BAE Systems on Friday informed the London Stock Exchange that it has "entered into discussions with European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. regarding the sale of its 20% shareholding in Airbus." In the brief statement, the company also said that "discussions are at an early stage." According to the Associated Press, EADS has valued BAE's stake at €3.5 billion ($4.3 billion). BAE Systems' primary contribution to Airbus is design and production of wings.

Air Europa of Spain converted purchase rights for 16 737-800s into firm orders in a deal worth approximately $1 billion at list prices. Deliveries are scheduled between 2010 and 2014. The carrier will use the new aircraft on domestic routes, including to the Balearic and Canary islands, as well as on European and North African routes.

Boeing booked orders for 86 new aircraft in the March 1-March 30 period, according to information on its website. These comprised 34 737s, including 30 from GE Commercial Aviation Services, and 52 787s. Qantas firmed 45 787 commitments announced last year, Kenya Airways took six and an unidentified customer took one. In March 2005, Boeing booked orders for 11 jets, all 737s.

Hamburg International finalized its $170 million order for CFM56-5Bs to power 14 A319s. It will take delivery of the aircraft in 2008-09 and use them on European charter routes and dedicated flights to Africa and the Middle East.

Series of fires aboard CRJ200s resulting in temporary loss of all cockpit EFIS displays on some of the affected aircraft prompted the US National Transportation Safety Board to urge FAA to address the situation. According to NTSB, there have been seven fires aboard CRJ200s, six of them within the past six months. Although none resulted in loss of life, "the potential exists for an uncontained fire to compromise the oxygen line, which could develop into an even more critical situation." All fires have involved the Ultem 2200 surface material of the 1K4XD contactors aboard the aircraft.