Alfred Chua

2 days ago | flightglobal.com | Alfred Chua

Vietnam Airlines and China Southern Airlines have entered a joint venture arrangement as they look to tap into travel demand between the two countries. The partnership – the first of its kind between a Chinese and Vietnamese carrier – will commence 1 August. It will see the two carriers coordinate their schedules and codeshare on flights between China and Vietnam. The joint venture also covers frequent flyer programme partnerships, as well as inter-airline check-in for both carriers.

6 days ago | flightglobal.com | Alfred Chua

All Nippon Airways (ANA) expects to use its Embraer E190-E2s to replace larger narrowbodies that operate its domestic network, as Japan confronts a shrinking population. Airline president Shinichi Inoue, who was speaking on the sidelines of the IATA annual general meeting in Delhi, says the “paradigm of our domestic operations” is changing, amid shifting demographics. Source: ANAANA President Shinichi Inoue speaking at the IATA AGM in Delhi. “We must be flexible [to respond to the changes].

1 week ago | flightglobal.com | Alfred Chua

IndiGo has appointed Ton Dortmans to shore up its maintenance capabilities in the lead-up to the introduction of its Airbus A350 operations. Dortmans joins the Indian low-cost carrier from KLM, where he last held the post of executive vice president for engineering and maintenance. He is also a veteran of the Dutch carrier, having been with the airline for over 40 years. Source: KLMTom Dortmans will be joining KLM to boost its MRO capabilities.

1 week ago | flightglobal.com | Alfred Chua

Papua New Guinea carrier Air Niugini has disclosed firm orders for two additional Airbus A220-100s. The order was announced as Air Niugini’s first A220 enters final assembly at Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Canada. The aircraft is expected to be delivered in September, the carrier adds. Source: AirbusArtist’s impression of an A220 in Air Niugini livery Air Niugini’s existing A220 commitments comprise a mix of -100s and the larger -300s.

1 week ago | flightglobal.com | Alfred Chua

IATA has appointed Singapore Airlines veteran Sheldon Hee as its new regional vice president for the Asia-Pacific region. Hee’s appointment, effective 1 June, comes more than a year after the retirement of former regional vice president Philip Goh. Following Goh’s retirement in April 2024, North Asia regional lead Xie Xingquan stepped in as the region’s acting regional vice president. Source: IATAIATA’s incoming regional vice president for Asia Pacific Sheldon Hee.