Turboprop manufacturer ATR foresees demand for new regional air services in South Korea which could enable the company to grow its fleet to 25-30 aircraft in the country by 2030. "Korea has many under-utilised domestic airports, and scheduled domestic flights are mainly north-south," states the airframer's head of commercial for Asia Pacific Jean-Pierre Clercin. "ATR sees opportunity to develop east-west routes, linking communities living along the east coast to places in Korea’s western part," he adds. Internationally, the manufacturer, which is jointly owned by Airbus and Leonardo, foresees scope for new short-haul passenger and freighter services to northeast China and southern Japan. Clercin describes the 78-seat ATR 72-600 as an "ideal platform" for such services and highlights the turboprop's capability of operating from 1,200m runways. "Our aircraft can therefore contribute to offer more responsible, affordable and convenient travel options, remaining profitable while serving the smallest communities," he asserts. ATR outlined its market view for South Korea as part of the Gyeongbuk Aerospace, Defence and Logistics Exhibition in Gumi city, which began on 6 September. Fleets data lists four South Korean-based ATR 72-500s as of 6 September. These aircraft – variously built between 2008 and 2011 – were operated by regional carrier Hi Air, which announced its suspension on 31 August, and are currently in storage. Low-cost carrier Jeju Air, in 2005, launched operation with five De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops, but has had an all-Boeing 737 fleet since 2010. Other South Korean-based regional turboprops include two 1972-vintage BAE Systems HS748s for the nation's air force and two Beech 1900D commuters (one in storage) at Hanseo University. South Korea's regional jet segment comprises two stored aircraft: a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries RJ Aviation CRJ200 previously operated by now-defunct Air Pohang and an Embraer ERJ-145, which was part of the fleet of suspended carrier Korea Express Air.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has brought forward his retirement date to 6 September amid heavy scrutiny of the airline in Australian media over recent weeks. Joyce had been due to hand over the reins of the airline to chief executive-designate Vanessa Hudson at its annual general meeting in November, but this is now being brought forward. As a result, Rob Marcolina will also take up the chief financial officer's role, which is held by Hudson, on 6 September. The accelerated change comes after Joyce and the airline have been under pressure in recent weeks for its role in advocating against Australia granting additional flight rights to Qatar Airways, cost cuts, perceived poor customer service levels and its record A$2.47 billion ($1.59 billion) operating profit for the year ended 30 June. “In the last few weeks, the focus on Qantas and events of the past make it clear to me that the company needs to move ahead with its renewal as a priority," says Joyce. “The best thing I can do under these circumstances is to bring forward my retirement and hand over to Vanessa and the new management team now, knowing they will do an excellent job." Joyce has been chief executive of Qantas since November 2008, making him one of the longest serving chief executives of an Australian publicly listed company. Prior to that, he was chief executive of budget unit Jetstar Airways. Chairman Richard Goyder thanked Joyce for his service, while acknowledging that it "is obviously a challenging time for Qantas and its people". "We have an important job to do in restoring the public’s confidence in the kind of company we are, and that’s what the board is focused on, and what the management under Vanessa’s leadership will do,” he adds. While Hudson will assume the top role earlier than planned, shareholders will still formally vote on her appointment at the AGM in November. The accelerated transition was broadly welcomed by unions representing Qantas workers, with the Australian Services Union stating that "events of the past week confirmed that the merciless drive for profits had led Qantas to lose its way". “Incoming Qantas management now has a rare opportunity to rebuild the relationship between the airline and its workers and customers,” says the ASU's assistant national secretary Emeline Gaske.

Air France and Airbus intend to establish a jointly owned subsidiary to provide component maintenance for A350 operators, which is scheduled to begin services during the first half of 2024 The 50:50 partnership will facilitate equipment repairs, supply chain management and an international component pool, the two companies say, noting that both shareholders will transfer components to the pool. "We will be able to better respond to the needs of the market, and to guarantee the satisfaction of our customers over the long term, with support solutions that are always responsive, of high quality and at the right price," states Air France-KLM executive vice-president engineering and maintenance Anne Brachet. Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance jointly operate with Boeing component services for 737s and 777s. Airbus has delivered around 550 aircraft of its order book of more than 1,000 A350s, Air France-KLM and Airbus note. Establishment of the planned aftermarket joint venture is subject to regulatory approval.