TAME of Ecuador converted two E-190 options. The airline operates two E-170s and a single E-190. The new aircraft will be delivered by year end. "This decision is based on the success achieved by operating this type of airplane, which was first acquired in 2006, that has boosted passenger demand," TAME President Fernando Martinez de la Vega said. Separately, the manufacturer said it is expanding its partnership with CAE to include initial and recurrent pilot training on both the E-170 and E-190 as well as on the Lineage 1000.

Comtran Ltd. said its advanced jet nozzle for MD-80s was certified by EASA as meeting Chapter 4 noise requirements. "It is important for operators to note that this modification not only brings their MD-80 series aircraft into full Chapter 4/Stage 4 compliance but also that [it] can be accomplished in as little as four hours during thrust reverser overhaul," CEO Douglas Jaffe said.

Libyan Airlines ordered three firm CRJ900s plus two options, Bombardier announced. Firm aircraft are worth an estimated $108 million at list prices. "This purchase represents the launching of our fleet renewal program. The CRJ900 aircraft was selected because we believe it is the type of regional jet that can meet the requirement of domestic and regional routes in our network," Libyan Chairman Tarek Arebi said. The carrier currently serves 27 destinations.

Goodrich said Lufthansa is performing in-service evaluation of its laptop docking station electronic flight bags on an A340.

Boeing projected that 28,600 new commercial aircraft valued at $2.8 trillion will be required to meet demand through 2026, an increase of 1,400 aircraft over last year's forecast and 5,900 more than Airbus projected in its most recent guidance. According to Boeing's "Current Market Outlook" released yesterday, the new airplanes will make up 80% of the 36,400 commercial aircraft in service in 2026. Over the 20-year period, the manufacturer predicts 5% average annual growth in passenger traffic and 6.1% in cargo traffic.