South Korean low-cost carriers (LCCs) have been asked to reduce their aircraft utilisation rates and secure more maintenance time as part of aviation safety enhancement plans. For example, Jeju Air will reduce its aircraft utilisation by 9% – from 14.0 to 12.8 hours daily – and increase maintenance personnel by 41 to 350 within the year, states the transport ministry in a Korean press release. Jeju has an all Boeing narrowbody fleet of 38 737NGs and two 737 Maxes. The plan follows a 23 January meeting between the country’s transport ministry and nine low-cost carriers, including Jeju Air, T'way Air, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, Jin Air, Air Seoul, Air Incheon, Air Premia and Aero K. Asset Watch data shows that average monthly tracked hours for 737 family and A320 family aircraft utilised by Korean LCCs are slightly higher than the global average. On top of that, the ministry also plans to impose greater oversight of new aircraft acquisitions by the carriers, and stricter evaluation of the launch of new routes. Carriers are expected to submit their own safety enhancement plan including the above; detail plans to strengthen pilot training in times of emergency; and state how they are investing in safety through new aircraft acquisition and expansion of maintenance facilities. “As LCCs account for more than half of Korea's air transport, which ranks ninth in global air transport, the Ministry will stress that the future of the aviation industry cannot be guaranteed if LCCs focus only on profits without implementing fundamental safety reforms,” it adds. Carriers that fail to meet the safety standards could face suspension of their air operator certificates while those with repeated violations and safety incidents may be named publicly, the ministry adds.

Boeing has disclosed that it still expects that the first delivery of the 777-9 variant of its 777X programme will occur in 2026. The US manufacturer on 11 October 2024 had announced amid a then-ongoing strike by its machinists that it was delaying delivery of its first 777X aircraft to 2026, concluding 767 freighter production in 2027 and reducing its workforce by approximately 10%. Boeing expects to report on 28 January that it generated $15.2 billion in revenue during the fourth quarter of 2024. It adds that results for its commercial unit "will reflect impacts associated with the [International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers] work stoppage and agreement including lower deliveries and pre-tax earnings charges of $1.1 billion" on its 777X and 767 programmes. "Although we face near-term challenges, we took important steps to stabilise our business during the quarter including reaching an agreement with our IAM-represented teammates and conducting a successful capital raise to improve our balance sheet," states Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg. "We also restarted 737, 767 and 777/777X production and our team remains focused on the hard work ahead to build a new future for Boeing."

The Australian government has acquired A$50 million ($31.4 million) of debt owed by Regional Express Holdings from PAG Capital that makes it the largest secured creditor of the in-administration regional airline. Transport minister Catherine King says in a statement that the debt acquisition is “an important step to prevent an adverse outcome for regional communities, such as liquidation, and ensure the continued connectivity of Australia’s regional and remote communities.” Rex confirmed the assignment of the debt was completed on 23 January in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange. It is the second financial intervention by Canberra since Rex was placed into administration in July 2024. In November it provided an A$80 million commercial loan to the airline, allowing it to sustain its turboprop operations and extend its administration period to June this year after failing to secure a purchaser for the carrier. “Whilst the accelerated initial sale process undertaken by the Administrators in mid-2024 did not find a suitable buyer for the airlines’ regional operations, the Government continues to work closely with the Administrators through the extended convening period,” King adds.