Satellite-Based Precision Navigation with the Dornier 228
RUAG’s Dornier 228NG is equipped for performance-based navigation (PBN), a capability that helps pilots operating in challenging flight environments. Steffen Gemsa, RUAG MRO International test pilot for the Dornier 228, says satellite-based performance-based navigation is a newly-implemented navigation tool that…
Thailand’s Wisdom Airways Hopes To Add ATRs Eventually
Thai domestic regional carrier Wisdom Airways aims to step up to larger turboprop aircraft. The airline’s CEO, Picharn Kwangchuchai, tells Smart Aviation APAC that it has no immediate plans to get larger aircraft, but hopes to eventually add ATR aircraft. …
Vanuatu Upgrading Runways to Boost Domestic Travel
Air Vanuatu is working with the national government to ensure runways are upgraded in time to receive its fleet larger domestic aircraft. Air Vanuatu CEO Derek Nice says the government has identified Norsup, Lonoror and Motalava as the first runways…
Best on the Web | July 2019
New South Korean Airline Hi Air Takes Delivery of Two ATR 72-500sAir Transport World A proposed South Korean regional airline called Hi Air has taken delivery of two ATR 72-500 turboprops. It will be based in the southeastern city of…
Military-backed Startup Vietstar Airlines Receives AOC
Vietstar Airlines, a joint venture between the Vietnamese military and two private companies, has received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) to become the country’s sixth airline. The airline says it will begin offering charter, air taxi and cargo transport services…
Indonesia’s Spirit Avia Sentosa Ends 19-Seat Operations
Indonesian charter carrier Spirit Avia Sentosa has ended 19-seat operations and returned its de Havilland Canada Series 300 Twin Otters to the lessor. The charter operator, which focuses on Indonesia’s West Papua province, had been operating three Series 300 Twin…
Manufacturers Moving to Meet Upcoming ADS-B Out Requirements
Aircraft manufacturers are preparing to meet upcoming ADS-B Out mandates such as the 2020 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) deadline for all aircraft with a maximum cruise speed of over 250kts or take-off weight of over 12,566lb. EASA says such…
Air Niugini Plans Fleet Revamp
Papua New Guinean national carrier Air Niugini is planning to change its domestic and international fleet as it aims to return to profitability. The airline will replace its narrowbody and widebody jet aircraft first, before looking to replace its regional…
Malaysia’s SKS Airways Prepares Twin Otter Operation Launch
Malaysian startup SKS Airways is preparing to launch services using de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otters in the next few weeks. SKS Airways spokesman, Nidzam Norwani, says the airline, which is a subsidiary of property developer SKS Group, is weeks…
Fiji’s Pacific Island Air Sticking with Single-Engine Otter Seaplanes
Fijian tourist charter operator Pacific Island Air is planning to keep to its current fleet, citing the state of the country’s tourism industry. Tuni Beddoes, Pacific Island Air general manager, says tourist numbers are at new lows this year, so…
Flying to Marlon Brando’s Polynesian Private Island
The Brando; the 35-villa resort on the French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa, which was formerly owned by actor Marlon Brando; is one of the farthest-flung holiday destinations in the world. This distance is part of The Brando’s appeal, although good…
Best on the Web | June 2019
Our round-up of Asia-Pacific regional aviation news this month includes interesting stories on ATR in the South Pacific, Qazaq Air’s new Dash 8, Sangley Airport in the Philippines, and Fuji Dream’s new Embraer E175s. ATR Pitches STOL Variant to South…
