The Chinese maintenance industry will advance not only in size but also in its technology and management in the coming decade, top executives predict. The major challenge will remain finding skilled labor. With the industry growing so fast and competing for technicians against rapidly expanding airlines, local training is likely to be only a partial solution to the labor demand.

VIETNAM BUYS: Vietnam will buy eight Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighters and six Project 636 submarines from Russia, according to the country’s prime minister and a Russian news report. Prime Minister Ngyuen Tan Dung confirms that his country is buying warplanes and submarines from Russia. Interfax news agency separately identifies the precise equipment and numbers, adding that a further 12 of the Sukhois might be ordered. The submarines, code-named Kilo by NATO, will be delivered at a rate of one a year, Interfax says.

Japan Airlines, seeking to cut corporate pensions, expects to get the necessary consent of two-thirds of its 8,800 retired workers. Struggling to restructure and criticized for paying excessive pensions, the company has surveyed its retirees to test their willingness to accept its proposed 30% cut in pension benefits. The survey found 65% were willing, enough to ensure approval if fewer than 200 of the 1,200 non-responding retirees also accept —although, importantly, they will have to positively do so by returning forms.