Avic General Aircraft hopes to begin production next year of two new models—one a jet and one piston engine—as part of a broad push by Chinese manufacturers into the business aviation market. Separately, the Chinese company has launched a four-engine amphibious aircraft, evidently an extensive update of the SH-5 flying boat developed and built in small quantities from the 1960s to 1980s.

Japanese Transport Minister Seiji Maehara is refusing immediate approval for a Japan Airlines’ request for government funding, complaining that the carrier’s business improvement plan is inadequate. The minister has limited his own options, however, by saying the government will not consider bankruptcy or a break-up of JAL. Maehara wants the airline to “work to the bone” to reform itself enough to satisfy financial investors.

BEIJING — A heavy helicopter that China’s Avicopter proposes to develop with Russia’s Oboronprom would go into service in five to 10 years, according to Avicopter Vice President Xia Qunlin. The aircraft would weigh more than 20 tons, Xia says. Russian reports suggest the proposed weight is about 30 tons. An agreement to build the helicopter has not been finalized. The division of work on the aircraft also is undetermined.