FlightGlobal
• Alfred Chua
Vietravel Airlines is poised to order 50 Airbus aircraft for delivery from 2029, including A220s and long-range A321XLRs. The fleet expansion would introduce Vietnam’s first A220s and significantly increase the airline’s capacity and network-planning options.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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The Royal Australian Air Force has declared initial operational capability for two long-range strike capabilities: JASSM-ER integration on its F/A-18F Super Hornets and LRASM on its P-8A Poseidon fleet. The milestone expands Australia’s ability to conduct stand-off land-attack and anti-ship missions.
Vietravel Airlines is poised to order 50 Airbus aircraft for delivery from 2029, including A220s and long-range A321XLRs. The fleet expansion would introduce Vietnam’s first A220s and significantly increase the airline’s capacity and network-planning options.
Australian Earth-observation company LatConnect 60 has signed two strategic agreements in India covering satellite mission infrastructure and access to the country’s defense and geospatial-intelligence markets. Announced at the Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, the deals support the company’s expansion of its SWIRSAT business in India.
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Vietravel Airlines has agreed to acquire 50 Airbus single-aisle aircraft as it pursues fleet and international network expansion. Separately, Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding for five A350-900s, reportedly targeted for delivery in 2033 and 2034, during a package announced amid Vietnam’s leader’s France visit.
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Korean Air and Asiana Airlines plan to begin offering Starlink-based inflight connectivity from Sept. 15, 2026, initially on selected services. Korean Air’s rollout includes three Airbus A350-900s and one Boeing 777-300ER, with aircraft assigned to routes across the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia and selected shorter sectors.
China Southern Airlines has received final approval to issue up to 5.4 billion new A shares to no more than 35 investors, including its controlling shareholder, China Southern Air Holding. The equity raise could provide up to CNY15 billion ($2.2 billion) in fresh capital for the carrier.
French launch provider MaiaSpace has secured its first long-term Asian customer agreement with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), which plans to use the company to launch a range of synthetic-aperture radar satellites. The deal gives MaiaSpace an anchor customer as it builds its commercial launch business.
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Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation has signed memoranda and letters of intent with three Indian domestic carriers covering as many as 105 Il-114-300 regional turboprops, including a 35-aircraft agreement with Sleek Aviation. UAC is also advancing plans for local production of the SJ-100 ahead of the BRICS summit.
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