Avianca Chairman German Efromovich said the company is in the final stages of negotiating a "big" fleet purchase expected to be completed before the end of January. Speaking at ALTA's third annual Latin American Airlines Leaders Forum in Cancun, Efromovich, who also is CEO of Brazil's Synergy Group, said the value of the order excluding options is in the area of $2.5 billion and comprises single- and twin-aisle aircraft. They will be divided between Avianca and OceanAir of Brazil, which both are under the Synergy Aerospace umbrella. He said he was talking to Airbus and Boeing.

British Airways said yesterday that one of the three 767s removed from service following the discovery of traces of a radioactive substance during the UK government's investigation of the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko (ATWOnline, Nov. 30) has been cleared to resume flying. BA said it hopes to have the second aircraft back by this weekend, while the third will fly from Moscow to London Heathrow today to undergo testing.

A380 successfully completed crosswind tests at Keflavik this month, carrying out five takeoffs and six landings in crosswinds measuring 40-56 kt. Type certification requires a minimum 23 kt.

Singapore Airlines took delivery of the first two of 19 777-300ERs and has not ruled out orders for the 777-200LR and possibly the 747-8. The airline accepted the aircraft, which feature a radical cabin upgrade, yesterday in Seattle and will take delivery of another four by Dec. 31.

British Airways said yesterday that three 767s used on short-haul routes have been removed from service indefinitely after the UK government informed the carrier Tuesday night that the aircraft were to be examined as part of the investigation into the highly publicized poisoning death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. BA said initial forensic testing confirmed that low traces of a "radioactive substance" were discovered aboard two of the aircraft.