El Al will invest $50 million in the purchase of a 14-year-old 747-400 currently leased from Wells Fargo Bank by Singapore Airlines, according to an El Al spokesperson cited by Reuters. SIA will return the aircraft this year and El Al will take delivery before year end.

Singapore Airlines took delivery of its second A380 Friday, but it was news concerning a mishap with its first aircraft that dominated the headlines.

Airbus parent EADS CEO Louis Gallois said there will be only "a small difference" between the European aircraft manufacturer's 2007 orders and those of rival Boeing.

ATR signed an MOU with Lonrho Air for the purchase of eight ATR 72-500s in a deal valued at more than $150 million. Aircraft will be configured with 66 seats (12 in first class) and will be operated by Fly540, a Nairobi-based airline belonging to the Lonrho investment conglomerate. The PW127M-powered planes are scheduled for delivery this year and into 2009. The deal includes a comprehensive support and spares package.

Rolls-Royce said Friday it intends to reduce its managerial, professional and clerical staff by 2,300 positions as part of its "continuing program aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness." The engine-maker said the reductions "focus on overhead and support functions" and that it will "continue to recruit graduates, apprentices and those required directly to deliver growth." It will seek reductions in the UK through voluntary means but said the initiative will extend to the US, Germany and Nordic nations. Rolls employs 39,500 in 50 countries, including 23,300 in the UK.