Boeing is pressing forward with the 787 flight test program and believes first delivery to ANA by the end of November is feasible. The manufacturer expects to obtain Type Inspection Authorization for the 787 this week after passing flutter and structural wing bending tests. TIA will formally kick off the FAA certification process.

Ameco Beijing redelivered a 767 to Bangladesh GMG Airlines March 20 after providing line maintenance and continuous airworthiness engineering services. Ameco Beijing said this was the first time it provided third-party engineering services not involving airframe maintenance.

AWAS delivered one A320-200 to Strategic Airlines for use on Australian domestic and international routes.

CFM International said the firm CFM56-7B engine order placed by Virgin Blue Group in conjunction with its firm order for 50 737-800s finalized last week is valued at $700 million. The Australian carrier is expected to begin taking delivery of the new aircraft in June 2011 (ATWOnline, April 2) and CFM said all of the engines will be of the CFM56-7BE variant (ATWOnline, March 8).

Air Berlin phased out its remaining Boeing long-haul aircraft, one 767-300ER and two 757-200ERs, which were operated by Swiss subsidiary Belair. The group now uses 13 A330-200s/300s on its long-haul network. It has 15 787s on firm order. Oman Air added its fourth A330, a -300, to its fleet on April 1.