Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

FlightGlobal

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UAC signs agreements covering 105 Il-114-300 turboprops as India and Russia advance local SJ-100 manufacturing talks

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation signed agreements with Indian airlines covering the potential supply of 105 Il-114-300 regional turboprops, including a memorandum with Sleek Aviation for 35 aircraft. Separately, India and Russia are expanding discussions on manufacturing the Il-114 and SJ-100 in India, with a HAL deal expected soon.

Leeham News

FLY91 orders 40 ATR 72-600s in $1 billion deal, with deliveries scheduled through 2032

India’s FLY91 has placed a firm order for 40 ATR 72-600 turboprops valued at about $1 billion at list prices. Deliveries are scheduled from 2027 through 2032, creating a significant multiyear commitment for ATR’s production system and regional-aircraft market.

FlightGlobal

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United Aircraft nears India licensing terms for SJ-100, targets operator deals at Aero India 2027

United Aircraft says it is close to finalizing licensing terms for the SJ-100 in India, as the Russian airframer promotes its aircraft lineup at the Innoprom show. The company expects to pursue operator agreements at Aero India 2027, signaling an effort to establish a foothold in the Indian market.

Air Data News

Airbus cuts China’s 20-year single-aisle forecast by 470 aircraft as high-speed rail gains share

Airbus now expects China to require 470 fewer new single-aisle aircraft over the next 20 years than previously forecast, citing the expanding high-speed rail network’s growing competition with domestic air travel. The revision highlights rail’s increasing influence on airline fleet demand and network planning in the world’s largest aviation growth market.

ch-aviation

Pakistan’s Fly Jinnah eyes direct Karachi-Moscow flights

Pakistan’s Fly Jinnah is considering launching nonstop service between Karachi and Moscow, a potential expansion of the low-cost carrier’s international network. The proposal would establish a direct link between Pakistan and Russia, subject to the airline’s plans and any required regulatory approvals.

Australian Aviation

High activity

Fiji Airways to launch thrice-weekly Nadi service at Western Sydney International in March 2027

Fiji Airways will become the first carrier to link Fiji with Western Sydney International, launching thrice-weekly overnight flights from Nadi in March 2027. Operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the service will add more than 53,000 annual seats and make Fiji the airport’s fourth international operator.

ch-aviation

Air China Cargo launches Urumqi–Liège freighter route with first dedicated Urumqi operation

Air China Cargo began dedicated Urumqi–Liège service on September 3, 2026, using A330-200 freighter B-6113. The inaugural flight carried 53 tonnes of cargo and represents the carrier’s first dedicated cargo operation from Urumqi, adding a new China–Europe air freight connection.

AeroTime

Japan scrambles fighters for Chinese Y-9 surveillance flights five days in a row

Japan scrambled fighter aircraft in response to Chinese Y-9 surveillance flights over the East China Sea on five consecutive days. Japan reported no airspace violations, but the repeated activity underscores sustained military aviation pressure and the operational demands of monitoring activity near its airspace.