Airline News in Brief 30 January 2026

Air Astana expands China network: Air Astana will launch services between Almaty and Shanghai at the end of March 2026, which marks a further expansion of the airline’s China network that currently includes flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya and Urumqui. Air Astana first launched service to from Kazakhstan to China more than 20 years ago. Departures from Almaty are scheduled to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with departures at 19:10 and arrival in Shanghai at 04:25 next day. The return flight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing from Shanghai at 05:40 and arrival in Almaty at 10:15. All times local.  Flights will be operated by latest generation Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time from Almaty to Shanghai of 6 hours 15 minutes. The cost of a round-trip ticket from Almaty to Shanghai including fees/taxes starts from US$560 in Economy Class and US1,835 in Business Class. Etihad Airways launches first nonstop flights between the Middle East and Calgary: Etihad Airways has announced the launch of the first-ever nonstop flights between the UAE and Calgary, creating a new strategic air link between the Middle East and Western Canada. Launching on 3 November 2026, the route marks another step in Etihad’s global expansion and supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions to drive international trade, tourism and investment. The new service directly links two globally recognised centres of energy, innovation and culture, strengthening economic ties while opening new opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike. It connects Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing economy and cultural offer with Calgary’s role as a centre for energy, advanced manufacturing and innovation, creating a direct corridor for corporate travel, trade engagement and sector collaboration. Calgary becomes Etihad’s latest long-haul addition, following recent route announcements including Luxembourg and Palma. Each new destination reflects the airline’s strategy of opening new markets with clear economic, trade and tourism relevance, while expanding the range of destinations available to travellers from the UAE and across Etihad’s international network. National Jet Express adds new Q400 aircraft: On 30 January 2026, NJE welcomed its 12th De Havilland Q400 aircraft to its fleet. After arriving in Perth the aircraft has commenced services for NJE’s mining, resources and construction clients, adding additional capacity to support strong demand for NJE’s services around Australia as well as providing additional coverage during periods of scheduled aircraft maintenance. The Q400 aircraft (registered VH-8QD) will operate alongside NJE’s fleet of eight (8) Embraer E190 jets in Perth to support the continuing growth of NJE’s presence in the Mining, Resources and Construction industries. The delivery of VH-8QD beings NJE’s fleet dedicated to the provision of passenger charter services to twenty (20) aircraft. NJE anticipates another De Havilland Q400 to join its fleet before the end of the Financial Year. This cements NJE’s place as one of Australia’s premier Mining and Resources FIFO charter operators, as well as allowing NJE to increasingly support other charter clients across the sporting, leisure and education sectors. Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines formalise partnership: Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) confirmed the formalisation of their joint business partnership, following the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia’s (CAAM) approval in January 2026, and the approval by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore in July 2025. The approvals enable MAB and SIA to begin work progressively on deepening their commercial partnership, enhancing connectivity and offering greater flexibility for customers travelling between Malaysia and Singapore. Potential initiatives include revenue sharing flights between the two countries, joint fare products, coordinated flight schedules, and joint corporate travel arrangements across both markets. The carriers will communicate further details as they are rolled out. Datuk Captain Izham bin Ismail, Group Managing Director, Malaysia Aviation Group, said that the formalisation of the strategic joint business partnership with Singapore Airlines represents a step in advancing the Group’s Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 and positioning Malaysia Airlines for its next phase of growth. “This collaboration brings together complementary frequencies and aligned schedules, enabling deeper connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. Over time, it reinforces Malaysia Airlines’ competitive position by enhancing scale, relevance, and network resilience across key markets.” Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “I would like to thank the authorities in both Singapore and Malaysia, whose approvals pave the way for this deeper strategic partnership between Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. Our win-win collaboration strengthens both carriers’ operations, while delivering enhanced value to customers across our combined networks. This also reinforces the long-standing and deep people-to-people and trade links between Singapore and Malaysia, supporting economic growth and connectivity that will benefit both nations.” Akasa Air expands fleet to 32 aircraft: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, inducted its 32nd aircraft, marking yet another milestone in its steady and unprecedented growth journey, strengthening its position as a key player in Indian aviation. 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-YBN, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on 29 January 2026. With the addition of its 32nd aircraft in under three and a half years of operations, Akasa Air is setting new benchmarks for disciplined and viable growth in Indian aviation. Akasa Air continues to scale with consistency, and a clear long-term vision, underscoring its readiness to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic travel landscape. 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. Vietjet Thailand debuts Boeing aircraft on international routes: Vietjet Thailand has launched its first international service operated by the Boeing 737-8, marking a significant milestone as the airline begins deploying Boeing aircraft alongside its long-standing and efficiently operated Airbus fleet. This launch represents a key step in Vietjet Thailand’s strategy to diversify its modern, large-scale fleet and further advance sustainable development across Vietjet as a multinational aviation group. The Bangkok – Nha Trang route is operated with seven round-trip flights per week. Flights depart Bangkok at 11:40, arriving in Nha Trang at 13:30, while return services depart Nha Trang at 14:20 and land in Bangkok at 16:25 (local times). The new route offers passengers more convenient, flexible and cost-effective travel options. Directly connecting two dynamic tourism hubs of Thailand and Vietnam, the service is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade and investment between the two countries and across the Asia-Pacific region. Vietjet currently operates the largest network connecting Vietnam and Thailand, with six direct routes: Ho Chi Minh City – Bangkok, Hanoi – Bangkok, Da Nang – Bangkok, Phu Quoc – Bangkok, Nha Trang – Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket. Vietjet Thailand received its first Boeing aircraft in November 2025 and initially deployed it on its domestic network in Thailand. The Boeing 737-8 is recognized for its high operational efficiency, reliability, and enhanced passenger comfort. As a new-generation aircraft, it supports cost efficiency, medium-haul network expansion, and elevated service quality across Vietjet’s network. China Airlines upgrades Premium Economy: China Airlines is upgrading its Premium Economy class product as part of the Taiwan-based carrier’s ongoing improvements to passenger services. Every aspect from airport check-in to in-flight amenities to catering design to service processes is being optimised. Brand new Premium Economy class tableware will be introduced on February 1 as well. In keeping with the philosophy of “Touching every moment”, Premium Economy Class passengers will enjoy a flying experience with personalised services approaching that of Business Class. Providing mid- to high-end passengers with a ticketing option that offers even more value reflects the carrier’s commitment to building up the value of the China Airlines brand. The design concept maintains the fusion of Modern and Eastern aesthetics, with a warm, delicate texture that highlights the minimalism and elegance of the all-new white porcelain tableware being introduced by China Airlines. The capacities and ratios of the new Multifunction Plate and Side Plate have been carefully adjusted as well to enhance the layout and dining experience. The Casserole is made from lightweight ceramics for better sustainability. Together, they complement the colourful and delicious meals that are pleasing both to the eyes and the taste buds of passengers. Other upgrades in the Premium Economy Class include in-flight amenities and food and beverage services. Some of the upgrades are now closer to Business Class in terms of quality, including single packed hand wipes, two-toned quilts, slippers, and noise-reducing headphones for a more comfortable experience on long-haul flights. The diversity in the food and beverage options has been expanded to the same sparkling wines and caffeine-free herbal teas served in Business Class, as well as a range of main courses exclusive to online pre-orders to make every moment of the journey a premium experience. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]