Market Intelligence: Far East & China

Taiwan’s Starlux Places 2025 Order for 10 More Airbus A350-1000s

Taiwan – STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of ten additional A350-1000 aircraft, taking its total order for the type to 18 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Paris Airshow 2025 by STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

STARLUX Airlines already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft including the A350-900, the A330neo and the A321neo. The Taiwanese airline has on order 30 aircraft including the A350F freighters and A350-1000.

“Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets,” said Glenn Chai. “This aircraft offers efficiency, range and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability and operational flexibility.” 

“STARLUX Airlines’ decision to add more A350-1000s to its growing fleet reaffirms the aircraft’s standing as the benchmark for long-haul operations. With its advanced design and fuel-efficient performance, the A350-1000 Long Range Leader enables airlines to optimise routes while reducing environmental impact,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with STARLUX Airlines as they expand their global footprint and connect more destinations with efficiency and comfort.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

The A350 Family has received more than 1,390 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 650 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Acron Aviation Signs Simulator Development MOU with China Southern Sci-Tech

Global – Acron Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Southern Sci-Tech during the International Paris Air Show, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at developing and deploying full flight simulators in China.

The strategic collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing simulator training capabilities in the region and further deepening technological collaboration between the two organizations.

Source: Acron Aviation

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Acron Aviation and All Nippon Airways Sign Contract for Another Boeing 787 Full Flight Simulator

Japan –Acron Aviation, a leading global provider of pilot training systems, has announced a major Full Flight Simulator (FFS) agreement with All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA), marking the company’s first FFS contract since its rebrand from L3Harris to Acron Aviation on March 31, 2025.

  • This latest contract brings ANA’s total Boeing 787 FFS units to six, reaffirming the airline’s long-term commitment to maintaining advanced widebody training infrastructure at ANA Blue Base in Tokyo.

  • The device selected is the Reality7e Boeing 787 FFS, a next-generation training system designed to meet the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) regulatory approval and global pilot training standards.

  • The new simulator is expected to enter service in the second half of 2026, further scaling ANA’s ability to meet rising pilot training demand amid growing fleet operations.

Statements

  • “We are delighted to secure our first Full Flight Simulator as Acron Aviation with ANA, a world-leading airline,” said Alan Crawford, CEO of Acron Aviation. “It plays into our company vision to become the top-tier partner of choice for airlines and builds on our long-term collaboration with ANA that dates back to the 1980s.”

  • “We are very proud that a globally renowned airline such as ANA has signed an agreement for a sixth 787 Full Flight Simulator,” added Ben Swann, SVP & GM Training Systems, Acron Aviation. “It highlights the confidence they have in our systems, people, and quality.”

All Nippon Airways – ranked among the world’s top 15 airlines by annual revenue – has partnered with Acron Aviation for its training solutions, including simulator devices and pilot training, since the 1980s.

Source: Acron Aviation
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation

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Aircraft Manufacturer Embraer Forecasts Demand for 10,500 Regional Aircraft by 2044

  • Embraer expects demand for 10,500 sub-150-seat jets and turboprops within the next 20 years for the market in general
  • Value of new orders US$680 billion
  • China will lead annual RPK growth
  • North America will lead jet aircraft deliveries

Global –Embraer has published Market Outlook 2025, its annual 20-year forecast for commercial aircraft deliveries in the sub-150-seat category.

Market Outlook 2025 estimates 10,500 orders for new jets and turboprops through 2044. It also presents analyses of global influences and trends in seven world regions that impact the demand for new aircraft. Because of its growing prominence in commercial aviation, statistics for China are detailed separately in this year’s Market Outlook for the first time.

The document also analyzes demand for cargo aircraft, including a forecast for passenger-to-freighter conversions.

The overall forecast for the number of new sub-150-seat aircraft remains almost unchanged from Embraer’s previous estimate. Arjan Meijer, Embraer President and CEO of Commercial Aviation, attributes the consistency of the estimate to the longevity of social, supply chain, and geopolitical trends Embraer identified during the pandemic.

“Five years after the onset of the pandemic, many of the structural changes it triggered have proven to be quite long lasting. In our first post-pandemic Market Outlook, we highlighted the transition from globalization to a more polarized geopolitical outlook. Today, as countries and regions pursue greater strategic autonomy, the demand for regional access will continue to grow. We believe mixed fleets that combine small and large narrowbody aircraft are essential for that long-term growth. They provide the versatility needed to better match capacity with demand, expand networks, and support national and regional development goals.”

Highlights of the 20-Year Commercial Market Outlook – By the Numbers

World passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) is forecast to grow 3.9% annually through 2044. China will lead among seven global regions.

Annual RPK regional growth rate – ranked

  • 5.7% China
  • 4.7% Latin America
  • 4.4% Africa
  • 4.4% Middle East
  • 4.1% Asia Pacific
  • 3.1% Europe & CIS
  • 2.4% North America

RPK share by the end of 2044

  • 39% Asia Pacific
  • 37% Europe + North America

Global demand for new aircraft up to 150 seats 10,500 units

  • 8,720 jets
  • 1,780 turboprops

Market value of all new aircraft USD 680 billion

Jet deliveries – 8,720 (% share) – by region

  • 2,680 North America (30.7%)
  • 1,990 Europe & CIS (22.8%)
  • 1,500 China (17.2%)
  • 1,050 Asia Pacific (12.1%)
  • 770 Latin America (8.8%)
  • 380 Africa (4.4%)
  • 350 Middle East (4.0%)

Turboprop deliveries – 1,780 (% share) – by region 640 Asia Pacific (36.0%)

  • 280 North America (15.7%)
  • 260 Europe & CIS (14.6%)
  • 220 Africa (12.4%)
  • 200 China (11.2%)
  • 160 Latin America (9.0%)
  • 20 Middle East (1.1%)

Download the complete Embraer 2025 Market Outlook here.

Source: Embraer

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Boeing CMO 2025 Forecasts 43,600 Aircraft Deliveries Through 2044, Led by Emerging Markets

Global – Boeing has released its 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), forecasting demand for 43,600 new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years, fueled by passenger traffic growth of 4.2% annually and rapid fleet expansion in emerging markets. The projection was released ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025.

  • The forecast expects the global fleet to nearly double to 49,600 aircraft by 2044, with emerging markets accounting for over 50% of that fleet, up from 40% in 2024.

  • The report highlights a major replacement cycle: nearly half of new deliveries (~21,000 aircraft) will replace aging models, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability.

  • Boeing anticipates aircraft supply to catch up with demand by the end of the decade, giving airlines the capacity to renew and grow fleets more aggressively.

Aircraft demand by category (2025–2044):

  • Single-aisle: 33,285

  • Widebody: 7,815

  • Regional jets: 1,545

  • Freighters: 955

  • Total: 43,600

Key Trends:

  • Single-aisle aircraft will comprise 72% of the global fleet by 2044, up from 66% today, driven by low-cost carriers and short-haul growth in emerging markets.

  • The global widebody fleet will grow to 8,320 aircraft, with long-haul expansion increasingly led by carriers in developing regions.

  • Freighter fleet capacity is expected to grow by nearly two-thirds, requiring 2,900 new and converted freighters, driven by express cargo and supply chain diversification.

  • Airline networks now serve 30% more city pairs than a decade ago, offering more point-to-point connectivity.

Statement’s:

  • “Passenger air traffic has tripled and the global fleet has more than doubled since the start of the century,” said Brad McMullen, SVP of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Boeing. “We see strong demand for new airplanes with commercial aviation returning to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory.”

Find the complete CMO here.

Source: Boeing

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Japan’s ANA Holdings Places Finalises Order for 27 A321neo and A321XLR Aircraft

Japan & France– ANA Holdings has finalised an agreement by signing a firm order with Airbus for 24 single-aisle A321neo and three A321XLR.

The order was announced at the Paris Air Show 2025 during a signing ceremony with Koji Shibata, Representative Director, President and CEO of ANAHD, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The order covers 14 additional A321neo for All Nippon Airways (ANA) as well as 10 A321neo and three A321XLR for its group airline Peach Aviation, to upgrade the group’s current fleet.

Peach Aviation will become the first Japanese airline to operate the A321XLR, which has the longest range of any single aisle aircraft, flying up to 4,700nm / 8,700 km non-stop.

“We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A321neo and first A321XLR into our group airlines. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our relationship,” said Koji Shibata. “We will accelerate the introduction of state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions.”

“From its first order in 1987 to an order book now approaching 100 aircraft, ANA has been a long-standing customer for the A320 Family. The exciting addition of the A321XLR for Peach Aviation further underscores ANA’s innovative spirit and trust in the A320 Family’s unrivaled capabilities,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We are committed to providing our full support to ANA and Peach Aviation as their growing fleet is deployed on more routes across their networks.”

ANA operates 33 A320 Family while Peach Aviation operates 36 A320 Family.

The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airline’s fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. This is all while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft. The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes.

To date more than 7,000 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe

Source: Airbus

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Simaero Achieves 2025 Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia Certification for its A320 FFS in Changsha

Changsha, China – Simaero, global provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators, announces that its A320ceo/neo full-flight simulator (FFS) at the Changsha Training Center has received official certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). This new certification complements the simulator’s existing approvals from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), reinforcing Simaero’s commitment to global standards and expanding its reach across Southeast Asia.

Greater Accessibility and Value for Malaysian Airlines

The A320 ceo/neo simulator, manufactured by China Simulation Sciences Co., Ltd. (CSS), is the first in the region to receive triple certification from the CAAC, EASA, and CAAM. With CAAM approval, Malaysian pilots can now complete their full A320 type rating and recurrent training at Simaero’s modern training facility in Changsha. This development allows Malaysian airlines to take full advantage of Simaero’s training expertise — now in both France and China — to support their pilot development needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

Strengthening Changsha’s Role as a Regional Training Hub

One year after the launch of the Changsha Training Center, the addition of CAAM certification represents a major step forward in Simaero’s strategic vision to position Changsha as a leading hub for pilot training in China and Southeast Asia. With a focus on high-quality, flexible training solutions, the center is equipped to meet the rising demand for skilled pilots across the Asia-Pacific region, further establishing Simaero as a trusted training partner for airlines and aviation professionals throughout the subcontinent.

About SIMAERO
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. We promise to be a straightforward and continual presence in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centers strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer.

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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