Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

AINonline

Electric, hybrid-electric and amphibious aircraft developers announce new orders as Stralis shuts down

The emerging advanced-aircraft sector saw competing signals: Wings Capital and Blue Skies Aviation pre-ordered 10 all-electric MDA1 eViators, SkyHop agreed to acquire up to 15 NOEMI amphibious aircraft, and Electra advanced plans for a 1,200-mile hybrid-electric regional aircraft. Hydrogen-electric developer Stralis, however, has closed after flight testing.

FlightGlobal

HAL and Safran launch Aravalli turboshaft engine for India’s 13-ton military helicopters

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.

ch-aviation

Jin Air plans to absorb Air Busan and Air Seoul in late 1Q27

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.

AeroTime

Bangladesh advances plans to procure Chinese J-10CE fighters and Turkish attack helicopters

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.

Reuters

USS Abraham Lincoln expected to make Thailand port visit after prolonged Middle East deployment

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.

ch-aviation

Etihad expects to double China capacity within seven years

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.

CNBC

High activity

United plans 2027 international expansion with A321XLR-led Europe network growth

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.

FlightGlobal

NTU completes Germany flight trials of Singapore’s homegrown eVTOL after three years of development

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.