At Flight Level 350 over Canada's Northwest Territories, Delta Flight 55, a 777-200ER, is bound for Tokyo Narita. All is quiet when the call goes out: "Is there a doctor onboard?" A couple of minutes later, a second announcement, but with added emphasis: "Is there anyone onboard with medical training?"

With the number of regional jets in the world airline fleet now numbering in the thousands, some of them with more than a decade in service, the demand to support them is rising. Surprisingly, few third-party providers have shown much interest in participating in this segment of the maintenance, repair and overhaul market, which still rests largely with the airframe and engine OEMs and the component and system suppliers. Industry analysts suggest this could change as the fleet continues to age and aircraft come out of warranty.

For centuries, explorers and traders have searched the oceans for the strongest winds, like the Southern Ocean's Roaring Forties. Now, with the help of Airservices Australia, several airlines are pursuing those same winds on their routes to Australia, reducing flight times, saving increasingly valuable fuel and lowering emissions. Dubai-based Emirates is one of the first to take advantage of Airservices' latest Flex Track initiative, cutting flight times on a typical journey by 25 min. and saving up to 8,000 kg. of fuel.

Qantas finalized its commitment for up to 115 787s with a firm order for 45 worth $5.8 billion, options for 20 and purchase rights for another 50. The signing ceremony confirming a Dec. 14 announcement was a highlight of celebrations marking inauguration of the airline's Sydney-San Francisco service. The first four 787s will be delivered to Jetstar International in July 2008, with another 28 to follow for Jetstar and Qantas by 2011. Qantas will get its first Dreamliner in mid-2009. The 787s will replace a fleet of A330s and 767s.

CSA Czech Airlines took delivery of a new CFM 56-5B4/P-powered A320 yesterday in Toulouse. It will continue to take delivery of its order for six A320s and six A319s (leased and purchased) through September 2008.