Asia-Pacific Aerospace Briefs Today
November 2nd 2026
Today’s briefs report news from Air India, Airport Authority Hong Kong, Japan Airlines, Plaza Premium Group, Sydney Airport and Toyota. Read More »
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has approved Air India’s application to establish a flight school at Amravati Belora Airport. The Air India Flying Academy was expected to operate a fleet of 31 single-engine and three twin-engine aircraft for pilot training on a 10-acre site at the airport in Maharashtra.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has received certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its use of digital identity and biometric technologies, such as contactless travel, biometric handling, and privacy, consent and governance. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) said HKIA was the first airport to achieve IATA One ID certification.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has expanded a trial of autonomous towing tractors from Toyota Industries at Tokyo Haneda Airport, following an initial trial in December last year. This latest trial includes new routes such as tunnel sections, which present a "higher level of difficulty with significantly different driving environments and operational conditions compared to the current routes", JAL said. The oneworld alliance member is also trialling autonomous driving vehicles at Fukuoka and Tokyo Narita airports.
Plaza Premium Group has announced plans to open a pay-per-use lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport’s Terminal 2, next month. Terminal 2 is one of Kingsford Smith airport’s two domestic terminals. It will be the first independent lounge in the domestic part of the airport. Still with Kingsford Smith, the airport has also launched a concierge service for arriving, departing and transiting passengers.
