Inflight Online
• Keith Mwanalushi
Malaysia Aviation Group is adding routes and frequencies under its LTBP3.0 plan, including Malaysia Airlines’ return to Busan and Firefly’s entry into Kunming. The group also outlined development of MAGCS as part of a broader update to its network and services strategy.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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Malaysia Aviation Group is adding routes and frequencies under its LTBP3.0 plan, including Malaysia Airlines’ return to Busan and Firefly’s entry into Kunming. The group also outlined development of MAGCS as part of a broader update to its network and services strategy.
Hydrosat and Kazakhstan’s JSC “NC “KGS” have established a framework to assess a dedicated thermal-infrared satellite constellation. The proposed capability would focus on supporting water-security needs across Central Asia, though the announcement does not specify a development timeline, funding structure or constellation size.
Boeing plans to propose the Australian-developed MQ-28 Ghost Bat to Japan as Tokyo develops SHIELD, a coastal defense network centered on unmanned aircraft and crewed-uncrewed teaming. The offer follows Boeing’s partnership with Germany and a recent U.S. Air Force evaluation of the drone.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved proposals worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore, bringing 2026 approvals to Rs 1.6 lakh crore and spending cleared since 2025 to Rs 13 lakh crore. The package includes hypersonic missiles, indigenous warship engines and broader force modernization, while AMCA prototype bids move forward.
SpiceJet is reportedly preparing to lease 20 aircraft as the Indian carrier seeks to expand capacity. The move would add leased lift to its fleet, but the available reporting does not specify the aircraft types, lessors, delivery timeline or routes targeted by the expansion.
Qantas-owned Network Aviation has received its first Embraer E190 in Perth, launching a fleet renewal program for its Western Australian operations. Up to 14 mid-life E190s are planned to replace the unit’s aging Fokker 100s, including on resource-sector charter services, while QantasLink already wet-leases E190s from Alliance in eastern Australia.
Air Cambodia plans to introduce the COMAC C909 into commercial service in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking the carrier’s scheduled debut with the Chinese regional jet. The timing provides a defined milestone for the aircraft’s expansion among Southeast Asian operators.
High activity
Singapore’s government backed Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, saying overseas expansion is essential to the flag carrier’s growth and that shareholders must judge the outcome. The defense comes as Air India seeks an additional $1.5 billion in equity from Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons, after the partners invested more than $1 billion in FY2024/25.
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