Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development and maintenance. Under the deal, Etihad and Air France-KLM plan to expand codeshare and interline agreements which were initiated in 2012, the Middle Eastern carrier says. As a first step, more than 40 routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking for travel from the winter 2023 season, it adds. The accord proposes the ability for customers of both airlines' loyalty programmes to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM and Etihad. Additionally, the airlines will explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling. "This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leveraging the extensive [Air France-KLM] network to Europe and beyond," states Etihad chief revenue officer Arik De. Etihad operates daily services to both Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi. Air France will start operating daily flights between Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi from 29 October. "I'm delighted to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways," says Air France-KLM chief commercial officer Angus Clarke. "This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network." He adds: "Etihad's large footprint spanning south and southeast Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership."

UK's Department for Transport has committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support sustainable aviation fuel production. The department says it will launch a consultation on the design and delivery of the scheme. It adds that it will be funded by industry and targeted to boost the aviation sector's confidence to invest in SAF and transition away from fossil fuels. The initiative is in line with UK's commitment of having at least five commercial SAF plants under construction by 2025. The government notes that it has already shown its commitment to support the industry transition to net zero through its £165 million ($207 million) Advanced Fuel Fund providing investors with reassurance in UK SAF, as well as over £600 million funding committed to the Aerospace Technology Institute for scientific research and co-investing in innovative aerospace technology. SAF project developers have welcomed this move. Chair of the Jet Zero Council SAF Delivery Group Jonathon Counsell states: "Industry is ready to take part in the consultation process to determine the right mechanism to secure the investment needed to create a UK SAF industry." The UK government has tabled the legislation as part of the Energy Bill. A plan for the mechanism's delivery by the end of 2026 has also been published.

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.