Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

Reuters

High activity

China Eastern selects LEAP-1A engines for 101 A320neo-family jets, including A321XLRs, for 2028–32 deliveries

China Eastern Airlines has selected CFM International’s LEAP-1A to power 101 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, including A321XLRs, completing engine selection for this tranche. The deal, signed at the China International Import Expo, includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement; deliveries are scheduled from 2028 through 2032.

Reuters

Kyiv says Russia is using its Rassvet satellite network for military communications over Ukraine

Ukrainian military intelligence told Reuters that Russia is using Rassvet, its homegrown Starlink-like satellite network, to support military communications over Ukraine. The system is intended to improve the accuracy of Russian strike drones and make them harder to jam; a Russian Security Council expert panel has also urged faster spacecraft production.

eVTOL Insights

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South Korea selects four Sikorsky S-92A+ helicopters for $643 million presidential fleet replacement

South Korea will acquire four Sikorsky S-92A+ helicopters through the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Presidential Helicopter II program, replacing three S-92s that have served in the role since 2007. The new aircraft are expected to enter service from 2031, extending Sikorsky’s position in a mission flown by more than a dozen nations.

FlightGlobal

Turkish Airlines says shifting capacity from the Americas to Asia lifted third-quarter load factors and yields

The Istanbul-based carrier said demand-led capacity reallocation from the Americas to Asia helped drive stronger load factors and yields in the third quarter. The account highlights how adjusting regional capacity to match demand can affect airline performance, though no figures were provided.

Reuters

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VietJet plans $250 million payment to settle FW Aviation dispute over four leased A321s

VietJet is preparing to pay about $250 million to resolve a dispute with lessor FW Aviation over four leased Airbus A321s, according to people familiar with the matter. The planned payment follows UK court orders restricting the airline’s dealings in assets outside Vietnam; reports say it is targeted before Nov. 13.

ch-aviation

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IndiGo reportedly in talks to buy 100 Embraer regional jets, with options for 50 more

IndiGo is in early-stage negotiations with Embraer for 100 regional jets, with options for about 50 additional aircraft, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with the discussions. The talks build on the airline’s earlier evaluation of regional aircraft to complement its Airbus narrowbody fleet.

ch-aviation

China Eastern extends $3 billion in perpetual financing from parent for three years

China Eastern Airlines will extend CNY20 billion ($3 billion) in perpetual debt financing from controlling shareholder China Eastern Air Holding for another three years, the airline said in a Nov. 4 filing. The extension maintains a major source of shareholder-provided funding for the carrier.

Bloomberg

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Qantas raises fuel-cost forecast by A$150 million to A$3.75 billion and plans 4% domestic capacity cut in Q1 2027

Qantas expects fuel prices to remain elevated through the rest of its financial year, lifting its anticipated fuel bill by about A$150 million to A$3.75 billion. The group and its low-cost unit Jetstar plan to cut capacity by 4% in the January-March quarter and raise fares, with domestic flying bearing the reductions.