Gol yesterday detailed its fleet plan for Varig in conjunction with its first-quarter earnings release (see story above). It said the Varig fleet, which will continue to operate independently of the new parent company, will comprise 14 737-300s and two 767-300ERs at the end of the current quarter. By year end Varig will operate nine 737-300s, five 737-800s and eight 767-300ERs. The 737-300s will be phased out by 2009, when Varig is scheduled to fly eight 737-700s, nine 737-800s and 16 767-300ERs. By 2012 it will operate 14, 15 and 22 of the respective types.

The mystery surrounding the identity of the purchaser of the 30 787s placed on Boeing's website last week has deepened. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported this week that a Boeing source indicated the order was from a non-US customer. However, other sources at Boeing told ATWOnline that may not be the case (ATWOnline, April 16).

CIT Aerospace ordered five 737-700s valued at approximately $295 million at list price, bringing its firm 737 backlog to 10. It also has five 787s on order. It previously has taken delivery of 31 737NGs.

AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Co. revealed its ambition to explore the US as a potential market for its ARJ21 regional jet, with VP Chen Jin noting that a new FAA office in Shanghai, established last month, will help CAAC to conduct airworthiness certification of the aircraft this October.

Claiming it "is assuming again the leadership in fleet modernization," Lufthansa yesterday announced a commitment for 15 CRJ900s and took over commitments for 30 Embraer regional jets from Swiss International Air Lines, now an LH subsidiary.