Asia-Pacific Aerospace Briefs Today
November 3rd 2025
Today’s briefs report news from AerCap, Cathay Pacific, CDB Aviation, Etihad Cargo, Malaysia Aviation Group, Spirit AeroSystems and Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Read More »
Lessor AerCap has reported net profit of US$1.2 billion for the three months to September 30 2025, more than three times net profit of US$375 million in the same three months in 2024. Revenue rose to 18.5% to US$2.3 billion, AerCap said in a regulatory filing. The company said the bottom line included recoveries of US$475 million related to cash insurance settlement proceeds for assets lost in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. "AerCap produced excellent results in the third quarter," AerCAp CEO, Aengus Kelly, said. "This strong performance is indicative of the continued favorable environment for leasing and sales and of AerCap’s industry-leading position."
Cathay Pacific has taken 180 students from local community programs in Hong Kong on a 90-minute discovery flight over the city on board a 777-300ER as part of its youth-focused community service initiative, I Can Fly. "Through our flagship I Can Fly programme, we’re proud to play a part in nurturing Hong Kong’s future aviators by providing them with opportunities to learn, grow and be inspired," Cathay Pacific chief customer and commercial officer, Lavinia Lau, said.
China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co has proposed a capital injection of US$860 million in its CDB Aviation Lease Finance Designated Activity Company (CDB Aviation). The capital injection was a "necessary measure" to fulfil the requirements set by the National Financial Regulatory Administration for specialised subsidiaries of financial leasing companies. "The capital injection will help CDB Aviation strengthen its capital strength and consolidate the foundation for development, effectively offset risks, enhance its market competitiveness and achieve sustainable development," China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co said in a regulatory filing.
Etihad Cargo has added six more flights a week to Shenzhen from its Abu Dhabi hub during the current northern hemisphere winter scheduling season. The cargo arm of Etihad Airways has also launched an additional weekly service to Ezhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ant International (the parent of Alipay+), Chengdu Spring Travel, Trip.Biz and UnionPay International to boost its presence in the Mainland China market. "China remains a cornerstone of our international strategy, and our partnerships here reflect our long-term commitment to the market," MAG chief commercial officer of airlines, Dersenish Aresandiran, said.
Spirit AeroSystems has reported a net loss of US$724 million for the three months to September 30 2025, compared with a net loss of US$477 million in the same quarter in 2024. Revenue rose 8% to US$1.6 billion, Spirit AeroSystems said in a regulatory filing. The company said the financial results were impacted by lower margins on Boeing programs, among other factors.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport marked another milestone late last week as it worked towards commencing operations in the second half of 2026, when a 737 aircraft, a NSW Rural Fire Service Large Air Tanker, landed on the runway for the first time as part of a two-day multiagency emergency exercise.
