FlightGlobal
• Alfred Chua
Air Astana plans to begin direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo Narita toward the end of the year, marking its first service to Japan. Japan Airlines will codeshare on the route, extending its reach through the new connection.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
Air Astana plans to begin direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo Narita toward the end of the year, marking its first service to Japan. Japan Airlines will codeshare on the route, extending its reach through the new connection.
A Chinese military aircraft, identified as a Shenyang J-16, conducted what Manila described as a dangerous intercept of a Philippine aircraft, identified in the report’s headline as a Grand Caravan. The Philippines condemned the conduct of the Chinese aircrew; the article provides no further details on the encounter.
China Eastern Airlines’ board approved a CNY3.4 billion ($507 million) investment in a production support area at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The project is part of the airport’s Phase IV expansion, linking the carrier’s base development to a major airport infrastructure program.
Xiamen Airlines has appointed a new general manager, marking a leadership change at one of China’s major airline operators.
Japan’s air force has started recovery operations for a U.S.-made Global Hawk surveillance drone that crashed into the sea last month. The operation underscores the continuing operational and investigative implications of incidents involving high-value unmanned military aircraft.
High activity
Thai Airways has removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri and appointed Samrit Samniang as acting CEO after severe Bangkok flooding triggered major operational disruptions, including thousands of stranded bags at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The board is reviewing the flag carrier’s crisis-management procedures and response to the weather event.
New satellite imagery shows China’s construction of a runway on Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracel Islands gathering pace. Analysts estimate the facility could be completed by mid-2027, potentially strengthening Beijing’s military control and operational reach in the South China Sea.
Embraer and Mahindra have selected Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the proposed site for a C-390 Millennium final assembly line if India chooses the aircraft for its Medium Transport Aircraft program. The Brazilian jet is competing against Lockheed Martin’s C-130J in the Indian Air Force tender.
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