Asia-Pacific (APAC) News

ch-aviation

Micronesia’s One Pacific Airways secures its first Embraer E145

FlightGlobal

Air cargo boom pushes global rates above 2024–25 highs as fuel, aircraft and engine costs climb

Airfreight rates have risen above their 2024 and 2025 highs, with surging jet fuel prices adding pressure. Strong global growth, particularly in technology and manufacturing, is driving demand while cargo operators face aircraft and engine constraints—and costs that can undermine the economics of adding capacity.

AeroTime

High activity

Etihad brings its Airbus A380 to Thailand for the first time

An Etihad Airways A380-800 has arrived in Bangkok, marking the first time the UAE carrier has flown its double-decker flagship to Thailand. The deployment puts the aircraft on a new city pairing for Etihad, extending the A380’s reach in Southeast Asia.

FlightGlobal

Gia Binh airport CEO positions project as a strategic bet on Vietnam’s global connectivity

The chief executive of Gia Binh International Airport describes the planned airport as a major infrastructure project and a cornerstone of Vietnam’s ambitions to strengthen global connectivity. The available account provides no project timeline, capacity or investment figures.

Aviation Week

High activity

JAL expands Level 4 autonomous cargo towing to Fukuoka, its third Japanese airport

Japan Airlines has begun operating TLD Robotics’ driverless EZTow tractors at Fukuoka Airport, extending airside autonomous towing to a third airport in its network. The vehicles move cargo containers on a 1.7-kilometer restricted-area route, as JAL turns to automation amid ground-handling labor shortages and a shrinking working-age population.

AeroTime

Philippines grounds SF-260 fleet after training collision kills four pilots

The Philippine Air Force has suspended flights by its SF-260 fleet while officials investigate a midair collision during training at Fernando Air Base in Batangas that killed four pilots. The grounding puts the continuation of pilot training on hold as investigators examine the fatal accident.

ch-aviation

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines seeks three-month delay to share issue

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines is seeking a three-month delay to a planned share issue, according to the report. The available account gives no details on the offering's size, its original schedule, the reason for the requested extension or the potential impact on the carrier's financing.

Reuters

High activity

Midair collision kills four Philippine Air Force pilots; SF-260 fleet grounded

Two Philippine Air Force SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 training aircraft collided over Fernando Air Base in Batangas, killing all four pilots aboard. The air force grounded its SF-260 fleet while officials investigate the cause; reports describe the flight as training, with one saying it was a rehearsal for an air show.