FlightGlobal Focus

Balance of power: Weighing engine concepts for the next-gen narrowbody

When Airbus and Boeing commit to new single-aisle designs to replace their ubiquitous narrowbodies, the most anticipated decision will be the choice of propulsion.Engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney and CFM International are focusing on separate strategies, pitching the conventional and conservative ducted fan against the radical open rotor.Each concept has its supporters and detractors. Each holds appeal and carries risk.FlightGlobal's Americas aerospace editor Jon Hemmerdinger joins air transport editor David Kaminski-Morrow to discuss a power struggle which will potentially reshape the engine sector and the broader aerospace industry.

The Twists and Turns of India's Many Fighter Modernisation Efforts

Of all the head scratching military procurement programmes across the world, few are more confounding than India's haphazard efforts at fighter aircraft modernisation.Cancelled development efforts, shifting requirements, and struggling attempts at domestic production have all combined to stymie several attempts at modernising the Indian air force.The geopolitical pressure is on, following last year's air battle between India and Pakistan, and New Delhi is once again attempting to recapitalise its fleet — both with new Rafale fighters from Dassault and another crack at domestic aircraft production.FlightGlobal's managing editor for defence Greg Waldron joins Ryan Finnerty to discuss what's in store for India's latest attempt at a tactical revamp.

Japan’s airlines grapple with tricky demographic trends

FlightGlobal’s airlines team take a look at the impact a rapidlyageing population in Japan is having on carriers such as ANA and JapanAirlines.Touching on topics such as networks and fleets, they also considerhow trends differ – sometimes in favour of airline growth – in other markets.

Chinese aircraft take centre stage at the Singapore airshow

In this special episode of FlightGlobal Focus, we give you a brief summary of everything that happened at the 2026 Singapore airshow, which took place in the island city-state last week.China took centre stage at the show, with major appearances by the country's military and commercial aircraft. Highlights included flying displays by Chinese-made J-10C fighters and the new C919 passenger jet.A model of China's new J-35A stealth was also on display, generating significant interest among several military delegations.Asia airlines reporter Alfred Chua recaps all that, plus a review of new orders placed at the Singapore air show.

What to expect at the Singapore airshow and World Defense Show

With 2026 now in full-swing, FlightGlobal's defence editorial team is crisscrossing the globe to report from some the world's most important military trade shows and exhibitions, where international deals are made and leading manufacturers debut their latest hardware.In February we'll be attending the biannual Singapore airshow and the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia, at a time when regional powers in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East are all expanding their defence capabilities. Flight's Asia defence editor Greg Waldron gives a preview of what to expect in Singapore, and some helpful tips for navigating southeast Asia's premier military conference.Meanwhile, our Europe defence editor Craig Hoyle shares his experiences from Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom hopes to continue expanding the World Defense Show in Riyadh.