Baltia Air Lines, a New York JFK-based startup, announced a power-by-the-hr. engine lease agreement with Logistic Air.

Despite all the advances in airframe durability and engine reliability over the past 50 years that have helped to make air travel the safest form of transportation the world has ever known, one thing has not changed: Bad weather is a threat to be avoided, not confronted. Fortunately, airlines have a weapon in their arsenal that gives them a huge advantage in the never-ending war of wits with Mother Nature--highly advanced weather radar systems.

The airline industry heads into the Singapore Air Show definitely not in a buying mood.

Boeing said the first stall tests on the 787 went "very well and there were no surprises," according to Chief Pilot Mike Carriker.

Airbus announced a 5.8% increase in the list price of all its aircraft retroactive to Jan. 1. "We have tried to keep prices down for as long as we can. However, even with record aircraft deliveries and impressive orders in recent years, the continuing strength of the euro against the US dollar and the ongoing financial challenges ahead have forced us to take action," COO-Customers John Leahy said. Airbus said it was its first price hike in two years. Increased cost of materials and commodities also factored into the decision.