Japan Airlines (JAL) has expanded its widebody fleet with the delivery of an Airbus A350-1000, identified by serial number 538, powered by Trent XWB-97 engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce. This aircraft marks another step in JAL’s strategy to modernize its long-haul fleet and enhance efficiency on transcontinental routes.
Batik Air Malaysia has announced plans to inaugurate nonstop service between Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo, starting 3 July 2025. The new international route will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft and marks the airline’s expansion into Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
Sun Country Airlines (US) has secured a US$75 million senior secured revolving credit facility from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (Japan). The new agreement replaces a previous $25 million revolving credit facility (RCF), representing a major boost to the airline’s liquidity as it continues to expand operations and reinforce its financial flexibility.
Skymark Airlines (Japan) has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Sato Yoshinobu as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The announcement also includes the formal step-down of Hora Hayao, who had been serving as Chairman, and will now transition into a part-time advisory role.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced its intention to raise capital through the issuance of bond-type preferred shares, with an issuance cap of US$1.3 billion. These instruments will not carry voting rights or conversion rights to common stock, positioning them as a hybrid financing mechanism aimed at strengthening the airline’s balance sheet while limiting dilution for existing shareholders.
HALO AirFinance (US) has announced the successful closing of a mezzanine loan transaction in collaboration with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (Japan), secured by a Boeing 747-8F freighter. The deal supports a US-based air cargo operator and highlights continued interest in structured aircraft financing solutions for widebody freighter assets.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and CFM International have finalized an agreement for the supply of LEAP-1B engines to power 17 additional Boeing 737-8 aircraft. These aircraft were part of a fleet expansion order first announced in March 2025, as JAL continues its modernization strategy across domestic and regional operations.
Singapore Airlines and ANA All Nippon Airways have been granted conditional approval by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) for their Proposed Commercial Cooperation. This approval marks a significant step forward in formalizing the strategic partnership between the two leading airlines.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has expressed its intention to incorporate Alaska Air Group into its existing trans-Pacific joint venture with US-based American Airlines. Although JAL has clearly indicated this strategic interest, no specific timeline for the inclusion was provided.
HK Express (Hong Kong) has announced the resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Ishigaki, set to commence on 03 April 2025. This move strengthens regional travel links between Hong Kong and Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, catering to growing demand for leisure and business travel.
