Asia-Pacific Aerospace Briefs Today
August 14th 2026
Today’s briefs report news from ASL Aviation Holdings, CFM International, Distinction Hotels Group, EVA Airways, KB Kookmin Bank, Korean Air (KAL), New Zealand, Saigontourist Group, STARLUX Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines. Read More »
EVA Airways has approved the purchase of five LEAP-1A30S spare engines from CFM International for a total price of up to US$131 million. The airline’s board approved the transaction on August 13, 2026, with the purchase intended to support EVA Air’s operational requirements. The engines will provide additional spare capacity for EVA Air’s LEAP-1A-powered fleet.
ASL Aviation Holdings will add four aircraft to the ASL Airlines Australia fleet as it expands its operations across Australia and New Zealand. The expansion builds on the carrier’s Boeing 737-800BCF operations and its recent launch of services at Western Sydney International Airport. The additional aircraft will strengthen ASL’s existing freighter network and provide further capacity for regional growth.
STARLUX Airlines plans to issue up to 300 million new shares through a cash capital increase to repay bank borrowings and strengthen working capital. The application was filed on July 31 and is expected to become effective on August 18, 2026, with a preliminary issue price of NT$16.50 (US$0.51) per share. Of the new shares, 80%, or 240 million shares, will be offered to existing shareholders in proportion to their holdings, while 30 million shares will be reserved for employees and another 30 million shares will be offered through a public underwriting. STARLUX is also planning a NT$2 billion domestic unsecured convertible bond issuance as part of efforts to strengthen its financial structure. The fundraising is intended to improve liquidity and reduce financing costs associated with previous aircraft acquisitions, leases and network expansion, while supporting future aircraft deliveries and long-haul growth.
Korean Air (KAL) raised $300 million through a three-year Eurobond issuance guaranteed by KB Kookmin Bank, continuing the airline’s efforts to secure foreign-currency financing in international capital markets. The fixed-rate bonds were priced at a spread of 57 basis points over comparable U.S. Treasuries, tightening from initial guidance of 90 basis points following strong investor demand in Asia and Europe. Moody’s assigned the bonds an Aa3 rating, reflecting KB Kookmin Bank’s guarantee. The transaction follows Korean Air’s issuance of JPY20 billion in Samurai bonds in July, which was backed by the Export-Import Bank of Korea. The airline has increasingly used guarantees from Korean financial institutions to enhance the credit quality of its international bond offerings.
During the state visit to New Zealand by Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam, Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist Group and Distinction Hotels Group signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Auckland to strengthen tourism connectivity between Vietnam and New Zealand.
