Asia-Pacific Aerospace Briefs Today
July 9th 2026
Today’s briefs report news from AerCap, Aeronautical Engineers (AEI), Airbus, Asiana Airlines, Blueberry Aviation, China Southern Air Logistics, FTAI Aviation, Garuda Indonesia, MTU Aero Engines, Southwest Airlines, Stratos, and Virgin Australia. Read More »
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines intend to deepen their collaboration by establishing a joint venture dedicated to the development and commercialisation of a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell engine. The update follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both companies at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.
AerCap has signed lease agreements with China Southern Air Logistics for three Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters, expanding the cargo carrier’s long-haul fleet with the first passenger-to-freighter conversion of the Boeing 777-300ER. The three aircraft are scheduled for delivery between late 2027 and the first half of 2028. The first freighter is expected to be delivered in October 2027, followed by the remaining two aircraft in the first and second quarters of 2028.
Aircraft investment specialist Stratos has today announced the recent acquisition of three leased aircraft including one A321 MSN 5173 leased to Asiana Airlines, 737-800 MSN 38875 leased to Southwest Airlines and 737-700 MSN 38128 leased to Virgin Australia. All three airlines are new clients to Stratos growing serviced fleet.
Blueberry Aviation has completed the recovery of Garuda Indonesia’s ATR72-600 fleet, marking the return of the tenth and final aircraft to Toulouse on July 5 as part of an asset recovery program conducted on behalf of the French and Italian Export Credit Agencies (ECAs).
FTAI Aviation and Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) have entered into a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding the availability of Boeing 737-800 freighters by combining aircraft conversion expertise with engine maintenance capabilities. The partnership is designed to provide airlines with a more cost-effective freighter offering by integrating AEI’s passenger-to-freighter conversion programs with FTAI’s CFM56 engine support and maintenance services. The companies expect the collaboration to improve operating economics while supporting increased demand for narrowbody cargo aircraft.
