overall demand has moderated amid persistent cost pressures.
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The nuclear-powered carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand after 286 days at sea, bringing nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines ashore for a five-day port call in Pattaya. The stop follows reports of deteriorating onboard conditions during the extended Middle East deployment.
The Navy reassigned a cruiser from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group to escort USS Abraham Lincoln into the South China Sea and onward to Thailand. The move comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, though the circumstances behind the force repositioning remain unclear.
Air China’s C919 flight from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar last month marked an important step for China’s domestically developed narrowbody, carrying it across an international boundary. But for COMAC, the aircraft’s broader commercial impact still hinges on increasing production rates and delivering at scale.
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