Alaska Airlines will transition to an all-737 fleet by the end of 2008 by accelerating the retirement of the 26 MD-80s it planned to phase out over the next 11 years, replacing them with 39 737-800s in 2006-08 from an order placed last summer (ATWOnline, June 16, 2005).

Finnair announced the beginning of its transition to the "Airbus era" with the signing of an MOU with Virgin Atlantic Airways for acquisition of an A340-300. The aircraft will enter Finnair service in July. It ordered nine A350-900s and three A340-300Es late last year (ATWOnline, Dec. 8, 2005).

Emirates President Tim Clark said the carrier is considering delaying next year's scheduled delivery of a dozen A340-600s and is close to choosing between the 787 and A350-900 for a 50-aircraft order.

Cargolux emerged as the unidentified customer that placed an order for two new 747-400Fs this month. The Luxembourg-based all-cargo airline simultaneously confirmed it canceled the introduction of a used dash 400F scheduled to join its fleet this year, as that aircraft has been sold in the meantime. The new aircraft, valued at $450 million at list prices, will be delivered in summer 2007 and summer 2008 and will fill the gap until delivery of the carrier's 747-8F fleet starting in September 2009.

Pegasus Airlines was identified by Boeing yesterday as the carrier that placed an order for six 737NGs earlier this year. The order is valued at $406.5 million at list prices and includes six options. Deliveries begin in 2008. Pegasus operates a fleet of 14 737s.