AINonline
• Charles Alcock
New aircraft ventures are pursuing regional and specialized markets with electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen-electric and amphibious designs. MD Aircraft secured pre-orders for 10 eViator aircraft, Electra is preparing a 1,200-mile hybrid-electric model, and SkyHop plans to acquire 15 NOEMI amphibious aircraft, while Stralis has ceased operations.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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New aircraft ventures are pursuing regional and specialized markets with electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen-electric and amphibious designs. MD Aircraft secured pre-orders for 10 eViator aircraft, Electra is preparing a 1,200-mile hybrid-electric model, and SkyHop plans to acquire 15 NOEMI amphibious aircraft, while Stralis has ceased operations.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed an agreement through their SAFHAL joint venture to develop and produce the high-power Aravalli turboshaft engine. The engine is intended for HAL’s Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and naval Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter programs, deepening India-France defense cooperation.
Jin Air is set to absorb fellow South Korean carriers Air Busan and Air Seoul in late first quarter 2027, according to Commercial Aviation. The planned transaction would consolidate the three airlines under Jin Air, marking a significant restructuring of South Korea’s airline landscape.
Bangladesh has prepared draft documents for negotiations with China over J-10CE fighter jets and with Turkey over attack helicopters, as Dhaka seeks budgetary support for a 2026–27 procurement program to modernize its air force. Officials cited the J-10CE’s performance against India’s Rafale as a consideration.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to dock in Thailand next week, a Thai official said, following an extended deployment in the Middle East. The port call comes amid reports that the carrier could later head to Bremerton and concerns about mental health and deteriorating conditions aboard.
Etihad Airways expects to double its capacity to China over the next seven years, signaling a significant planned expansion of the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s presence in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
High activity
United Airlines plans to add five new transatlantic destinations in 2027, using incoming Airbus A321XLRs to serve smaller markets that may not support larger aircraft. The carrier’s broader summer schedule adds nine destinations in Europe and 10 routes across Europe and Asia as regional demand remains strong.
Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University has completed flight testing of the country’s homegrown electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft program. Trials were conducted in Germany in July, marking the conclusion of three years of research and development on the eVTOL aircraft.
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