AeroTime
• Jean Carmela Lim
Philippine Airlines will make Manila–Melbourne service daily from Nov. 19, 2026, while Air India adds Delhi–Manila capacity and IndiGo and PAL plan new India–Philippines routes. Singapore Airlines is also revising selected Oceania services for the Northern Summer 2027 schedule, signaling continued network recalibration across the region.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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Philippine Airlines will make Manila–Melbourne service daily from Nov. 19, 2026, while Air India adds Delhi–Manila capacity and IndiGo and PAL plan new India–Philippines routes. Singapore Airlines is also revising selected Oceania services for the Northern Summer 2027 schedule, signaling continued network recalibration across the region.
Bangladesh is preparing a draft agreement for the Chengdu J-10CE ahead of formal negotiations with Beijing, moving Dhaka closer to becoming the fighter’s second foreign operator. The prospective acquisition would advance the country’s broader effort to modernize its air force through new combat aircraft and attack helicopters.
Saudia Cargo has introduced a scheduled fifth-freedom freighter service connecting Dhaka, Saudi Arabia and Frankfurt. The new route expands the carrier’s cargo network across South Asia, the Middle East and Europe, creating a direct operating link between Bangladesh and Germany through Saudi Arabia.
Manila has taken delivery of the final batch of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, completing the latest tranche of a fleet intended for multiple missions. The aircraft support Philippine military operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief efforts.
High activity
Qantas will begin phasing out its 10 Airbus A380s in 2028, roughly four years earlier than previously planned, as rising maintenance costs and incoming A350s and 787s drive long-haul fleet renewal. Older A330s will also gradually leave the fleet, while the airline reports rebounding Australia-U.S. demand.
New aircraft ventures are pursuing regional and specialized markets with electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen-electric and amphibious designs. MD Aircraft secured pre-orders for 10 eViator aircraft, Electra is preparing a 1,200-mile hybrid-electric model, and SkyHop plans to acquire 15 NOEMI amphibious aircraft, while Stralis has ceased operations.
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.
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.
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