FlightGlobal
• David Kaminski-Morrow
United Aircraft says it is close to finalizing licensing terms for the SJ-100 in India, as the Russian airframer promotes its aircraft lineup at the Innoprom show. The company expects to pursue operator agreements at Aero India 2027, signaling an effort to establish a foothold in the Indian market.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
High activity
United Aircraft says it is close to finalizing licensing terms for the SJ-100 in India, as the Russian airframer promotes its aircraft lineup at the Innoprom show. The company expects to pursue operator agreements at Aero India 2027, signaling an effort to establish a foothold in the Indian market.
Airbus now expects China to require 470 fewer new single-aisle aircraft over the next 20 years than previously forecast, citing the expanding high-speed rail network’s growing competition with domestic air travel. The revision highlights rail’s increasing influence on airline fleet demand and network planning in the world’s largest aviation growth market.
Pakistan’s Fly Jinnah is considering launching nonstop service between Karachi and Moscow, a potential expansion of the low-cost carrier’s international network. The proposal would establish a direct link between Pakistan and Russia, subject to the airline’s plans and any required regulatory approvals.
Air China Cargo began dedicated Urumqi–Liège service on September 3, 2026, using A330-200 freighter B-6113. The inaugural flight carried 53 tonnes of cargo and represents the carrier’s first dedicated cargo operation from Urumqi, adding a new China–Europe air freight connection.
Japan scrambled fighter aircraft in response to Chinese Y-9 surveillance flights over the East China Sea on five consecutive days. Japan reported no airspace violations, but the repeated activity underscores sustained military aviation pressure and the operational demands of monitoring activity near its airspace.
The European Union is calling for fair commercial terms as Airbus seeks a potential aircraft agreement with Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The intervention adds a policy and trade dimension to Airbus’ pursuit of the Bangladeshi flag carrier and could influence the structure of any eventual deal.
Malaysia Aviation Group is adding routes and frequencies under its LTBP3.0 plan, including Malaysia Airlines’ return to Busan and Firefly’s entry into Kunming. The group also outlined development of MAGCS as part of a broader update to its network and services strategy.
Hydrosat and Kazakhstan’s JSC “NC “KGS” have established a framework to assess a dedicated thermal-infrared satellite constellation. The proposed capability would focus on supporting water-security needs across Central Asia, though the announcement does not specify a development timeline, funding structure or constellation size.
Create a free account to see more recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
