Cathay Pacific Airways, which generates about 30% of its revenue from cargo activities, is evaluating its future freighter fleet and is studying the 747-8F, 777F and A380 freighter. "We are looking at them but we may not make a decision this year, because we are very well served with our strategy not to order [new] aircraft too early," COO Tony Tyler told ATWOnline in Hong Kong. He joked that the airline might make an exception "if Boeing gives us a killer offer."

Hapagfly took delivery of three 737-800s Friday. The aircraft, along with an additional dash 800 delivered the previous week, are part of an order for 10 placed by parent TUI Group in late 2004 and will replace A310s.

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.