Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

Bloomberg

Vietnam inspectorate recommends expanding graft probe into Long Thanh International Airport’s $16B project, following executive

Vietnam’s Government Inspectorate has recommended further investigation into alleged bidding violations for the Long Thanh International Airport project, expanding an inquiry that has already led to the detention of multiple executives from companies linked to the program. The probe centers on procurement and tender-related compliance concerns tied to the $16 billion project.

AeroTime

SriLankan Airlines orders six A330-300s and four A350-900s; Philippine Airlines adds third A350-1000 to long-haul fleet

SriLankan Airlines has committed to Airbus to purchase six A330-300s and four A350-900s in a USD2.9 billion deal at list prices. Separately, Philippine Airlines has taken delivery of its third Airbus A350-1000, RP-C3512, as it continues expanding long-haul capacity.

SpaceWatch Global

HawkEye 360 wins multi-year contract for space-based RF data to bolster Indian Navy maritime domain awareness

HawkEye 360 has been awarded a multi-year contract to deliver space-based RF data and analytics to the Indian Navy and regional partner nations. The agreement targets enhanced maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean region using HawkEye 360’s geolocation and signal-intelligence capabilities.

ch-aviation

Malaysia’s AirBorneo to expand narrowbody fleet to 5 by end-2026

AirBorneo says it will more than double its narrowbody fleet from two to five aircraft by the end of 2026, with additional aircraft scheduled to arrive in October, November and December, CEO Megat Ardian Aminuddin told Channel NewsAsia.

ch-aviation

Cathay Pacific delays resumption of Hong Kong–Dubai and Hong Kong–Riyadh passenger flights to early 4Q26

Cathay Pacific has postponed the planned return of passenger service from Hong Kong International to Dubai International and Riyadh, citing a re-escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The carrier now expects to restart the routes in early 4Q26.

Reuters

AI-led semiconductor hubs reshape Asia’s air-cargo demand, forcing network redesigns as e-commerce slows

Asia’s air-cargo growth engine is shifting as the AI buildout accelerates semiconductor manufacturing around key regional hubs. Airlines are redesigning routes and networks to prioritize shipments tied to chip production, replacing earlier momentum driven by cross-border e-commerce growth.

Skift

Survey: China’s outbound travel recovery is constrained by aircraft availability, not demand

A Dragon Trail survey says China’s outbound travel rebound is being limited primarily by insufficient flight capacity—availability of aircraft and seats—rather than demand. The finding reframes recovery expectations for carriers and suppliers planning near-term summer and peak-season growth.

ch-aviation

High activity

Singapore Airlines posts first quarterly loss since the pandemic amid $767M fuel bill surge; Air India’s worst-ever losses weigh

Singapore Airlines reported a S$76 million quarterly loss despite record revenue as jet-fuel costs jumped and Air India’s continued restructuring drag deepened group losses. Separately, Tata flagged Air India’s transformation timeline slipping amid “external headwinds,” while SIA also pushed back key premium-cabin rollout on the A350-900 to 2027.