Even as airlines are calling on manufacturers to get started on the next-generation of narrow-body jetliners, the first of those projects is already more than a year into development. With propulsion, structural and systems technologies at least a generation ahead of those in the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family, the aircraft should offer a leap in efficiency.

Shanghai Airlines will continue as a separate business with its own brand after China Eastern buys the company, at least initially. Now well into the process of executing the state-directed takeover, China Eastern confirms that neither it nor Shanghai Airlines — both of them unprofitable and both based at Shanghai — will cut staffing in the restructuring. A due diligence check on Shanghai Airlines has begun, and China Eastern Chairman Liu Shaoyong is leading a group of executives negotiating with the target.

Volcanic activity in Russia’s Far East is forcing flight diversions, delays and possibly cancellations. The Sarychev Peak volcano in the Kuril Islands, close to the Japanese island Hokkaido, began belching ash plumes on June 12. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways say some international flights need to be diverted. This is resulting in delays of 30 to 60 minutes. Japan Airlines says the ash has risen 10 km (33,000 ft.). Air Canada says it expects delays or cancellations on flights from Vancouver to Asia.