Nigeria’s Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) took control of the privately owned Arik Air in mid February 2017 due to mounting debts and the carrier’s inability to make the necessary repayments. The airline reportedly owes AMCON over USD 429 Million, in addition to USD 31 million owed to other aviation service providers. The airline has faced economic hardship due to the foreign currency and jet fuel shortage throughout Nigeria. Despite the change of control, AMCON reportedly stated that flight operations will not be affected in the interim.

Malindo Air is a Low-Cost-Carrier (LCC) based out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, in Malaysia. The airline was launched in 2012 as a joint venture between the Malaysian National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI) and Indonesian budget carrier, Lion Air, which retain a 51% and 49% share respectively. The airline commenced scheduled operations with a small fleet of Boeing and ATR aircraft in 2013, offering low cost flights to domestic destinations in a bid to compete with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.

Throughout 2014 to 2016, the airline worked to acquire a number of newly built aircraft, which has resulted in the overall average fleet age to fall below two years. This fleet growth has facilitated the rapid expansion of the airline's route network and brought an increase in flight frequencies and passenger traffic. The airline is a member of the Lion Air Group, which also includes Lion Air, Wings Air and Batik Air. It is important to note that the aircraft operated by all of the Lion Air Group members bear many similarities. Whilst the airline's fleets feature the Lion Air logo on the tail and the distinctive red and white fuselage, each carrier's respective brand name is featured near the forward doors.

In early 2017, the airline operated a very young and medium sized fleet of ATR and Boeing aircraft, with an average overall age under two years. Furthermore, the airline has continued to expand its scope of operations by acquiring new aircraft and introducing a number of new destinations to its route network. The aircraft acquisitions and overall growth of operations indicates the airline likely has access to sufficient financial resources.

A LATAM Boeing 767-300 (Reg PT-MSY) was undergoing routine maintenance when engineers discovered a 7.62 mm calibre bullet lodged in the aircraft’s left wing flap. The airline subsequently notified the Brazilian federal police and the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) who are aiding in the investigation to determine the bullet’s origin. The airline reportedly stated that the damage was minor and that the safety of the passengers was never compromised.