Royal Jordanian announced, as expected, a firm order yesterday for seven Embraer 195s. Aircraft will be powered by GE CF34-10s and laid out in a 100-seat, two-class configuration. According to an industry source, RJ also took options on an additional eight 195s. The Amman-based carrier will take delivery of three of the aircraft in the final quarter of this year, two in 2007 and two in early 2008. It is purchasing four, while three will be on operating leases from GE Commercial Aviation Services.

General Electric said its GEnx engine for the 787, 747-8 and A350 demonstrated 80,500 lb. of takeoff thrust in its first ground test yesterday at the company's outdoor testing facility in Peebles, Ohio. The GEnx is scheduled to certify at 75,000 lb. in 2007, with service entry on the Dreamliner in 2008. Seven engines will be used in the certification programs. In a statement, GEnx GM Tom Brisken said, "Engine assembly was flawless, and engine testing began three days ahead of schedule.

SkyWest Airlines took delivery of Bombardier's 250th CRJ700 last week in Montreal. It will be SkyWest's first aircraft operated for Delta Connection. It flies 180 CRJs including 57 CRJ700s.

Finnair selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1700 over the GEnx launch engine to power the nine A350-900s it ordered late last year (ATWOnline, Dec. 8, 2005). The carrier also holds four options on the new widebody, which will begin delivering in 2011. The engine deal is worth close to €400 million ($487.4 million) at list prices.

AerCap, a major aircraft lessor and financier based in the Netherlands, said it signed an agreement to acquire Miami-based AeroTurbine for an undisclosed price. AeroTurbine specializes in aftermarket commercial aircraft engine and parts sales and holds an FAA-approved Certified Repair Station license to support its engine leasing and trading activities. It was founded in 1997 by CEO Nick Finazzo and COO Robert Nichols, who will remain in their current positions, according to AerCap.