Asian airlines are deftly handling the environmental debate, taking advantage of the warning signs that came out of Europe a year ago to introduce timely and substantial measures to cut pollution and keep public opinion on their side. While some European carriers were caught flat-footed by the sudden explosion of the environmental debate in that region about a year ago, and found themselves scrambling to avoid punitive government policies, the Asian airline industry hasn’t suffered an outbreak of anti-aviation hysteria.

Japan’s ATD-X Shinshin stealth demonstrator could potentially be developed as a combat aircraft, should Tokyo so choose, thanks to an airframe that appears to have been designed with a production version in mind. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the country’s fighter specialist, is now confirmed as a key player in developing the aircraft. One of the latest official photographs shows a radar cross-section model of the ATD-X being wheeled out of a Mitsubishi plant.

Chinese aircraft maker Avic I will set up an airline to fly its regional airliners, a move evidently designed to build experience in supporting the aircraft and establishing their reputation for reliability. The carrier, Xingfu Airlines, meaning Happy Airlines, will have China Eastern Airlines as a 40% shareholder and will buy Chinese regional aircraft. Avic I will appoint the general manager.