AAV News in Brief 08 February 2026

Thai Airways signs new deal with Amadeus: Thai Airways International (THAI) has expanded its strategic relationship with Amadeus, selecting three advanced retailing solutions — Altéa NDC, Air Dynamic Pricing, and Anytime Merchandising — to deliver more personalised, consistent, and context-aware offers across all channels. THAI will be able to deliver more relevant and seamless offers across direct and indirect channels, creating a more consistent and intuitive experience for passengers. With smarter, real-time pricing decisions aligned to demand and availability, THAI can offer fair and competitive pricing. Enhanced ancillary merchandising, supported by timely and personalised recommendations across all touchpoints, will simplify decision-making and contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable end-to-end passenger journey. Chai Eamsiri, THAI’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This technology investment represents a significant step in Thai Airways’ transformation. It strengthens our retailing capabilities, enabling us to offer passengers more relevant choices and a consistent experience across our digital channels. The investment also establishes a strong foundation for modern Offer & Order management, allowing us to deliver a more intuitive and seamless booking experience, whether they engage with us via our website or mobile application.” Liebherr deepens cooperation with Röder Präzision for landing gear overhaul: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH and Röder Präzision GmbH, based in Egelsbach (Germany), are intensifying their cooperation. Accordingly, Röder will overhaul structural components of the main landing gear for Embraer E-Jet E1. Röder already supports Liebherr’s MRO business by overhauling parts of the nose landing gear for the same aircraft program.  To support Liebherr-Aerospace, Röder invested in a significant expansion of their machinery, as well as in additional training of their highly specialized employees. In 2026, the overhaul of the structural components will be increased successively. The disassembly, assembly, test and certification of the landing gears will take place at Liebherr-Aerospace in Lindenberg, while individual parts will be overhauled at Röder.  Bastian Heberer, CEO of the Röder Group, commented: “The continued development of our cooperation with Liebherr-Aerospace is built on a long-standing, trust-based partnership. Through targeted investments in machinery and the ongoing qualification of our highly skilled employees, we are further strengthening our contribution as a reliable MRO partner and supporting Liebherr in delivering stable capacities, high quality and short turnaround times for the Embraer E-Jet E1 program.” Emirates introduces second service to Tokyo Narita: Emirates has announced the expansion of its operations to Tokyo Narita with the introduction of a second daily service from 1 May, operated by the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. The additional flight, EK320, will depart Dubai at 22:30hrs and arrive in Tokyo Narita at 13:30hrs the following day. The return service, EK321, will depart Tokyo Narita at 21:30hrs and arrive in Dubai at 03:50hrs the following day. All times are local. The second daily flight will provide travellers with greater choice and enhanced opportunities for multi-destination itineraries, including the convenience of a stopover in Dubai. Eastbound passengers on the additional Narita service will arrive in the afternoon, supporting stronger domestic connectivity and shorter connection times from key European and Middle Eastern markets. Westbound travellers departing from Tokyo Narita will benefit from an early-morning arrival in Dubai, enabling seamless onward connections to major destinations across Europe, Africa and South America, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Brazil. With the deployment of a refurbished Boeing 777-300ER on flights EK320/321 to Tokyo Narita, Emirates doubles down on its commitment to offer a consistent travel experience for its customers in Japan. The four-class aircraft features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Travellers will have access to 260 of the latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and eight First Class Suites. ST Engineering Signs MoU with Ramco Systems: Ramco Systems announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commercial Aerospace business of ST Engineering, a global technology, defence and engineering group, to explore a long-term strategic business and technology partnership aimed at building the next generation of digital solutions for the global aerospace industry. As part of the MoU, ST Engineering and Ramco will study the feasibility of setting up a jointly operated Competency Centre and Innovation Lab in Singapore. This facility will serve as a focal point for driving digital innovation and AI-enabled solutions across key areas of aviation MRO. The collaboration brings together ST Engineering’s extensive domain expertise across Airframe, Engine, and Component MRO, as well as its OEM and engineering solutions including nacelles design and manufacturing, cabin interiors and passenger‑to‑freighter conversion, with Ramco’s purpose-built aviation product and agentic AI platform capabilities. HondaJet Elite II certified by FAA: Honda Aircraft Company announced that the HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified to equip Emergency Autoland (EAL), following certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The installation of this technology has been highly anticipated by owners and operators of the HondaJet Elite II based in the United States, and Honda Aircraft Company is pursuing certifications from regulatory agencies in other markets to offer the same value to international customers. As the name Emergency Autoland implies, the EAL system is designed to enable the aircraft to land autonomously in an emergency situation where the pilot has become incapacitated. The system may be initialized either by pushing a button to engage the EAL, or by automated monitoring systems, which can detect pilot unresponsiveness that may render EAL activation appropriate. When active, the EAL system automatically transmits an emergency code and conducts radio calls to alert air traffic control to the emergency. EAL-equipped aircraft can autonomously evaluate weather, terrain, fuel, and runway dimensions to select the optimal diversion airport, configure the aircraft for landing, navigate along the approach path, land the aircraft, and apply the brakes to a full stop on the runway. Honeywell expands radar tech for airports: Honeywell announced the expansion of its IntuVue RDR-7000 3D weather radar technology into a ground-based weather detection application. The expansion extends Honeywell’s proven airborne radar capabilities to support early weather awareness and enhanced safety for general aviation (GA) airport operations. The ground-based radar application leverages Honeywell’s IntuVue volumetric 3D scanning technology, adapted to provide real-time, high-resolution weather monitoring along intended flight paths. Designed to support pre-departure planning and low-altitude operations, the solution helps airports and operators improve situational awareness during inclement weather, contributing to safer and more informed flight decisions. The RDR7000 ground radar solution provides volumetric 3D scanning for a more complete and accurate view of weather conditions compared with conventional systems. The system is designed to detect hazardous weather phenomena such as wind shear and thunderstorms in low-altitude environments, supporting safer operations at GA airports. Singapore Airlines launching non-stop to Riyadh: Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June 2026. The Airline will operate the medium-haul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which is configured with 303 seats in two cabin classes: 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class. Subject to regulatory approvals, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore for Riyadh on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1820hrs (local time). The return flight, SQ499, will depart Riyadh for Singapore on the same days at 2300hrs (local time). Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our return to Riyadh comes amid its thriving business environment and ambitious development, which make it one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities. Beyond a new destination, this service will potentially allow us to work with our partners to offer our customers additional travel options across the region.” Riyadh will be the SIA Group’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s four-times weekly service to Jeddah. Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital and the Kingdom’s administrative and financial centre. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Diriyah and the Masmak Fortress, and enjoy attractions including world-class museums, luxury hotels, and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Acron Aviation training deal with Royal Brunei Airlines: Acron Aviation announced the signing of a new multi-year contract with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) to provide Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) training at its Bangkok Training Centre (BTC), further strengthening Acron Aviation’s position as a leading global provider of pilot training solutions. The new agreement follows a successful extension of the initial contract term between the two parties, which was enabled after Acron Aviation secured UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval for its A320 full flight simulator at BTC. The approval enhanced training flexibility and regulatory recognition for RB, delivering clear operational benefits for both organisations. Patrick Davis, Vice President of Acron Aviation, said: “We are proud to extend and deepen our partnership with Royal Brunei Airlines through this new multi-year agreement. The successful UK CAA approval of our A320 full flight simulator was a pivotal milestone and not only demonstrates our commitment to meeting the highest international regulatory standards but also providing solutions specific to our customer’s training needs.” Davis continued, “This contract is a testament to the trust Royal Brunei Airlines places in our training capability and reinforces BTC’s standing as a world-class training centre.” Plaza Premium Group opens redesigned lounge at King Fahd International Airport: Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has officially unveiled its brand-new Plaza Premium Lounge at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. First opened in 2018, the lounge has recently undergone a comprehensive rebuild, promising an elevated standard of comfort, innovation, and service excellence designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s discerning travellers. This enhancement strategically aligns with the growth trajectory of King Fahd International Airport and supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)’s broader aviation transformation under Vision 2030. Rolled out in two phases, with the first completed in November 2025, the project reflects Plaza Premium Group’s continued investment in the region and its commitment to delivering world-class airport hospitality across the Middle East. As one of KSA’s busiest airports, King Fahd International Airport connects to 65 global destinations and is targeting more than 19.3 million passengers annually by 2030, with long-term capacity set to reach 32 million. The lounge’s comprehensive upgrade positions PPG to serve this expanding market and reinforces the Group’s support of the Kingdom’s goal to become a leading global travel hub. PPG has been serving travellers in KSA for over a decade, with a growing presence across Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea. The strategic enhancement also aligns with PPG’s vision to expand its footprint across the MENA region, following its recent opening of a regional headquarters in Riyadh. HAESL selects HCLTech to transform aviation maintenance operations: HCLTech announced that it has been selected by Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL) to transform its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations. HCLTech will deploy its iMRO/4 asset management solution, integrated with SAP S/4HANA, as HAESL’s Maintenance Execution System (MES) in Hong Kong. This collaboration will streamline HAESL’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) processes, leading to increased efficiency and scalability. It will also enable real-time data visibility, allowing for faster decision-making, while enhancing resource utilization and ensuring compliance with global standards. “Our customers depend on transparent progress and consistent quality during every shop visit. By integrating iMRO/4 with SAP S/4HANA, we will enhance end-to-end traceability and provide a single view of the workflow from induction to release. This reduces barriers and improves execution efficiency. Partnering with HCLTech marks a significant step in our transformation, creating a scalable digital foundation that supports operational excellence and long-term growth,” said Ravinder Bedi, General Manager of Finance & Administration, overseeing the CFO functions including IT, HAESL. Akasa Air welcomes 33rd aircraft: Akasa Air welcomed its 33rd aircraft, marking its second aircraft induction since January 2026, and reinforcing the airline’s consistent growth trajectory.  Operated by an all-women pilot crew, Captain Svetlana Pereira and First Officer Karen Noronha, the first leg of the delivery flight commenced from Seattle, USA, to Keflavik, Iceland, and concluded with the final leg from Larnaca, Cyprus to Bengaluru, India. Bearing registration number VT-YBM, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on 4th February 2026. With one of the fastest ramp-ups in Indian aviation, Akasa Air continues to align fleet growth closely with network and operational readiness, ensuring sustainable expansion while maintaining high standards of service and reliability. The latest induction further strengthens the airline’s ability to connect more destinations, build greater depth across its domestic and international footprint, as it advances towards becoming one of the top 30 airlines by the turn of this decade. Built to Akasa Air’s purpose-built specifications and equipped with Safran Z200 seats, the newly inducted aircraft reflects the airline’s continued focus on uniformity, passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and sustainability across its growing fleet. The next-generation seating brings enhanced comfort through improved recline, ergonomic back support, plush cushioning, and integrated USB-C and USB-A charging ports, offering a more relaxed and connected flying experience for modern travellers. Lufthansa Technik and flyadeal strengthen APIP partnership: Lufthansa Technik and flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline, have renewed their Aircraft Production Inspection Program (APIP) cooperation with an exclusive five-year contract. The agreement, signed at the MRO Middle East in Dubai, now covers the airline’s new 51 Airbus A320 and ten Airbus A330neos, with an option for ten additional widebodies. The deliveries of these aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027. This represents a major expansion from the original APIP partnership that began in 2021, underscoring the growing trust between the leading provider of technical aircraft services and the Jeddah-based low-cost carrier. Under the new contract, Lufthansa Technik will continue to perform its APIP services – a modular product designed to scrutinize the entire aircraft production process. Covering everything from the very first inspection of sub-assemblies through to the final assembly and acceptance of the aircraft, the program ensures the highest quality standards for flyadeal’s growing fleet. To deliver on this commitment, experts of Lufthansa Technik are stationed directly at the aircraft manufacturer in Toulouse and Hamburg and accompany the process on-site. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]