Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air China sign network joint venture MOU
June 29, 2026
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air China have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a network joint venture covering services between Singapore and China, marking a significant expansion of their existing partnership. Building on their 2016 codeshare agreement, the proposed joint venture will include coordinated flight schedules, joint fare products, enhanced frequent flyer programme integration, collaborative marketing initiatives and revenue sharing. The partnership is expected to strengthen connectivity between the two countries, provide passengers with greater travel options and improve operational efficiencies. Collectively, the two Star Alliance carriers currently operate over 150 weekly services between Singapore and China, reinforcing their strategic presence in this key Asia-Pacific market.
US EXIM grants preliminary backing for Vietnam Airlines 737-8s
June 26, 2026
Vietnam Airlines has secured a preliminary commitment from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for a guaranteed loan of up to USD 2.9 billion to support the acquisition of 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032 and form part of the airline's long-term fleet modernisation strategy. The financing commitment reflects continued access to international funding sources and follows previous EXIM-backed financing arrangements for the carrier's Boeing 777 and 787 fleets. The aircraft order was finalised in February 2026 during a visit by senior Vietnamese government officials to Washington, further strengthening aviation and trade ties between Vietnam and the United States.
FAA invests in AI-driven air traffic management
June 26, 2026
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Air Space Intelligence (ASI) a 12-year, US$875 million contract to deploy advanced artificial intelligence technology designed to transform how flights are managed across the National Airspace System. The new Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) platform will use predictive analytics to assess airline schedules, weather, airport capacity and airspace constraints before aircraft depart, enabling congestion to be managed proactively rather than reactively. The initiative is expected to reduce delays and cancellations, improve on-time performance, lower fuel consumption and increase the overall efficiency of U.S. airspace. The contract forms part of the FAA's wider multi-billion-dollar modernisation programme aimed at replacing ageing air traffic management technology and creating a more resilient, data-driven aviation system capable of supporting future growth.