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


MARCH 2026

Week 12

Orient Aviation Daily Digest March 20, 2026

By Tomasz Sniedziewski

 

News

European regulator voices concern over Air India’s safety lapses following inspections

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expressed significant concerns about safety issues at Air India following extensive unannounced inspections conducted at various European airports, India’s aviation and defense outlet, SSBCrack News, reports. Read More »


 


 

News

Korean Air and Delta Air Lines in discussion about opening Seoul-Austin route, supporting semiconductor plant in Texas

On March 13, 2026, representatives from Korean Air (KAL) and Delta Air Lines met to discuss opening the Seoul-Austin route to support smooth personnel movement and business decision-making ahead of the operation of Samsung Electronics' new semiconductor plant in Taylor, near Austin, in the second half of this year, Herald Corp reported. Read More »


 

News

China Airlines records 18.5% increase in passenger revenue in February

Taiwan-headquartered China Airlines (CAL) flew 985,266 passengers in February 2026, an 8.1% increase compared to the same month last year. Read More »


 

News

Sun PhuQuoc Airways announces plans to expand into seven international markets in 2026

This week, Vietnam’s start-up carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) held 2026 Strategic Agent Workshops in preparation for the launch of its international operations. Read More »


 

News

Air Premia continues to reduce the number of seats on board its Boeing 787-9 fleet

South Korea’s hybrid carrier Air Premia retrofitted its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, registration HL8701, reducing the number of seats from 344 to 326, while increasing economy seat pitch from 31″ to 33″. Read More »


 

News

China's “Big Three” airlines roll out policy offering refund if ticket prices drop within 24 hours

This week, Air China, China Eastern Airlines (CEA), and China Southern Airlines (CSA) introduced new consumer protection rules allowing passengers to request a free refund if they find a lower fare for the same ticket within 24 hours of purchase. Read More »


 

People

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) appointed Magali Jobert as Vice President Sales Asia Pacific, effective July 1, 2026. Read More »


 

Asia-Pacific Aerospace Briefs Today

Today's briefs report news from ACIA Aero Leasing, Air Astana, Airbus, ATR, Avation, BAE Systems, BOC Aviation, Boeing, Chingis Airlines Unity, European Union, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Pratt & Whitney. Read More »