CNBC
• Leslie Josephs
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.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
Latest source-backed stories
Bangladesh is preparing draft documents and seeking fiscal 2026-27 funding to negotiate the purchase of Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, with attack helicopters also under consideration. The proposed acquisition would support Dhaka’s air force modernization effort, though the deal remains dependent on budgetary approval and formal negotiations with Beijing.
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.
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.
High activity
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.
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.
SkyDrive, Air India and Suzuki Motor Corporation will evaluate potential Indian routes for eVTOL-based medical logistics, initially targeting urgent pharmaceutical shipments, organ transport and other medical deliveries. The assessment marks a potential aviation use case for advanced air mobility beyond passenger air-taxi operations.
Korean Air is expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities and pursuing third-party work as it nears completion of its Asiana Airlines integration. Separately, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul are merging to create South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, consolidating the country’s airline sector.
High activity
ICEYE has formally established ICEYE India in New Delhi, expanding its presence in one of the world’s largest defense and space markets. The Finnish satellite operator plans to support Indian agencies with sovereign synthetic-aperture radar intelligence while developing domestic production capacity for radar satellites serving defense customers.
Create a free account to see more recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
