Hong Kong Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) again asked for Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) to clarify how it will improve its financial situation, yet the airline insists that its financial issues will not affect its operations during the upcoming peak travel periods. ATLA has asked HKA to “submit a concrete plan with a view of improving its financial situation”.ATLA can revoke or suspend an airline’s licence should it deem that it has failed to meet applicable regulations, including those around its financial position. HKA has indicated to the regulator that it has made partial repayments to some creditors. “ATLA has requested HKA to continue to report the settlement progress until the claims have been settled completely,” the authority says.

The search for the missing Lockheed Martin F-35A operated by the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force that crashed last week in the northern Pacific Ocean is still ongoing. Japanese media reports indicate that that the aircraft’s tail has been recovered, but the aircraft’s fuselage and the body of the pilot are still missing. The aircraft crashed on the 9th of April while busy with a nighttime training session, operating from Misawa air base. US and Japanese ships, aircraft, and a submersible continue to search for the missing jet. The search area is reportedly 135km out to sea east of Japan’s Aomori prefecture. Media reports suggest there is a concern that the aircraft, if not found, could possibly end up in the hands of foreign powers, such as China or Russia.

Brazilian based aircraft producer, Embraer has achieved type certification for its E195-E2 jet.The three regulation agencies who certified the jet, includes Brazil, Europe and the United States. The aircraft is the largest commercial aircraft produced by a Brazilian company, says Embraer president of commercial aircraft John Slattery. The E195-2 is powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney PW1900 engines, the aircraft can carry up to 146 passengers in a single-class configuration and has range up to 2,600nm (4,820km), according to Embraer. The aircraft also has fly-by-wire technology, a new wing design and landing gear. Azul Airlines is expected to take delivery of the first E195-2 later in 2019.