Simple Flying - Asia

Shenzhen Airlines Begins Airbus A330 Flights To Barcelona

Channing Reid — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:27 GMT

China's Shenzhen Airlines launched direct flights between Shenzhen and Barcelona on Monday. The route links China's tech hub with the northeast coast of Spain, known for its art and architecture. The flight is the second European route that the carrier operates. It comes as both Shenzhen and Barcelona are reportedly celebrating the second anniversary of establishing friendly ties.

Vistara To Connect Delhi With The Maldives With Non-Stop Flight

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:24 GMT

Even as Vistara prepares for its eventual merger with Air India, the airline continues to offer new flights until the deal is finalized. The latest announcement is for its non-stop service between Delhi and Malé in the Maldives. The carrier already operates a Mumbai-Malé flight and will be the only airline flying this route from Delhi.

Lessor Claims That Parts Are Missing From Go First Planes

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:15 GMT

In another development that could further sour the relationship between Go First and its lessors, important parts are reportedly missing from at least two of its aircraft. One of Go First’s lessors has raised concerns regarding this and wants to take back the planes to avoid further losses.

Flagship Route: How Malaysia Airlines’ Airbus A350s Meet Demand Between London & Kuala Lumpur

Sumit Singh — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 03:15:26 GMT

Malaysia Airlines currently has six Airbus A350-900s in its fleet, which were all delivered between November 2017 and July 2018. With all of these units not even six years old yet, there are plenty of prospects to be had with the type, especially on Malaysia Airlines' flagship route to London.

How To Fly On An Airbus A350 In Asia

Justin Hayward — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:46:27 GMT

If you like the Airbus A350 aircraft as much as we do, Asia is a great place to be. Two of the three largest operators of the A350 are Asian airlines, and there are plenty of routes both within Asia and internationally. In this article, we take a look at the many, and growing, ways to get onboard.

Indonesia Plans Merger Of Garuda Indonesia, Citilink & Pelita Air

Aaron Bailey — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:27 GMT

The Indonesian Government has released a proposal to merge three state-owned carriers to cut costs and streamline operations, Indonesia’s Minister for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir announced over the weekend.

Pakistan International Airlines To Take Legal Action Against Protesting Staff

Trevin Christian Casinader — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:29:56 GMT

The administration of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has doubled down against its employees, who are currently in the midst of a strike. The airline has completed legal consultations to move forward and take action against its employees.

Biman Bangladesh Restarts Dhaka To Tokyo Narita Flights After 17 Years

Abid Habib — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:28 GMT

After a hiatus of over 17 years, the flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is set to connect Dhaka (the country's capital) to Tokyo Narita with a direct service. The service will commence next month and will contribute to increased passenger connectivity.

North Korea's Air Koryo Resumes Flights To Russia's Vladivostok After 3 Years

Channing Reid — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 04:00:29 GMT

Air Koryo, North Korea’s state-owned flag carrier, returned to Vladivostok, a far eastern city in Russia, on Friday after a hiatus of more than three years due to COVID-19 restrictions. The flight reportedly represents the resumption of commercial flights between the two countries.

Cathay Pacific Launches Cabin Crew Recruiting In Mainland China

Michael Doran — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:00:29 GMT

While running an airline anywhere is a tricky business, there are some parts of the world where regional cultural, political and economic pressures add another whole layer of complexity for management to deal with. Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China throws up plenty of curve balls for Cathay Pacific Airways as it straddles the one country-two systems tightrope.

Regulator Finds Lapses In Air India's Internal Safety Audits Following Inspection

Charlotte Seet — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 18:00:27 GMT

Air India recently got hit with quite a big blow after the flag carrier failed an internal safety audit upon further verification by a two-member surveillance team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). During the routine exercise, the aviation regulator determined significant lapses and is currently investigating this matter with the airline.

China Eastern To Begin Shanghai To Istanbul Flights Next Month

Dr. Omar Memon — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:00:27 GMT

China Eastern Airlines has announced a direct flight from its base in Shanghai to Istanbul starting September 28. The airline will connect Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with non-stop flights three times a week. The new flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Shanghai.

Flight Recorders Recovered From Russian Embraer Legacy 600 Plane Crash

Dr. Omar Memon — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 05:00:24 GMT

Flight recorders have been retrieved from the Embraer Legacy 600 that crashed in Tver in Russia on August 23rd. The head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is stated to be one of the victims who perished in the crash. The Legacy 600 was en route to St. Petersburg from Moscow on Wednesday afternoon when the incident occurred. None of the ten occupants of the aircraft survived the crash.

Qantas To Send Its Airbus A330s To Bali

Channing Reid — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:07:17 GMT

Qantas is gearing up to deploy its luxurious Airbus A330 aircraft to Bali in the coming months. It comes as the province of Indonesia is reportedly one of the world's most in-demand travel destinations.

Boeing Reportedly Ready To Resume Deliveries Of 737 MAX Aircraft To China

Aaron Bailey — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 01:00:26 GMT

After a four-year pause, aircraft manufacturer Boeing is patiently awaiting the opportunity to recommence deliveries of the 737 MAX to mainland China. The Chinese government had grounded its 96 units in 2019 following two fatal crashes.

North Korea's Air Koryo: What Planes Does The Airline Operate?

Jake Hardiman — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 22:31:27 GMT

North Korea's state-owned national carrier, Air Koryo is a subject of great curiosity among many avgeeks. From its hub at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), the airline flies to a handful of domestic destinations and, after a recent international restart, in neighboring China and Russia. But what aircraft does it operate these services with? Let's take a look and find out.

Batik Air Flying Boeing 737 Max From Kuala Lumpur To Auckland Via Perth

Michael Doran — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:01:25 GMT

On the face of it, flying a route from Kuala Lumpur to Perth to Auckland seems a long round, but today Malaysian-based carrier Batik Air launched just that service. It is an interesting route that is more about the city pairs than what a direct flight from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur would deliver.

Delhi To Hong Kong: IndiGo To Restart Daily Flights In October

Gaurav Joshi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 06:00:25 GMT

As demand for travel in Asia and Southeast Asia comes back, IndiGo is also catering to the trend and restarting services that it dropped during the pandemic. Among those is the flight between New Delhi and Hong Kong, which the carrier will resume this October.

Go First Stays Afloat With A $12 Million Lifeline

Gaurav Joshi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:01:26 GMT

India’s cash-strapped and grounded budget carrier Go First has been granted $12 million as corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) cost to take care of urgent and mandatory liabilities. The airline is in the process of making a comeback, but no date has been finalized yet. It has several financial liabilities, such as aircraft upkeep, employee salaries, and airport fees, among many other things, and the latest cash approval will help with those.

Hong Kong Airport's New Plaza Premium Intervals Cocktail Bar: The Idea And What To Expect

Pranjal Pande — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 23:00:25 GMT

In June, the Plaza Premium Group announced its newest facility at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), but it wasn't a new lounge. Instead, it was a cocktail bar located in the new Sky Bridge in Terminal 1, offering stunning views of aircraft crossing. This bar is called Intervals, and Simple Flying sat down with Mei Mei Song, Director of Global Brand and Transformation at Plaza Premium, and Victoria Chow, the Creative Director for Intervals, to learn more about the idea and vision of this new project.

Want An Airbus A380? Thai Airways Is Selling 6!

Molly Russell — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:01:25 GMT

Despite a brief flicker of hope that Thai Airways' quadjet fleet would return to service amid a surge in demand late last year, its days of Airbus A380 ownership appear to be at an end. As reported by Aerotime Hub, the Thai flag carrier has opened bidding on its superjumbos until September 12.

How Prepared Are Indian Airports To Receive 1,000+ Planes On Order?

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:06:01 GMT

That Indian aviation is slated for massive growth is well-known by now. There have been two record-braking orders by Indian carriers this year alone that will keep new aircraft trickling in steadily for the next ten years. But just how prepared is the Indian airport infrastructure to accommodate the new planes and the demand for primary slots that airlines will increasingly fight for?

Star Air Is Now India's Largest Private Regional Airline

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:04:14 GMT

Recent developments with India’s Star Air, along with the induction of its latest aircraft, have made it a dominant player in India’s regional aviation space. The airline now claims to be India's largest private regional airline, with robust expansion plans for the current financial year.

Close Call: Vistara Aircraft Involved In Runway Incursion In Delhi

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:21:52 GMT

More than 300 lives were put in danger when two aircraft entered an active runway at Delhi Airport, with one of the planes taking off while the other was crossing after landing. The incident happened due to a momentary lapse by the ATC, but thankfully the tower controller realized the mistake in time and averted a potential accident.

Singapore Sees Flight Booking Surge Ahead Of Formula 1 Race

Charlotte Seet — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:00:26 GMT

Home to the original Formula One Night Race, the electrifying Singapore Grand Prix often garners attention from racing enthusiasts worldwide. And as the world anxiously anticipates the long-awaited annual racing event from September 15th to the 17th, the tiny island country is witnessing a welcoming surge in flight bookings.

Haneda Vs Narita - Which Tokyo Airport Is Best For Travellers?

Chris Loh — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT

Do you plan on flying to Tokyo? If you ever have, or have plans to do so in the future, you'll know that Japan's capital city has two airports for passengers to fly into: Haneda and Narita. Let's compare the two airports to determine which is best for travelers.

Korean Air Is Turning Old Uniforms Into Upcycled First Aid Kits

Luke Peters — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:01:25 GMT

Korean Air has donated first aid kits manufactured from upcycled aircrew uniforms to two community groups in Seoul. The move forms part of the airline's efforts to become a more sustainable company and benefit local projects.

IndiGo Signs Lease Agreement For 10 Airbus A320neos

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:00:34 GMT

IndiGo’s appetite for more aircraft and, consequently, more flights is constantly increasing. The airline, which has close to a thousand planes on order, has signed a lease agreement for 10 Airbus narrowbody planes as it doubles down on its domestic network and rapidly expands to foreign shores.

Japan Airlines To Increase International Service This Winter

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:01:25 GMT

Japan Airlines is gearing up for a busy winter due to a favorable market recovery, resulting in a steady increase in travel demand for both business and tourism customers. The carrier is increasing its flight frequencies to popular US and Asia routes and preparing for its New York flight later this year with its new flagship A350-1000 aircraft.

Embraer E195-E2 Obtains Chinese Type Certification

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:12:26 GMT

The Embraer E195-E2 has received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This comes within a year of the certification of the E190-E2 received from CAAC in November last year during the Zhuhai Air Show. Embraer hopes to make further inroads into the Chinese aviation market, and the latest certification is a step in that direction.

Japan Airlines' New Airbus A350 Business Class To Be Unveiled In October

Lukas Souza — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:20:26 GMT

Earlier today, Japan Airlines made a subtle announcement that the business class product for its new Airbus A350-1000s would be unveiled in October.

Air Koryo Operates North Korea's 1st Post-COVID International Flight After Hiccup

Su Wu — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:30:28 GMT

Air Koryo operated its first international service in three years, flying to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) from Pyongyang International Airport (FNJ). This came after the carrier scuppered plans for the same service the day before without notice, leaving many confused.

Go First Stares At A Number Of Challenges Ahead Of Proposed Return

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:14 GMT

There was no doubt that Go First’s flight resumption plan would be full of challenges. After all, no Indian airline has come back after going bust. But occasional development in the Go First story every other week keeps hope alive. However, with the airline still grounded after nearly four months, it’s getting harder to remain optimistic for its remaining employees, lessors, and even the general public.

Akasa Air Pilots Reportedly Get Another Salary Hike

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:06:43 GMT

It wasn’t too long ago when Akasa Air hiked the salaries of its pilots. And now, another report has surfaced that the budget carrier has once again given salary increments to its cockpit crew amid increasing competition from other airlines to attract the best industry talent. Akasa, however, remains confident about its long-term plan, which also includes maintaining an adequate workforce.

Qantas Rumored To Be Nearing New Boeing 787 Order

Justin Foster — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:00:28 GMT

The flag carrier of Australia, Qantas Airways, is reportedly close to completing an order for several new aircraft. The airline is looking to purchase an unspecified number of Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. Industry sources told Investing.com that the order for new Dreamliners could be announced as early as this current month, although no decision is final until the airline board reaches approval.

Cathay Pacific Refreshes Long Haul Dining Experience

Michael Doran — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:01:27 GMT

Whenever an airline launches new cabins, lounges, or inflight service products, it is often focused on the pointy end of the plane. So it was heartening to find last week that Cathay Pacific is launching new dining choices for long-haul passengers seated in its economy and premium economy cabins.

Hong Kong - Taipei Is The World's Busiest International Route This Month

Aaron Bailey — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:25 GMT

The data is in, and as reported by OAG, the busiest international route on the planet is currently held by many carriers operating between Hong Kong and Taipei.

Johannesburg Regains Qantas Quadjets As The Airbus A380 Takes Over Sydney Flights

James Pearson — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:00:25 GMT

Qantas will fly the Airbus A380 to Johannesburg from next July as part of a broad array of changes. Replacing the Boeing 787-9 will result in more than double the number of seats per flight. While the equipment swap is not yet reflected in schedules or booking engines, Johannesburg will join a small group of airports to have A380 flights from three or more airlines.

China Approves The Resumption Of Flights From North Korea

Alexander Mitchell — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 22:01:26 GMT

On 21 August 2023, Chinese authorities announced the approval of flight resumptions to China by Air Koryo, the flag carrier and only airline of North Korea. Commercial flights between Beijing and Pyongyang are set to resume for the first time since the authoritarian state closed its borders in the wake of COVID-19.

What Happened To China Southern's Boeing 757s?

Sumit Singh — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:30:28 GMT

Did you know that, until relatively recently, China Southern Airlines used to fly the Boeing 757? According to data from ATDB.aero, the Guangzhou-headquartered carrier operated 32 examples of the manufacturer's 757-200 model between the 1980s and the 2010s. Let's take a look at what happened to these narrowbodies.

North Korea's Air Koryo Cancels 1st International Commercial Flight Since 2020

Charlotte Seet — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:00:29 GMT

Having been closed off from the rest of the world since early 2020 after shutting its borders in response to the global pandemic, North Korea's national carrier was initially scheduled to take off on its first commercial revenue flight today. But as many people awaited its arrival in Beijing, they were met with disappointment upon realizing it was canceled.

Air India Express Can Finally Soar With New Boeing 737 MAX Planes

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:02:01 GMT

Air India Express is one of those airlines that performs well but somewhat silently. Perhaps it’s got to do with the kind of operations it runs – low-cost medium-haul flights operated by the carrier don’t get as much attention as the full-service routes to locations such as London and New York.

IndiGo Announces Flights To Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:04:01 GMT

IndiGo will commence operations in Central Asia next month by flying to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The airline has introduced a bunch of new international flights lately as it looks to expand its reach in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. IndiGo now has more than 30 overseas destinations in its network and plans to significantly increase its share of India’s international market in the next few years.

Air India Brings Back Boeing 777 Service To London

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:00:29 GMT

Air India’s passenger service to London Heathrow will see a diversification of equipment from September with the addition of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The airline has been operating flights to London using only its Boeing 787 planes for a few years now. But as it welcomes new 777s on short-term leases, London has been chosen as one of the destinations to receive services from these aircraft.

Malaysia Airlines Reveals What To Expect Its New Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Sumit Singh — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 03:15:25 GMT

The first of Malaysia Airlines' long-awaited Boeing 737 MAX 8s rolled out of the paint shop last month. The flag carrier of Malaysia initially placed an order for the type back in 2016, and the first delivery is set to take place this month. Ahead of the big day, Simple Flying caught up with the airline's management about what to expect with the aircraft.

Premium Leisure Airline Beond Receives Maldivian Authority Support Ahead Of Fall 2023 Launch

Alexander Mitchell — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 02:31:26 GMT

BeOnd, a startup airline based in Male, the capital of the Maldives, has crossed a key threshold in its path toward launching operations in the Fall of 2023. On 14 August 2023, the airline announced that it had received Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). The receipt of this certificate is a key step towards the airline being granted an Air Operators Certificate in the Maldives, which is required to launch commercial flights.

100% On-Time: This Is Asia-Pacific Most Punctual Airlines This Summer

Charlotte Seet — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 18:00:25 GMT

July often marks one of the stormiest months for airlines as they plunge deeper into their busiest period ever, the peak summer holiday season. Over in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for air travel blossoms, and airlines are bolstering capacity whenever and wherever possible, all while battling external operational challenges to upkeep their on-time performances.

Bangkok Airways Launches Upcycled Uniforms Amid Net Zero Goals

Trevin Christian Casinader — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:26 GMT

Bangkok Airways continues to uphold its pledge to become a carbon-neutral airline. Its latest effort is the upcycling of its used staff uniforms to produce various goods. Bangkok Airways is the latest in a growing number of airlines that are turning towards clothing and uniforms to reduce their carbon footprint. Finnair has gone a step further and is turning old uniforms into park benches.

Boeing Hires Locally For Its Chinese Division President

Su Wu — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:21:25 GMT

On August 16th, Boeing announced that Liu Qing would assume the role of President of Boeing China, and this appointment will officially take effect on September 1st.

Thai AirAsia Forex Losses Wipe Out Q2 Profits

Michael Doran — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:15:25 GMT

In the second quarter of 2023, Thai AirAsia reported its third consecutive quarter of positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), a clear sign of its continuing recovery from the pandemic. While EBITDA was positive, the depreciation of the Thai Baht (THB) resulted in unrealized foreign exchange losses that wiped out the Q2 gains.

Wow: Vietjet Releases 2 Million Free Seats To Commemorate Vietnam National Day

Dr. Omar Memon — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 05:00:24 GMT

Vietnamese low-cost airline, Vietjet, is celebrating Vietnam National Day in style. The airline is giving out two million free seats to commemorate the country’s 78th Independence Day, held on September 2nd. The week-long promotion begins August 16 and offers tickets starting at VND0, excluding taxes and fees.

Busy Summer: Cathay Pacific Witnesses 700% Yearly Surge In Passengers

Aaron Bailey — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 02:00:26 GMT

It's been a busy month for oneworld alliance member Cathay Pacific, which has released its figures for July, identifying a surge in passenger demand, carrying 1,744,374 passengers. Compared to last year, it's an improvement of 693.8%.

Lufthansa Is Planning To Send Its Boeing 787 To Mumbai

Charlotte Seet — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 23:00:25 GMT

German flag carrier Lufthansa seems to be focused on expanding its footprint in the Indian subcontinent with an upgraded aircraft deployment for flight services from Frankfurt to Mumbai. While the route currently utilizes the airline's older Airbus A340s, they will soon be replaced with the much newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from late October until mid-January next year.

Top 10: The Asian Airlines Planning The Most Flights In September

James Pearson — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 21:00:24 GMT

Asia has more flights in September than any other continent or region, just as it normally does. According to OAG data, there are 229,000 weekly passenger services, with Asia accounting for a third of the world's total. Helped by China, India, Japan, and Indonesia, 82% of Asia's flights are domestic, hugely reflected in the continent's largest airlines.

24 Years Ago: China Airlines Flight 642 Crashes In Hong Kong

Sumit Singh — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 14:15:24 GMT

Next week marks 24 years since China Airlines flight 642 crashed while attempting to land in Hong Kong. The flight, which was operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 trijet, had originated in Bangkok and was on its way to Taiwan. Here is a look at how the accident, which was the first at Hong Kong's new airport, unfolded.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines Is Trying To Join oneworld

Vyte Klisauskaite — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 12:01:24 GMT

Mongolia's national carrier is actively pursuing limited membership in the oneworld alliance, the chief executive Munkhtamir Batbayar of MIAT Mongolian Airlines revealed in an interview with CNN.

TransNusa Praises COMAC ARJ21 And Eyes Future C919 Operations

Luke Bodell — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:06:45 GMT

TransNusa Airlines CEO Datuk Bernard Francis has said the COMAC ARJ21 has exceeded expectations in its early days at the Indonesian carrier. TransNusa became the first foreign operator of a COMAC aircraft in April of this year.

Go First Reportedly Faces Another Wave Of Mass Resignation

Gaurav Joshi — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:00:15 GMT

India’s grounded budget carrier, Go First, could see more than 100 employees leave in the coming weeks. Several of the airline’s workers, including pilots, have already left the company, and a new report says that many more have resigned as the airline struggles to pay their salaries.

Cathay Pacific Revamps Business Plus Loyalty Program Following Asia Miles Price Changes

Pranjal Pande — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:01:25 GMT

Cathay Pacific has had a busy 2023, taking advantage of no COVID restrictions and booming global travel, and reasserting its position as an international hub. In the midst of all this, the carrier is making changes to its loyalty program, both business and personal. This week, the airline announced a revamp of its Business Plus program, adding benefits such as transferring Asia Miles to employees and special promotions for companies.

Air India Express To Reportedly Retain Tail Art In Rebranding

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:01:28 GMT

Air India’s recent rebranding made headlines last week. The Tata Group is working on changing several aspects of the carrier, and a new look and color scheme had been in the works for months. Now, all eyes are set on what its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express would look like. Recent reports have suggested that Air India Express’ new livery will be unveiled soon and that it won’t totally drop its previous look but rather present it in a new way.

Some Air India Pilots Could Soon Fly Vistara Dreamliners

Gaurav Joshi — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:00:29 GMT

In a sign of things to come, the Tata Group has reportedly asked some Air India pilots to fly Boeing 787 aircraft of Vistara. Both Air India and Vistara have Dreamliners in their fleet, and once the Competition Commission of India officially approves the two carriers’ merger proposal, some of Air India’s pilots could be asked to fly Vistara widebody planes.

Air Niugini To Replace Its Fokkers With 11 Airbus A220s

Riley Pickett — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:00:24 GMT

The national air carrier of Papua New Guinea, Air Niugini, announced yesterday, August 15th, that it would acquire a fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft in the coming years. The announcement came after the National Executive Council permitted the carrier to proceed with the deal. While the final purchase order has yet to be signed, the airline and the manufacturer have shared enthusiasm concerning the aircraft acquisition as they anticipate that this is the start of a long and prosperous partnership.

Air India And Air India Express Staying Clear Of Each Other’s Routes

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 09:01:43 GMT

In a few months from now, there will be two airlines under the Tata Group – a full-service carrier Air India and a low-cost airline Air India Express. And the management is already ensuring that the two companies do not eat into each other’s market by defining certain route territories.

Starlux Launches Third Philippines Route From Taipei

Luke Bodell — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 08:01:25 GMT

STARLUX Airlines launched its new Taipei-Clark route this week, which will be served with a daily flight. Clark becomes the third Philippines destination in the airline's network, joining Manila and Cebu.

Akasa Air Reportedly Keen On Flying To Indian State Of Madhya Pradesh

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:11:16 GMT

India’s budget carrier Akasa Air is reportedly eying operations out of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (MP). The airline has gradually spread roots across the country but has stayed out of MP. If reports are to be believed, Akasa could start flights out of MP’s two biggest cities – Bhopal and Indore – in the near future.

Singapore Airlines Records 89% Load Factor In July

Luke Bodell — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:10:54 GMT

Singapore Airlines achieved a load factor of 89% over July during the peak summer travel season, a slight increase from last year. The airline and its ultra-low-cost subsidiary Scoot carried over three million passengers last month, continuing their excellent performances this year.

Ahmedabad Gets New Middle East Flights From IndiGo

Gaurav Joshi — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:08:28 GMT

IndiGo has announced two new international flights out of Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat. The new flights to the Middle East join the carrier’s long list of existing flights to the region, highlighting just how lucrative the India-Middle East sector is for airlines. IndiGo already flies to Dubai from Ahmedabad, and its latest flights to Abu Dhabi and Jeddah will further consolidate its position in this sector.

Korean Air Airbus A380 Returns To Seoul With Landing Gear Problem

Steven Walker — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:00:25 GMT

A Korean Air Airbus A380 flying en route to the US returned to Seoul shortly after departure due to a problem with the landing gear. The incident occurred on flight KE81 from Seoul to New York on August 14th.

What Are Scoot's Main Fare Types?

Justin Surette — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:30:25 GMT

Asia is well known for its long-haul low-cost carriers (LCC), and Singapore Airlines’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Scoot, is the primary such operator for the city-state. It has a reasonably extensive route network; from its base at Changi Airport, Scoot flies to 65 destinations mostly scattered across East Asia, in addition to a few cities in Australia, India, as well as Jeddah, Athens, and Berlin. But what does it offer its passengers?

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Buys 64 Boeing 737 MAX Orders From A Chinese Lessor

Su Wu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:01:29 GMT

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a prominent global company providing aviation services and leasing solutions, has recently entered into an agreement to procure a total of 64 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Inside Jackie Chan's $20m Embraer Legacy Private Jet

Matthew Austin Ryan — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:30:24 GMT

Jackie Chan, the renowned kung fu star and philanthropist, took delivery of a new Embraer Legacy 500 back in 2016. As a brand ambassador for Embraer, he was the first customer based in China to receive this aircraft, following his earlier acquisition of the Legacy 650 in 2012.In a statement announcing the delivery, Chan expressed his excitement about this addition to his fleet, highlighting how the Legacy 650 had enhanced his global acting and philanthropic endeavors.

The Five Singapore Airlines Aircraft Types With The Largest Business Class Cabins

Charlotte Seet — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:30:23 GMT

To Keep its reputation as one of the world's best airlines, Singapore Airlines has always emphasized its premium offerings for both soft and hard products. Concerning the latter, the Singaporean flag carrier is well-known for having fantastic passenger cabins - from the airline's iconic Suites to the many variations of business class cabins.

High Density: Examining Cebu Pacific's Fleet In 2023

Jake Hardiman — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:15:23 GMT

Later this month, Cebu Pacific will turn 35 years old, with its foundation having occurred on August 26th, 1988. The Philippines-based low-cost carrier subsequently commenced operations in March 1996, and it has since gone on to build an all-Airbus fleet that consists, according to data from ch-aviation.com, of 61 aircraft.

India’s Domestic Air Traffic Increased By 25% In July

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:05:42 GMT

The start of the second half of 2023 for India’s domestic air travel has been positive. The country’s aviation watchdog, the DGCA, has released its data for the month of July, and the numbers are encouraging, suggesting that the appetite for air travel in the country is on a steady rise even in months that are traditionally considered weak.

Emirates Cancels Osaka Flights Due To Typhoon Lan

Channing Reid — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:25 GMT

Severe weather caused by Typhoon Lan has prompted Dubai's flagship airline, Emirates, to cancel flights to Osaka, Japan. The move comes after more than 800 flights have been canceled in Japan, with officials issuing flood warnings as heavy rain pounds the region.

SpiceJet Posts Q1 Profit Of $24.5 Million

Gaurav Joshi — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:05:13 GMT

India’s low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced the results of the last two quarters. While it posted a loss in the quarter ending in March, the airline turned profitable in the first quarter of 2024 due to a strong rise in travel demand. It’s worth noting that the financial year in India begins on April 1st of every year and lasts until March 31st of the following year.

IndiGo Reportedly Poised To Order 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Justin Foster — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:00:23 GMT

IndiGo is reportedly nearing a sizable order of 25 Boeing 787 widebody aircraft. The Indian giant is looking to expand internationally and offer more destinations outside of the subcontinent. According to Reuters, the airline has been in talks with Boeing regarding its 787 family of jets, but Airbus isn't out of the picture yet - its line of A330neo aircraft is reportedly under consideration too.

Indian Aviation Could Cut Down Net Losses By Almost Half This Year

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:06:26 GMT

Airlines in India are expected to benefit significantly from the high travel demand during this financial year, so much so that their losses could be slashed by half compared to the previous fiscal. Recovery from COVID-induced losses and the effect of other global events was always going to take a considerably long time. And while fuel prices have gone down, the decline in currency value remains a factor.

Japanese Airlines Cancel Flights As Typhoon Lan Approaches

Dr. Omar Memon — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:01:23 GMT

Japan is gearing up to embrace yet another typhoon this week, Typhoon Lan. Airlines in and out of Japan are canceling flights in anticipation. Typhoon Lan is following the path across the center of Japan’s main island and is expected to make landfall over the border of Mie and Wakayama in the early hours of Tuesday, August 15. With the precautions from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the country is preparing for heavy rain, mudslides, and strong winds.

Go First Reportedly Seeks Urgent Funding Of $12 Million

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 06:04:31 GMT

India’s grounded budget airline Go First has reportedly asked its lenders for some cash for some of its mandatory liabilities even as it tries to figure out a larger plan to resume flights. The carrier stopped operations in May and has been trying to get its finances in order, hoping to start flying again.

Air India Express Could Balance Airlines' New Branding With A Classic Touch

Channing Reid — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:31:22 GMT

Air India revealed a new brand and livery last week with a modernized logo and color scheme. With the new look, the airline’s parent company, Tata Group, is working on a refreshed identity for Air India Express, its wholly-owned subsidiary.

Bird Strike Forces AirAsia India’s Airbus A320 To Turn Back

Gaurav Joshi — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 04:04:36 GMT

An AirAsia India aircraft was forced to turn back recently after it suffered windshield damage following a bird strike. This was one of many such incidents in Indian skies, as the problem of bird strikes has increased in recent years. In 2022, following several bird strike incidents, the authorities even issued guidelines to prevent such occurrences.

India Growth: Vietjet Launches Flights Between Ho Chi Minh City & Kerala

Aaron Bailey — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 02:01:24 GMT

Traveling between Cochin and Vietnam just got easier. Vietjet's aggressive expansion this year facilitated a new service between the Indian region of Kerala and Vietnam's largest city, with an initial four flights a week on offer.

Exciting Times: What To Expect With Singapore Airlines' Daily Darwin Service

Aaron Bailey — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:24 GMT

It is up and away in Australia's Northern Territory, with Singapore Airlines advising it will increase its Darwin connection to daily from March 31st next year. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft currently serve the route five times weekly. For those heading or departing from Darwin, Singapore Airlines facilitates the most direct option to Asia, the UK, and Europe.

High Court Orders Probe Into Biman Bangladesh Airlines Pilot Recruitment Violations

Dr. Omar Memon — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 20:00:24 GMT

The national flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh, is facing a probe regarding violations of national and international pilot recruitment regulations. The country’s high court has directed the authorities to investigate the allegations against the carrier. The authorities are directed to submit a formal report of the findings within one month.

China Southern To Resume Brisbane-Guangzhou Flights

Trevin Christian Casinader — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 18:16:23 GMT

Starting November 17th, China Southern Airlines will operate four non-stop flights a week between the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou province, China, and Brisbane Airport (BNE) in Queensland, Australia.

Belavia Inaugurates 1st Scheduled Route Between Minsk & Delhi

Joshua Kupietzky — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:16:23 GMT

The Belarusian flag carrier Belavia, based out of Minsk National Airport (MSQ) in Belarus, has officially begun a new route connecting Belarus and India. On August 12th, the airline completed its maiden flight between Minsk and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India.

Azerbaijan Connections: IndiGo Begins Flights To Baku

Vyte Klisauskaite — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:00:22 GMT

Indian low-cost carrier has expanded its international route network by launching new flights to Baku, Azerbaijan. The new connections will improve the airline's connectivity with Central Asia. Baku is IndiGo's 30th international destination and 108th overall destination in its network.

Why Do No US Airlines Fly From the East Coast To China?

Alexander Mitchell — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:45:24 GMT

Back in 2018, all major US airlines served China from hub airports on the US East Coast, flights which were often packed to the brim and sold tickets that reached prices in the thousands of dollars. Now, US carriers have all dropped their connections between the East Coast (especially New York) and major Chinese cities.

ANA 'Brings Luxury To The Ground' With Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Transformation

Aaron Bailey — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:00:27 GMT

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (NH) looks to further wow passengers with elevated facilities in its 'nearly' new terminal two at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND). Since its reopening last month, the airline group has announced various changes that will benefit all passengers.

What's The Status Of Japan Airlines' Airbus A350-1000s?

Chris Loh — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 06:00:26 GMT

In March of this year, we reported that Japan Airlines' (JAL) very first Airbus A350-1000 had been spotted in its customer livery at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, France. Since then, it appears that another JAL airframe has begun the assembly process. Yet, neither jet has taken to the skies for an initial test flight at the time of this article's publication.

Passengers Incoming: China Further Relaxes Pandemic Era Travel Restrictions

Su Wu — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 03:00:26 GMT

As the summer vacation is already halfway through, and with the upcoming National Day holiday in October, Chinese outbound group tours are set to be fully resumed. On August 10th, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a notification announcing the third batch of international destinations for the resumption of outbound travel.

India's Domestic Airline Demand Is Above 2019 Levels

Charlotte Seet — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 23:00:25 GMT

The growth of the Indian aviation industry has significantly accelerated in recent years, with the country's improving middle class, paired with lower airfares before the pandemic that prompted airlines to make long-term plans after predicting expansive developments for the foreseeable future. And all the planning paid off, with India having expanded to become one of the world's largest aviation markets.

Why A Beirut-Bound Anadolujet Boeing 737 Engine Was Forced To Shut Down

Joshua Kupietzky — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 22:00:25 GMT

On July 4th, an Anadolujet Boeing 737-800 flying from Dalaman International Airport (DLM) in Turkey to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) in Lebanon had to divert due to an engine issue. With the problem arising just north of the Cyprus coast, the aircraft diverted to Ercan International Airport (ECN) about an hour after leaving.

Where Is Cathay Pacific Flying Its A350-1000s Next Month?

James Pearson — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 21:00:26 GMT

Cathay Pacific has 18 Airbus A350-1000s, making it the world's second-largest user after Qatar Airways. Averaging 3.8 years, Cathay's examples are also the youngest twin-aisle equipment in its fleet. All 18 aircraft have 334 seats: 46 in business, 32 in premium economy, and 256 in economy.

SriLankan Airlines Eyes Middle Eastern Takeover Following Profit Report

Vyte Klisauskaite — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:00:25 GMT

SriLankan Airlines is reportedly considering the possibility of being acquired by Gulf-based airlines after its anticipated privatization, as reported by the UAE media outlet The National. This development comes in conjunction with the airline's return to an operating profit after a span of 15 years.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport: Which Airlines Use Which Terminal?

Nicole Kylie — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 11:45:25 GMT

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (IATA: KUL, popularly referred to as KLIA) is the main international airport in Malaysia, located 28 miles (45 km) south of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

The United States And China Have Agreed To Double Flights Between Countries

Dr. Omar Memon — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 05:01:24 GMT

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that the passenger flight between China and the US would double in the latter part of the year. The Biden Administration has approved increasing the number of flights currently permitted, showing a sign of cooperation between the two countries.

United Airlines To Return To Beijing In October

Aaron Bailey — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 01:00:26 GMT

This November, United Airlines (UA) will resume its connection from San Francisco International Airport direct to China's capital. The service headed for Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) will take off from November daily. Shanghai is also set to see an increase in seats, with its four weekly rotations to San Francisco upping to a daily service.

Singapore Airlines' Non-Stop New York Flights: Just How Long Are They?

Charlotte Seet — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 19:46:24 GMT

Singapore Airlines is no stranger to ultra-long-haul flights, with the flag carrier offering the world's longest non-stop services. As it happens, for strategic reasons, both of these flights see the airline connecting Singapore's Changi Airport with two of New York City's major airports.