A trusted source of Asia-Pacific commercial aviation news and analysis


MARCH 2019

Week 11

Orient Aviation’s Week in the Asia-Pacific

By Asia Editor, Will Horton

First impressions matter. The CAAC moved swiftly to ground the 737 MAX after the Ethiopian crash. Other jurisdictions followed.

Cathay Pacific’s return to profitability was over-shadowed by anti-competitive concerns if it acquires local airline HK Express. Finances are a worry as China Eastern nears its first C919 delivery. China Eastern plans a new airline for Comac’s flagship.

Start-up Starlux will sign for A350s next week, raising the question if Taiwan can support three major airlines. Korean Air is seeking staff shareholders to support re-appointing Chairman Cho. Peer Asiana continues to re-fleet and pivot to long-haul markets while Bangkok Airways is focusing in neighbouring countries, but may resume China expansion.

First impressions of Boeing's 777X family were good to the employees who attended a low-key, staff-only event for the 777-9 rollout. Most orders are from airlines based in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

 

News

Hong Kong Airlines faces regulatory ban

Airline could be prohibited from adding new cities or growing frequencies in setback to restructuring. Read More »


 

News

China Eastern to establish new airline for C919

Chairman wants slot priority and discounted airport fees for C919 and ARJ21. Read More »


 

News

Does Cathay Pacific need a second transformation?

Airline may be reaching limits of yield improvements. Read More »


 

News

Asiana’s Airbus re-fleeting lowers aircraft age

Incremental long-haul growth as Asiana diversifies from over-competitive short-haul markets. Read More »


 

News

Does Taiwan have room for Starlux?

Possible all-premium economy position may be unsustainable. Read More »


 

News

Bangkok Airways pivots to Indochina

Suspended China markets will resume while overall fleet decreases by two. Read More »


 

News

Korean Air seeks staff vote

Employees asked to let airline be their proxy ahead of confrontational meeting to re-appoint Chairman Cho. Read More »


 

News

Government weighs Malaysia Airlines future

Options open with capital injection most likely. Read More »