FlightGlobal
• Greg Waldron
Archer’s Midnight has completed piloted city-to-city flights in California, while partnerships and orders involving Volant Aerotech, Korean Air and SkyDrive point to expanding eVTOL ambitions in passenger transport, military logistics, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue services across Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
Archer’s Midnight has completed piloted city-to-city flights in California, while partnerships and orders involving Volant Aerotech, Korean Air and SkyDrive point to expanding eVTOL ambitions in passenger transport, military logistics, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue services across Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan.
High activity
Qantas has completed the sale of its 33.32% Jetstar Japan stake to the low-cost carrier for ¥8.2 billion ($52.1 million). The restructuring, involving Japan Airlines and the Development Bank of Japan, will leave Jetstar Japan wholly Japanese-owned and redirect Qantas capital toward its Australian operations.
Bamboo Airways has effectively stopped selling individual domestic tickets, with its website showing no flights on major Vietnam routes including Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi, Hanoi–Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City–Da Nang. The move intensifies questions about the carrier’s viability as its operating fleet contracts to three aircraft.
Thai Airways International plans to sign a 50-year lease on Aug. 4, 2026, for a 210-rai, or 336,000-square-meter, site at Thailand’s Utapao airport. The lease will take effect Sept. 1, establishing the contractual basis for the airline’s planned MRO presence at the facility.
High activity
Willie Walsh officially became IndiGo’s chief executive on Aug. 3, succeeding Pieter Elbers as the Indian carrier enters a new phase. Walsh, the former leader of IAG, takes charge as IndiGo pursues international growth while navigating the strategic demands of building out its long-haul ambitions.
High activity
Air India is introducing its new Boeing 787-9 cabin on Delhi–Toronto flights, adding Mumbai–Toronto service and 4,400 monthly Canada seats while accelerating 787-8 retrofits through Shanghai MRO. Separately, United will deploy its 222-seat “Elevated” 787-9 on Houston long-haul routes from October 2026.
High activity
Indonesian authorities detained a Malaysia Airlines first officer after allegedly finding 70,114 ecstasy pills and methamphetamine in his bags following a flight from Kuala Lumpur. The pilot reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine, prompting Malaysia’s aviation regulator to launch a security review; Indonesian prosecutors could seek the death penalty.
Create a free account to see more recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
