Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
Lockheed Martin is offering to modernize the Indian Air Force’s existing C-130J-30 fleet as part of its campaign for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft competition. The contest calls for 60 new transport aircraft, tying a potential fleet upgrade to the broader procurement effort.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
Lockheed Martin is offering to modernize the Indian Air Force’s existing C-130J-30 fleet as part of its campaign for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft competition. The contest calls for 60 new transport aircraft, tying a potential fleet upgrade to the broader procurement effort.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is adding bus, taxi and shuttle options ahead of the winter 2026-27 schedule, connecting passengers across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune. At the same time, Mumbai airport’s planned Terminal 1 redevelopment from January 2027 has prompted a dispute over flight reductions and shifting international services to the new airport.
High activity
The Oct. 5–11 launch slate includes South Korea’s Nuri carrying Earth-observation satellites, a SpaceX military launch and Starlink deployment, and a Chinese Long March 12 flight. SpaceX also plans launches from California, including the Transporter-18 rideshare mission carrying Star Catcher’s orbital power-beaming demonstrator.
High activity
IndiGo will raise fuel charges on new domestic and international bookings from Oct. 6, 2026, after aviation turbine fuel prices rose more than 13% since the start of the month. The airline says it is its third increase this year, reflecting sustained pressure from higher fuel costs.
Air Astana plans to begin direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo Narita toward the end of the year, marking its first service to Japan. Japan Airlines will codeshare on the route, extending its reach through the new connection.
A Chinese military aircraft, identified as a Shenyang J-16, conducted what Manila described as a dangerous intercept of a Philippine aircraft, identified in the report’s headline as a Grand Caravan. The Philippines condemned the conduct of the Chinese aircrew; the article provides no further details on the encounter.
China Eastern Airlines’ board approved a CNY3.4 billion ($507 million) investment in a production support area at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The project is part of the airport’s Phase IV expansion, linking the carrier’s base development to a major airport infrastructure program.
Xiamen Airlines has appointed a new general manager, marking a leadership change at one of China’s major airline operators.
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