Air Astana achieves APEX five stars (Online Article)

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SINGAPORE, 17 September 2025: Air Astana secured a five-star rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) in the “Major Airlines” category for the sixth consecutive year.

The award ceremony took place last week during the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, USA.

The APEX Five-Star status reaffirms Air Astana’s consistently high standards of service. Over the years, passengers have commended the airline for its comfortable seating, attentive onboard service, diverse dining options and modern in-flight entertainment system.

“We are very proud to receive once again the highest level of APEX recognition, which reflects the trust of our passengers and strengthens our commitment to consistently delivering the very highest standards of service on every flight,” said Air Astana Manager of the Inflight Services Department, Zhamilya Zhaxybekova.

The APEX rating is based on verified passenger feedback, which is evaluated by over a million passengers who evaluate over one million flights operated by nearly 600 airlines worldwide. For 2026, the ratings criteria significantly increased to limit APEX Five Star to the top 40 airlines in the world, representing less than 7% of the airlines rated worldwide. APEX Four Star recognises the next 50 airlines in the world, meaning that only 8% of airlines worldwide reach this guideline.

Earlier this year, Air Astana was also awarded a Four-Star rating by the international rating agency Skytrax for the 14th time.

 

Article Source: https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2025/09/air-astana-achieves-apex-five-stars/

COMAC C909 makes commercial debut in Thailand with Lao Airlines (Online Article)

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Aircraft lands in Bangkok on flight QV441, marking COMAC’s new phase in Southeast Asia market

The Chinese-manufactured COMAC C909 made its first commercial landing in Thailand, arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Lao Airlines flight QV441 from Vientiane, Laos.

Lao Airlines highlighted the arrival as a ‘historic moment’ on its social media channels. The C909, formerly known as ARJ21, is produced by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and represents China’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the global aviation market.

Two C909 jets are currently in Lao Airlines’ fleet. One is configured with 90 single-class seats, while the other features a dual-class layout with four business class and 85 economy seats. The airline began operating the type in March and has deployed it on selected routes between Vientiane and Bangkok.

The introduction of the C909 into Southeast Asian commercial operations is part of COMAC’s broader strategy to challenge the established Boeing and Airbus duopoly. The manufacturer also aims to introduce the larger C919 model, designed to compete directly with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.

In addition to Laos, the ARJ21/C909 has been delivered to other regional carriers in countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Southeast Asia is considered a key target market by COMAC due to its growing demand for short- and medium-haul aircraft.

Article Source: https://www.airdatanews.com/comac-c909-commercial-debut-thailand-lao-airlines/

 

Air India Air Astana Codeshare Partnership Expands Connectivity Between India and Kazakhstan (Online Article)

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Air India Air Astana Codeshare

(September 10th 2025）

Air India and Air Astana have officially signed a codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between India and Kazakhstan. The Air India Air Astana Codeshare allows passengers greater flexibility and convenience on flights between Almaty, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Under the agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on Air Astana-operated flights on the Almaty–Delhi and Almaty–Mumbai routes.

The partnership will provide Air India passengers seamless access to Almaty, a rapidly growing hub for tourism and business in Central Asia. Customers will benefit from single-ticket bookings and through check-in for baggage when connecting via Delhi and Mumbai.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said the Air India Air Astana Codeshare represents a vital step in strengthening air links with Kazakhstan. He noted that the partnership will not only cater to leisure travelers but also support trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, emphasized India’s significance as a key market. He stated that the codeshare agreement will accelerate business, tourist, and student traffic flows, while highlighting Air India’s strong reputation as Asia’s oldest airline with a vast domestic and international network.

Article Source: https://sahyadristartups.com/news/air-india-air-astana-codeshare-partnership-expands-connectivity-between-india-and-kazakhstan/

Foundation stone for RJ’s $40M Air Cargo Operations Center (Official Linkedin Page)

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無圖片說明

 

On Monday (September 8th), Royal Jordanian was honored to welcome His Majesty King Abdullah II, accompanied by our CEO Samer Majali, at Queen Alia International Airport.

His Majesty laid the foundation stone for RJ’s $40M Air Cargo Operations Center — a strategic investment to expand Jordan’s logistics capacity and strengthen Queen Alia International Airport’s role as a regional hub.

Together with new milestones at JORAMCO and JATS, this marks a powerful step toward shaping the future of Jordanian aviation.

Source: RJ Official Linkedin Page:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/royal-jordanian/posts/?feedView=all

DFW Expands Global Network with New Royal Jordanian Route to Amman, Jordan (Online Article)

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RJ Release

 

DFW AIRPORT, Texas (Sept. 3, 2025)

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will further expand its international reach next spring with the launch of nonstop service to Amman, Jordan, when Royal Jordanian begins flights to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).

“Welcoming Royal Jordanian to DFW is another exciting step in growing our global network,” said Chris McLaughlin, DFW’s Chief Executive Officer. “This new nonstop connection to Amman is a first for North Texas and will expand our reach into the Middle East and further grow DFW’s role as a key international gateway.”

Royal Jordanian will operate year-round, four times weekly, starting in May 2026. The service will be operated aboard a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 270 seats.

The new route offers direct access to Amman, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a key cultural and economic center in the Middle East. The service also opens new connections to destinations across the Levant and beyond through Royal Jordanian’s growing regional network. Royal Jordanian joins several partner airlines already operating at DFW as a member of the oneworld® global airline alliance, offering seamless connectivity.

 

Website Source: https://gastwn.com.tw/en/avolon-delivers-royal-jordanians-first-airbus-a320neo-online-article/

Avolon Delivers Royal Jordanian’s First Airbus A320neo (Online Article)

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The new aircraft will support Royal Jordanian’s fleet expansion strategy in key markets across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, and its transition to new technology aircraft.

Avolon has completed the delivery of the first Airbus A320neo in Royal Jordanian’s fleet.

The delivery was celebrated at a ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse and is the first of eight A320neos to be delivered by Avolon over the next 12 months.

Royal Jordanian’s first A320neo is configured with a 180 seat all economy layout, designed for customer comfort and efficient operations across its regional network. Future deliveries will feature a variety of cabin configurations, from all economy to premium layouts, including lie-flat beds on A321neo.

The new aircraft will support Royal Jordanian’s fleet expansion strategy in key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and its transition to new technology aircraft.

The A320neo delivers 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation Airbus narrowbody aircraft, as well as 50% noise reduction.

Royal Jordanian currently operates a fleet of 24 aircraft flying to 50 destinations and is planning to grow its fleet to 41 aircraft by 2028. Avolon and Royal Jordanian are long-standing partners, and these A320neo family deliveries add to the two Boeing 787-8s Avolon already has on lease to the airline.

On March 31, 2025, Avolon had 140 A320neo family aircraft in its fleet, with a further 294 on order.

President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon Paul Geaney commented, “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Royal Jordanian with this first A320neo delivery. We are proud to play a central role in the airline’s fleet expansion plans, leveraging our large orderbook to support Royal Jordanian’s future growth. As passenger traffic in the region continues to grow, we look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian Samer Majali said, “The delivery of our first A320neo marks a significant milestone in our fleet modernization strategy. This aircraft, with its advanced technology and enhanced fuel efficiency, will enable us to offer improved services to our passengers while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Majali continued, “Configured with all economy seats, this aircraft will serve a number of popular tourist routes, supporting our goal to promote Jordan as a destination of choice. It also reinforces our role as the preferred carrier connecting the Levant with key cities across the Middle East, and Europe, as we continue to position Amman as the region’s leading transit hub.”

 

Website Source: https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft-maintenance-technology/aircraft-technology/press-release/55293313/avolon-delivers-royal-jordanians-first-airbus-a320neo

Vietjet orders 20 more A330neo widebodies for future expansion (Airbus Website)

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Hanoi, Vietnam, 26 May 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, has placed a new order with Airbus for 20 widebody A330-900 aircraft to support strategic expansion over the next decade.

The agreement was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Wouter van Wersch, President Airbus International. The documents were exchanged in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, during an official visit to the country by the French Head of State.

This long-term order will support Vietjet’s ongoing international network expansion, enabling the airline to increase flights on high capacity routes across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to introduce new future long haul services to Europe.

Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said: “Modern Airbus aircraft, with the latest levels of efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have accompanied Vietjet’s growth and will continue to support our global flight network expansion. Vietjet remains dedicated to delivering greater connectivity and sustainable air travel for millions of passengers and around the world.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: “Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, bringing low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality. We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach.”

The new contract with Vietjet doubles its firm orders for the A330neo to 40 aircraft. In addition, the carrier has 96 A320neo Family single aisle aircraft on order. Vietjet currently operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising 115 single aisle A320 Family aircraft and seven A330-300s.

Vietjet currently operates international services to Australia, India and Kazakhstan with its A330-300s, offering passengers enhanced comfort and greater choice, including in Business Class. The A330 fleet will continue to play a key role as Vietjet expands to more distant destinations, meeting the evolving travel needs of passengers at home and around the world.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop. The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique experience, high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

At the end of April 2025, the A330 Family had won over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. As with all in-production aircraft, the A330neo is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Article Link: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-05-vietjet-orders-20-more-a330neo-widebodies-for-future-expansion

Taoyuan Airport Cargo Throughput Analysis – April 2025

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Summary of Key Findings:

  1. Overall Performance:
    April recorded a month-on-month growth of 8.5% and a cumulative year-on-year growth of 8.8%. The U.S. tariff delay announced on April 10 (90-day postponement) triggered even stronger front-loading activity compared to Q1.

  2. Export/Transshipment by Country:
    Exports grew 25% YoY, reaching the highest level in the past 33 months. Notably, exports to the U.S. surged by 40%, confirming the strong front-loading effect driven by tariff concerns.

  3. Global Trend:
    Global cargo capacity in March returned to positive territory after turning negative in the previous month. Both the global PMI and new export orders showed expansion, indicating increased global shipment demand.

  4. Taiwan Market Trend:
    Taiwan’s April PMI showed a reversal, with declining new export orders and rising customer inventory levels—suggesting weaker shipment prospects in the coming months.

  5. Conclusion:
    While exports to the U.S. showed a significant surge in April, forward-looking indicators such as PMI suggest a potential decline in cargo volume in the near future.

Bangkok Airways targets net-zero flights (Online News)

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BANGKOK, 15 MAY 2025: Bangkok Airways PCL and PTT Oil and Retail Business PCL (OR) have signed a Letter of Intent to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) produced domestically for the first time in Thailand.

The sustainable fuel will be used for Bangkok Airways operations to address the sustainability goals of both companies while driving Thailand’s aviation industry toward an environmentally friendly future.

The LOI signing ceremony was attended by Dechit Chareonwong, Senior Executive Vice President of Operations at Bangkok Airways, and  Chaipruet Watchareecupt, Vice President of Aviation and Marine Marketing (OR) at Bangkok Airways’ headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok.

Dechit revealed that this marks another significant step for Bangkok Airways to elevate Thailand’s aviation industry toward a green flight path by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which was produced domestically for the first time in Thailand.

The airline continues to advance its “Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways” campaign, which aims to reduce carbon emissions across all business operations. This integrated cooperation will promote and prepare biofuels in Thailand’s aviation industry in response to the sustainable trends in Thailand’s aviation business. This aligns with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Thailand has set 2065 as its target for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Source: https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2025/05/bangkok-airways-targets-net-zero-flights/

Vietjet, Qazaq Air sign strategic partnership (Online News)

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Vietjet and Qazaq Air have officially announced a strategic partnership to launch a new airline brand, Vietjet Qazaqstan, at the Kazakhstan–Vietnam Business Roundtable. The event was held in the presence of Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam as part of his state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the event, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance granted a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate to Aviation Holdings, a subsidiary of Vietjet, authorising its acquisition of a strategic equity stake in Qazaq Air. This move marks a key milestone in Vietjet’s international expansion strategy and aims to deepen bilateral ties between Vietnam and Kazakhstan across aviation, economic, and cultural domains, while opening a new chapter for the aviation industry in Central Asia.

Under this partnership, the two parties will jointly develop and operate Vietjet Qazaqstan, building on the existing Qazaq Air platform. As a new-age low-cost airline, Vietjet Qazaqstan is expected to become a strategic air bridge connecting Kazakhstan with Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and global aviation hubs. The airline will meet the growing travel demand in Kazakhstan while boosting cross-border tourism, trade, and logistics throughout Asia. It also aims to support local socio-economic growth through the creation of thousands of high-quality jobs.

Also at the event, Vietjet Qazaqstan and Boeing signed a Customer Services General Terms Agreement to support the future Boeing 737 fleet operated by Vietjet Qazaqstan. Under the agreement, Boeing will provide comprehensive services including software solutions, spare parts supply, technical assistance, as well as training programs for pilots and engineers. The partnership also covers aircraft modifications and upgrades to ensure efficient and safe operations.

Vietjet Qazaqstan is set to operate a fleet of at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft, enabling a strong expansion of its domestic and international route network. The airline will adopt modern operating models, digital management systems, and advanced training programs for its workforce, with ongoing technical and operational support from Vietjet.

Vietjet will bring deep expertise in modern airline operations, cutting-edge technology, and a global partner network. Its investment in Kazakhstan underscores the pioneering role of a Vietnamese corporation in fostering multilateral cooperation, transferring technology, supporting human resource development, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing the competitiveness of the regional aviation industry. This collaborative model not only delivers strong economic values but also serves national interests, strengthens regional connectivity, and contributes to shared prosperity. This follows the successful development of Vietjet Thailand, which has grown to become one of Thailand’s leading low-cost carriers through its efficient and effective operations.

By consistently upholding its national mission and commitment to social responsibility, Vietjet has been widely regarded as the people’s airline. Every step in its expansion and every new market it enters reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing connectivity, driving socio-economic development, and creating enduring values for individuals, nations, and entire regions. This ethos defines Vietjet as a pioneering carrier—representing a dynamic, globally engaged, and responsible Vietnam on the world stage.

Source: https://asianaviation.com/vietjet-qazaq-air-sign-strategic-partnership/