Bilqis Bahari
Aviation journalist covering commercial aviation and rotorcraft; on-the-ground show coverage and news explainers.
Embraer Eyes Asia‑Pacific Growth via Malaysian Airline Talks
Embraer remains in discussions with both Malaysia Airlines and AirBorneo Airways as it looks to expand its presence in Malaysia and the wider Asia Pacific region. Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer said the aircraft manufacturer continues to see strong opportunities in the region, particularly as airlines seek to improve connectivity to smaller cities and replace ageing turboprop fleets.
Rio IATA AGM Faces Fuel Costs, Delays, Walsh Exit
Airline leaders are gathering in Rio de Janeiro this week for IATA's AGM amid rising fuel prices, aircraft delivery delays and growing pressure to meet sustainability targets. The event also marks what is expected to be Willie Walsh's final AGM...
AirAsia Philippines Ordered to Halt Flights over Unpaid Fees
AirAsia Philippines ordered to cease operations in the Philippines by Civil Aviation Authority of Philippines (CAAP) for failing to settle outstanding airport-related charges of 271.04 million Philippine peso. NST Business Times has sighted the cease and desist letter dated June 2...
Cathay Pacific Adds Direct Hong Kong‑Almaty Flights 2027
Cathay Pacific is launching direct 3x weekly flight to Almaty from Hong Kong starting 1Q2027. It will be the only direct service link between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
Smaller Jets Could Unlock New Southeast Asian Connectivity
#NSTExclusive Spoke to Endau Analytics Shukor Yusof and an aviation industry expert recently on whether smaller narrowbody aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 family could reshape connectivity in Southeast Asia. These aircraft could help airlines right size...
Airlines Turn to ACMI Amid Shortages, Growth Plans
My latest report for Cirium. Interesting conversation with Avia Solutions Group (ASG) chairman and founder Gediminas Žiemelis who remains bullish on the ACMI business despite softer market conditions in Europe. He believes airlines are increasingly turning to ACMI services to manage seasonal...
Qatar and Philippine Airlines Expand Codeshare to Europe
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines are expanding their strategic partnership from 1 June 2026 with additional codeshare destinations and reciprocal loyalty programme benefits. Under the expanded agreement, Philippine Airlines will place its PR code on Qatar Airways-operated flights from Manila, Cebu,...
SIA Boosts Singapore‑Amsterdam Service to 10 Weekly Flights
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will increase its Singapore-Amsterdam services to 10 weekly flights between August 1 and October 22, 2026, up from the current daily operations, amid strong travel demand between the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. Subject to regulatory approvals, the additional...
ADE Secures $100M to Accelerate MRO Expansion
Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), the MRO subsidiary of Capital A, has secured a US$100 million financing facility from QNB Group to support its expansion and strengthen its position as one of the Asia’s fastest-growing MRO providers. The funding will support additional...
Malaysia Airlines Receives 200th Boeing, Fourth 737‑8 This Year
Malaysia Airlines has welcomed its 200th Boeing aircraft, marking another milestone in the airline’s long-standing partnership with the US aircraft manufacturer dating back to 1972. The latest aircraft, registered as 9M-MVR, is also the fourth Boeing 737-8 delivered to the airline...
World's First All‑Business ATR 72‑600 Launches
World’s first ATR 72-600 HighLine all-Business Class aircraft operated by Malaysia’s Berjaya Air. This is the first of two new ATR aircraft ordered by Berjaya Air in 2023. The aircraft’s inaugural flight is scheduled to operate from Subang to Redang on...
Base Maintenance Malaysia Boosts Local Hiring for Global MRO Surge
Base Maintenance Malaysia Sdn Bhd is ramping up hiring of local talent as Malaysia's deep pool of technical experts and expanding aerospace ecosystem position the country to capture a large share of global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) demand. https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/05/1436787/bmm-builds-talent-pipeline-support-malaysias-push-global-mro
AirAsia X’s 150‑plane A220 Order Fuels Low‑cost Right‑sizing
The word is “right sizing.” AirAsia X Bhd's landmark order for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft reflects a broader trend among Asian low-cost carriers to operate smaller and more fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft on thinner regional routes. https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/05/1434825/airasia-xs-us19bil-airbus-order-signals-shift-budget-airline
Scoot Becomes First SE Asian Budget Airline with Embraer E190‑E2
Fun fact ✈️ Singapore’s low-cost carrier Scoot is the first budget airline in Southeast Asia and currently the only one that operate smaller narrowbody aircraft - the Embraer E190-E2. The airline started operating the E2s since May 2024.
Scoot Adds 11 A320neos, Total Fleet Reaches 20
Singapore’s Scoot has ordered 11 A320neo family aircraft, comprising five new firm orders and six exercised options from its 2014 order with Airbus. The new aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines, will start arriving from 2028. Following the latest...