Qatar Airways has agreed to sell its entire 9.57% stake in Cathay Pacific back to the Hong Kong carrier in a HK$6.97 billion ($896 million) all cash transaction, subject to approval from independent shareholders. A circular to the independent shareholder is expected to be issued by 26 November, which will include the date of an extraordinary general meeting for shareholders to assent to the deal, Cathay says in a stock exchange statement. After the sale is transacted, Swire Pacific and Air China's stakes will rise to 47.7% and 31.8%, respectively. The remaining 20.5% of shares will be in free float. "The buy-back reflects our strong confidence in the future of the Cathay Group and underscores our commitment to the development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub," says Cathay Group chair Patrick Healy. Qatar Airways chief executive Badr Mohammed Al-Meer says that the agreement reflects its disciplined approach to managing its portfolio and delivering sustainable value to its shareholders. "Following a period of record profitability and strong performance, this decision is part of a proactive strategy to optimise our investments and position the group for long-term growth," he adds. HSBC is the financial adviser to Qatar Airways, while Somerley Capital is the independent financial adviser to the independent board committee and shareholders of Cathay. Qatar Airways purchased a 9.61% stake in Cathay from conglomerate Kingboard Chemical for HK$5.16 billion in 2017 and later increased its stake to 9.99%, but has not been entitled to appoint a director to the Hong Kong carrier's board. Cirium schedules data shows that the two carriers have an extensive codeshare relationship covering several routes from their Doha and Hong Kong hubs.

Former IndiGo chief commercial officer Sanjay Kumar has been appointed as executive director at SpiceJet to lead the airline's expansion and transformation. The carrier says that Kumar will report directly to chairman and managing director Ajay Singh and brings over 15 years of experience at its key rival in commercial, strategy and revenue roles, as well as leadership positions at InterGlobe Technology Quotient and as chief operating officer at AirAsia India. "We are delighted to welcome Sanjay back to the SpiceJet family," says Singh. "His deep understanding of the aviation business and proven leadership will be invaluable as we chart a new course for SpiceJet. With his strategic insights and executional strength, we are confident of accelerating our growth journey and strengthening our position as a leading and customer-centric airline."

The Australian government will provide a new A$60 million ($39 million) commercial loan to Regional Express Holdings secured by its fleet under the deal struck with US company Air T to acquire it and exit administration. Transport minister Catherine King says in a 4 November statement that the government will carry forward around A$90 million of existing debt in addition to the new loan, while Air T will contribute A$50 million to recapitalising it. The debt carried forward will be "on terms that allow for gradual repayments through a profit-sharing arrangement", a factsheet from the government states. "In exchange for this financing and to ensure value for taxpayer money, Air T has agreed to a range of commitments aimed at preserving essential regional aviation connectivity and improving governance arrangements," King says. She adds that the government will secure the new loan against all of Rex's aircraft and simulator. "This will ensure Rex’s Saab fleet cannot be sold without the Government’s permission and will continue to service communities across regional and remote Australia," says King. Cirium fleets data shows that Rex has 36 Saab 340Bs in service and 21 in storage, with 35 under finance leases and 22 owned unencumbered by the carrier. The government has been a major contributor to Rex since it fell into administration in July 2024, having acquired A$50 million in secured debt from PAG Capital Asia, and having provided facilities up to A$110 million to support its continuing regional operations. Separately, King also announced a A$5 million programme to support regional and remote airports that have supported the carrier through its administration process. The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Airports Association, whose chief executive Simon Westaway says that many airports have been operating at a loss and the support will assist them. "We also welcome the Government’s commitment to safeguarding regional connectivity through the restructure of Rex’s existing debt, the provision of new financing to support the airline’s recapitalisation, and the decision to retain security over Rex’s aircraft and simulator fleet," he adds. "By securing Rex’s Saab fleet for continued service to regional and remote communities, the Government has taken a practical step to safeguard essential air links and reinforce confidence in the future of regional aviation."