FLEET - First Beechcraft King Air 360 To Enter Mongolian Market With Order Placed By Hunnu Air

The iconic Beechcraft King Air 360 is making its entry into Mongolia with charter operator Hunnu Air placing the first order for the turboprop aircraft in the country. With delivery expected at the end of 2027, Hunnu Air will use the Beechcraft King Air 360 to enhance its tourism and travel offerings along with VIP commuter services within Mongolia.

“The Beechcraft King Air 360 builds on decades of proven capability, offering the mission flexibility operators need across commercial, special mission and regional operations,” said Textron Aviation’s Mike Shih, vice president, Strategy & Sales. “This addition enhances Hunnu Air’s ability to reach more destinations and meet the growing needs of travelers across Mongolia.”

The addition of the King Air 360 complements Hunnu Air’s recent orders, which include two passenger variants of the Cessna SkyCourier—the first SkyCourier aircraft in Mongolia—as well as a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX. These aircraft join Hunnu Air’s existing fleet of Grand Caravan EX aircraft. 

ROUTES / FLEET - Hunnu Air mulls A321LRs, A330s for Europe push

Hunnu Air (MR, Ulaanbaatar) is considering leasing two A321-200NX(LR)s and two A330-200s to pave the way for a planned expansion into Europe, commercial director Turbold Tserenkhuu said at Routes Asia 2026, as cited by Aviation Week.

The A321LRs are targeted for delivery from late 2027, although delays could push their arrival into the first quarter of 2028. The A330-200s are also slated to enter service in the first quarter of 2028.

The additional aircraft would enable new routes to Berlin Brandenburg and Budapest. The airline is also evaluating adding an A330-200(P2F) around 2028 to potentially branch out into dedicated freighter services.

However, Tserenkhuu told ch-aviation that no final decisions had been made regarding any leases. He stressed that any fleet additions would depend on market demand, financial sustainability, and broader strategic priorities.

In an exclusive February 2026 interview, Tserenkhuu said the airline was studying the addition of two narrowbodies, most likely A320-200s, in late 2027 or early 2028, requiring at least 180 seats to upgauge from its E190-E2s.

He also reiterated plans to pursue wet-lease partnerships to manage seasonal demand, while the airline works towards obtaining IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

According to ch-aviation data, the Mongolian carrier operates two E190s and two E190-E2s, alongside Cessna (single turboprop) C208s used mainly for domestic charters. It connects its main Ulaanbaatar hub to nine destinations, including Almaty International, Beijing Daxing International, and Tokyo Haneda.

 CH Aviation / Photos: Hunnu air

FLEET - FIRST CESSNA SKYCOURIER IN MONGOLIA TO JOIN HUNNU AIR FLEET, ENHANCING OPERATIONS IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

First Cessna SkyCourier order in Mongolia

WICHITA, Kan. (August 11, 2025) — The Cessna SkyCourier is making its entry into Mongolia with charter operator Hunnu Air placing the first order for the versatile twin-engine turboprop aircraft in the country. Hunnu Air will use the Cessna SkyCourier to enhance domestic tourism and cargo operations within Mongolia. The order includes two passenger variants of the Cessna SkyCourier aircraft and one Cessna Grand Caravan EX, with deliveries of their new aircraft expected to begin in 2026.

The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and produced by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

"Designed for versatility and performance, the Cessna SkyCourier is a strong fit to support Hunnu Air’s services across Mongolia,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “The increasing global popularity of the aircraft underscores its exceptional adaptability in supporting air freight, charter and special missions use cases, showcasing its broad appeal across diverse operational sectors.”

Since 2011, Hunnu Air has served as a pivotal player in the Mongolian aviation sector, demonstrating a robust commitment to expand both domestic and international air travel. As the second-largest airline in Mongolia, Hunnu Air has carved a niche for itself by offering reliable and efficient air transport solutions to its passengers.

With its exceptional performance, reliability and capacity, the SkyCourier is well-suited for VIP operations across Mongolia’s vast and diverse landscapes, providing greater accessibility to remote and scenic destinations. This strategic investment underscores Hunnu Air’s commitment to expanding air travel options and supporting Mongolia’s growing tourism sector.

Textron Aviation recently celebrated the first Canadian delivery of the twin-engine, high-wing turboprop to Air Bravo Corporation, as well as the achievement of certification for the Combi configuration from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil and first delivery into South America.

Textron Aviation 

ROUTES - Hunnu Air Celebrates Launch of Embraer E2 Services Between Mongolia and China

Beijing, China, May 11, 2025 – Hunnu Air has launched scheduled services with Embraer’s E195-E2 aircraft in Mongolia – the inaugural E2 flight from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport, also marked the first time the E2 has operated on a scheduled route into mainland China. Today, Hunnu Air, Embraer and Beijing Daxing Airport jointly hosted a ceremony to mark the smooth inauguration of this route, strengthening connectivity between the aviation hubs of Mongolia and China, and fostering closer economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

The flight was operated by the first of two new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft delivered to Hunnu Air in April. The airline plans to deploy its E195-E2 aircraft to increase capacity to Haikou, Sanya, Phu Quoc, expanding services to Japan, China, Vietnam, India, South Korea, and to introduce scheduled flights to Tashkent. Hunnu Air’s E195-E2 is configured in a comfortable dual class layout with 136 seats in Embraer’s signature two by two seating; meaning no passenger has to suffer the dreaded middle seat.

“The launch of this route with our new E195-E2 aircraft reflects Hunnu Air’s determination to expand our international network and symbolizes the deepening friendship and collaboration between Mongolia and China in this new era,” said Munkhjargal Purevjal, CEO of Hunnu Air. “Since 2019, we have operated first-generation E190 aircraft, and the introduction of the E195-E2 serves as the perfect upgrade to meet growing domestic and international travel demands. We expect that E2 will become a backbone of our long-term growth, enabling us to deliver unparalleled connectivity across the region.”

“Today, we take immense pride in the launch of this route with Hunnu Air’s new E195-E2, the first E2 jet to operate at mainland China. The deployment of the E195-E2 on this key route underscores the depth of our partnership with Hunnu Air and our shared responsibility to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. We stand firmly with Hunnu Air to support the success of this critical corridor,” said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The rightsized E2 will enable Hunnu Air to profitably grow, unlocking the huge potential of Mongolia and strengthening a growing Asia network.”

Embraer has been committed to Mongolia’s aviation market for several years, establishing long-standing partnership with Mongolian airlines in advancing the nation’s aviation capabilities. The first Embraer aircraft – an ERJ 145 entered service in Mongolia in 2018.

Embraer’s E-Jets programme is one of the most successful commercial jets in the industry. Collectively, the E-Jets and E-Jets E2 are operated by more than 80 airlines across 50 countries with more than 1,800 units delivered.

Embraer

 

 

FLEET - Azorra Delivers Mongolia’s First Embraer E195-E2 , EI-HUN to Hunnu Air

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – April 17, 2025 – Azorra has delivered the first of two new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to Hunnu Air, marking a new partnership for the lessor and the first E2 to operate in Mongolia.

The E195-E2 delivered from Azorra’s firm orderbook with Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3) will support Hunnu Air as it grows its fleet and expands its route network to key destinations across Asia-Pacific, offering greater capacity and longer-range capability.

 John Evans, CEO and Founder, Azorra, says: “We are thrilled to deliver Mongolia's first new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to our valued partners at Hunnu Air. This is a significant step in the growth of Hunnu Air and a major milestone for the future of aviation in Mongolia. This delivery also reinforces our strong partnership with Embraer. The E195-E2 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that is optimally designed to reduce operating costs and improve efficiencies in existing markets, while facilitating the exploration and development of new markets. As demand for these jets surges across the Asia-Pacific region, we are excited to continue providing our airline partners with innovative fleet solutions.”

 Munkhjargal Purevjal, CEO, Hunnu Air, says: “We’ve been an E190 operator since 2019 and the E195-E2 is the perfect extension as we meet growing demand for air travel across Mongolia and beyond. These new generation aircraft will allow us to increase capacity to Haikou, Sanya, and Phu Quoc, expand services to Japan, China, Vietnam, India and South Korea, and introduce scheduled flights to Tashkent. We’re thankful for the support of Azorra and Embraer as the E2 will be integral to our long-term growth.”

 Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “The entry of the E195-E2 into Mongolia is a key development for the region’s aviation landscape. The aircraft’s advanced technology, low noise levels, unbeatable efficiency, and unparalleled passenger comfort make it the ideal choice for airlines looking to grow strategically while optimizing operational costs. We look forward to supporting Hunnu Air’s strategic growth and thank Hunnu Air for their continued partnership and our leasing partner Azorra for their continued collaboration, combining again with Embraer.”

 Azorra continues to work with Embraer to strengthen the E2’s presence in Asia, having previously delivered the region’s first E2 aircraft to Scoot in April 2024. The addition of Hunnu Air to Azorra’s expanding network of airline customers highlights the increasing demand for fuel-efficient, comfortable, new generation aircraft in the region. 

EMBRAER

Photo: Alejandro Hernández León
Gran Canaria-Las Palmas-Gando-LPA-GCLP-Spain,

Mongolia's Hunnu Air to use A330s to increase European coverage

Hunnu Air has held talks with Airbus Industrie regarding the purchase of an undisclosed number of A330-200s for use in developing its long-haul network.

The first of the aircraft is due for delivery in early 2015.

Hunnu Air to Launch Long-Haul Link to Paris

Routesonline  - Mongolian carrier Hunnu Air has announced plans to launch a limited schedule of flights between Ulaan Bataar and the French capital, Paris, between June and August this year. This will be the first long-haul service for the company, formerly known as Mongolian Airlines, and will be likely operated using a leased Airbus A330-200.

Hunnu Air launched operations in February 2012 and until now has mainly focused on serving the domestic Mongolian market. It currently offers internal flights to Altai, Bayankhongor, Choibalsan, Dalanzadgad, Donoi, Hailar, Hovd and Murun using three Fokker 50s and had a 42.7 per cent share of the seat capacity in the domestic market last year, up from 28.9 per cent on 2012, overtaking Eznis Airways as the country’s largest domestic carrier.


nternational operations commenced in June 2012 with the launch of flights between Ulaan Bataar and Hong Kong and subsequently scheduled operations have been introduced to Bangkok (from June 2013) and Shanghai (from February 2013 , although this route was closed in October 2013). Hunnu Air also offers seasonal charter flights to several Japanese cities and destinations in Russia and this year added a link to Manzhouli, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The international routes are all served by two Airbus A319s configured in a two-class arrangement with 12 Business Class and 108 Economy seats.
The airline’s long-haul plans are not new as it confirmed at the International French Travel Market (IFTM) in Paris that the French capital would be its first long-haul destination. The opening of reservations this week follows the award of the relevant permissions and clearances to serve this market.

According to schedules, Hunnu Air will offer a twice weekly service (every Monday and Friday) between June 9, 2014 and August 29, 2014. The Amadeus GDS currently lists that this 11 hour service will be operated on a non-stop basis using an A319, but this error is likely to be corrected once the carrier formalises the anticipated lease of a single A330-200. The aircraft is also expected to be used to launch a new link to Singapore later this year or in early 2015.

This will be the sole non-stop service between Ulaan Bataar and France and only the second European market to be served directly from Mongolia after Germany, which has been linked to Ulaan Bataar by the flights of MIAT - Mongolian Airlines from Berlin and Frankfurt. According to MIDT data, an estimated 134,000 bi-directional O&D passengers flew between Europe and Mongolia in 2013: approximately 14,000 of these passengers (10.8 per cent) flew from or to destinations in France.

In the analysis below we look in greater detail at the O&D demand between Mongolia and Europe, highlighting the largest markets across the Continent for inbound and outbound visitors from Mongolia last year. This is dominated by the German and Russian markets, although alongside France there is also a notable demand from the UK, which could potentially be a future destination for a Mongolian carrier.

Mongolian Airlines to become Hunnu Air; to seek Skyteam membership

Mongolian Airlines is set to change its name to Hunnu Air and will apply for Skyteam membership following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Eastern Airlines which will see the Chinese carrier aide Hunnu Air in bringing its service delivery and corporate culture up to international standards. Under the MoU's provisions, China Eastern will provide catering, ground support and maintenance service for Hunnu Air at Shanghai Pudong as well as providing comprehensive crew training. In return, Hunnu Air stands to gain a codeshare deal on a possible Shanghai Pudong to Ulaanbaatarroute but this, however, is dependent on it passing its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). Additionally, Hunnu Air will provide ticket sales for China Eastern in Mongolia, while China Eastern will help Hunnu Air gain market presence in China. Mongolian Airlines Group mentioned the similarity of its current brand name as the key reason for adjusting its name to Hunnu Air.