Fast-Changing Trends In Asia Fighter Market

After South Korea overturned its procurement agency's choice of the Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle as its air force's next new fighter in September, and announced that it would buy the Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, Lockheed Martin and sources close to the company were not shy about predicting an Asian sweep for JSF. Japan had already chosen the new U.S. fighter over the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon (the latter was also passed over by South Korea), and Singapore was expected to follow suit imminently. Other nations in the region would do the same, it was argued, driven by the desire to match their neighbors and the growing threat from China.

Boeing Studies 52 Per Month 737 Production Rate

In the first stage of its eventual plan to increase 737 production rates to record levels of 42 aircraft a month and beyond, Boeing is readying the wings of the first aircraft that will be assembled at the faster rate.

The move comes as Boeing confirms it is studying raising the overall rate to as much as 52 per month in the 2018-2019 period when the current 737 Next Generation will begin to phase out as the 737 MAX takes over.

Garuda Said to Mull More Airbus A330s, Weigh A350 Versus 787

PT Garuda Indonesia (GIAA), the national carrier, is negotiating with Airbus Group NV (AIR) to buy more A330s, two people familiar with the discussions said.

The talks involve purchasing as many as 10 A330s, one of the people said, declining to be identified as the negotiations are private. A330s cost between $221 million and $245 million depending on the model. The Jakarta-based airline is also considering buying more twin-aisle planes for which it will choose between Airbus’s A350 and Boeing Co. (BA:US)’s 787 Dreamliner, the person said.

AIRSHOW-Starry-eyed budget carriers in Southeast Asia stare at overcapacity

Low-cost carriers are flying high in Southeast Asia on the back of sharp growth in air travel, but as hundreds of new jets swarm into the region concerns are rising about its ability to absorb the record numbers of planes on order.

Southeast Asian carriers have been devouring as many new airplanes as planemakers can sell, gambling that low fares and rising disposable incomes will drive the region's 600 million-strong population to keep flying to new destinations.

Thai AirAsia X receives Air Operator’s Certificate

AirAsia X Berhad has announced that its associate company, Thai AirAsia X Co Ltd (TAAX) has officially received the approval from the Department of Civil Aviation of Thailand for the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), as per a release. The AOC will allow Thai AirAsia X to proceed with its application for operating permits and slots to its intended international routes. The commencement date of commercial operations and the official launch of its hub in Bangkok will be announced once the operating permits and slots are obtained.