US Air Transport Assn. on Friday projected that US airlines will post a collective $3.5-$4.5 billion net profit in 2008, which would mark the US industry's third consecutive profitable year (excluding bankruptcy restructuring-related losses in 2006), a feat not achieved since 1998-2000.

China's two principal state-owned aircraft makers, AVIC I and AVIC II, are planning to restructure in order to pave the way for the realization of the country's ambition to manufacture and market a "jumbo" commercial aircraft.

Boeing smashed its previous commercial aircraft sales record in 2007, with 80 customers placing orders net of cancellations for 1,413 aircraft. The manufacturer topped the 1,000-order mark for the third consecutive year after posting 1,005 orders in 2005 and 1,044 in 2006. It set sales records for the 787 and 737 while the 747, 777 and 767 programs also passed order milestones. The 2007 orders take Boeing's backlog to more than 3,400.

Bombardier said Libyan Airlines exercised two CRJ900 NextGen options from an order placed in June (ATWOnline, June 18, 2007). The three firm aircraft from the original order already have been delivered and the two new aircraft are worth $76 million at list prices, the manufacturer said. They will be configured with seven business class seats and 68 in economy.

Rolls-Royce said Air Astana selected the Trent 1000 for its initial three 787-8s plus an additional three aircraft for which it holds purchase rights. Firm engine orders are worth $90 million at list prices and are scheduled for a 2016 delivery.