SpaceNews.com
• Vivek Prasad
Satellite businesses are navigating several strategic shifts at once: potential changes to Falcon 9’s role in the commercial launch market, Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of Iridium, intensifying competition in direct-to-device connectivity, and expanding opportunities in India’s satcom market. Spectrum economics remains central to network value.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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Satellite businesses are navigating several strategic shifts at once: potential changes to Falcon 9’s role in the commercial launch market, Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of Iridium, intensifying competition in direct-to-device connectivity, and expanding opportunities in India’s satcom market. Spectrum economics remains central to network value.
High activity
Korean Air has converted a preliminary agreement announced in August 2025 into a firm order for 103 Boeing aircraft, spanning the 737 MAX and 777X families. The deal is the South Korean carrier’s largest aircraft order and supports its fleet renewal and growth strategy.
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Malaysia is monitoring AirAsia’s liquidity and asking Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air whether they could absorb routes if the low-cost carrier faces further financial pressure. AirAsia controls nearly 60% of domestic traffic and is reportedly nearing a $235 million equity deal while seeking more than $1 billion.
Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force confirmed that one of its three Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawks crashed in the Sea of Japan off Tottori Prefecture after the service lost contact on Sept. 15. The accident is the tenth reported loss of a Global Hawk variant.
Air Cambodia is preparing to introduce the COMAC C909, with its first two aircraft due in November 2026. The carrier’s remaining firm orders comprise two regional jets scheduled for delivery in 2027, three in 2028 and three in 2029.
Poland is pursuing additional defense cooperation with the Philippines after completing deliveries of Black Hawk helicopters to Manila last month, according to a senior Polish foreign ministry official. The effort signals Warsaw’s interest in expanding bilateral defense ties beyond the recently completed helicopter program.
Qantas has opened a Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s central business district, consolidating product managers, digital-experience designers, software engineers, and data and AI specialists. The center will develop digital travel experiences and advance the airline group’s use of artificial intelligence.
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Airbus expects Asia-Pacific’s expanding middle class, new city-pair routes and fleet growth to sustain demand for thousands of aircraft over the next two decades. Despite geopolitical headwinds and supply-chain constraints, the manufacturer sees no significant regional slowdown and forecasts the region will account for about 45% of new jet deliveries.
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