CFM International completed a 63-hr. flight test program on its CFM56-5B/CFM56-7B Tech Insertion package, paving the way for certification in June and EIS in 2007 on the A320/737NG. The program incorporates technologies developed and validated as part of Project TECH56 and includes improvements to the high-pressure compressor, combustor and high- and low-pressure turbines. According to CFMI, the package will provide operators with longer time on wing, about 5% lower maintenance costs, 15%-20% lower NOx emissions and better fuel burn.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes may not surpass the 1,002 jets sold in 2005, but it already is off to a fast start compared to last year. According to the Boeing website, the company received gross orders for 39 aircraft from seven customers in January, all of which were for 737s. By comparison, it booked orders for 20 aircraft--also all 737s--in the first month of 2005.

Japan Air Commuter converted an option for a Q400 turboprop to a firm order, bringing the total to 10 firm orders by JAC, the largest Regional airline in the Japan Airlines Group. Also, JAL signed a deal to acquire a CRJ200 to be operated by its wholly owned subsidiary J-AIR, which flies eight of the 50-seat aircraft.

Etihad Airways took delivery of its first 777-300ER last week.

Boeing said yesterday that its 777-200LR received FAA and EASA certification. First delivery is to Pakistan International Airlines later this month. Two 777-200LR test airplanes completed 886 flight hr. on 328 flights. With a maximum range of 9,420 nm. (17,446 km.), the Worldliner, as Boeing has dubbed it, has taken the title of the world's longest-range commercial airplane away from the A340-500. To emphasize the jet's long legs, Boeing flew a test aircraft to a new world record last November, traveling from Hong Kong to London on an eastbound routing. The 11,664-nm.