13 Nov 2025
#2 November 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Airbus Signs Contract with China Southern Airlines to Equip 30 A350s with HBCplus
Airbus has signed a contract with China Southern Airlines to equip 30 A350 aircraft—20 retrofits and 10 new linefits—with HBCplus, its next-generation in-flight connectivity system. China Southern becomes the first airline in China to adopt HBCplus, with the first equipped aircraft expected to enter service in 2026. The system enables high-speed passenger internet access and seamless real-time communication between the cockpit and ground operations. Tim Sommer, Vice President and Head of Connected Aircraft Programme at Airbus, stated, “This partnership reflects the growing global demand for flexible, reliable, and future-proof connectivity solutions on board.” The agreement marks a major milestone in advancing China’s in-flight digital infrastructure, aligning with the global aviation industry’s shift toward connected and data-driven operations.
BOC Aviation Leases Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft to Akasa Air
BOC Aviation announced the purchase and leaseback of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, with Akasa Air under long-term operating leases. The first delivery is scheduled for January 2026. Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer of BOC Aviation, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Akasa as a new customer for BOC Aviation at this exciting stage of their development. The Boeing 737-8 is one of the world’s most popular single-aisle jets, and this transaction leverages our ability to provide capital to support our customers’ fleet expansion.” The deal expands BOC Aviation’s customer base in India and underscores its focus on supporting emerging airlines in the fast-growing South Asian aviation market.
China Eastern Airlines Resumes China–India Flights After 5-Year Break
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has resumed passenger services between China and India after a five-year suspension, re-establishing a critical air corridor between two of Asia’s largest economies. The first flight, MU563, departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport for Delhi on 9 November 2025, carrying 248 passengers with a load factor exceeding 95%. Operated by an Airbus A330, the route will run three times weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The resumed Shanghai–Delhi route represents the first passenger link between the two nations since 2020 and plays a key role in fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. CEA has also expressed plans to expand operations by reintroducing its Kunming–Kolkata service and launching a new Shanghai–Mumbai route in the near future.
Acumen’s Take
On Airbus–China Southern HBCplus Deal
The adoption of Airbus’s HBCplus system by China Southern highlights China’s accelerating investment in next-generation cabin technology. As airlines compete on passenger experience and operational efficiency, connectivity will become a core differentiator. This move also signals the growing maturity of China’s digital aviation infrastructure and its integration into global connected fleet standards.
On BOC Aviation’s Lease with Akasa Air
BOC Aviation’s partnership with Akasa Air marks a strategic foothold in India’s expanding aviation market. By supporting the fleet growth of a new-generation Indian carrier, BOC reinforces its role as a key global lessor in South Asia. The transaction also demonstrates rising cross-border leasing activity between Singapore-based lessors and Indian operators.
On China Eastern’s India Service Resumption
CEA’s restoration of Shanghai–Delhi flights signifies renewed bilateral momentum between China and India. The route’s strong initial performance highlights pent-up demand and commercial interdependence between the two markets. As traffic normalises, the airline’s plans for additional routes could strengthen regional connectivity and support trade-driven travel growth.
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