Air Europa finalized its launch order for 10 A350-800s plus two options. The Spanish carrier became the first airline to commit to the aircraft when it signed an MOU with Airbus at the end of 2004 (ATWOnline, Dec. 22, 2004). It also will lease three A350s from GECAS. The A350-800s, scheduled for delivery between 2010 and 2012, will be used for transatlantic service, be powered by GEnx-1As and seat 253 passengers in a two-class configuration.

Qantas took delivery of the first of seven Q400s, which will enter service Feb. 26. The 72-seat turboprop will operate twice-daily service between Brisbane and Mackay replacing a single daily flight currently operated with a 737.

Volga-Dnepr Group said its first new-build IL-76TD-90VD freighter received Chapter 4 noise certification from ICAO. The company has ordered two of the 50-tonne freighters, which are equipped with PS-90a-76 engines and new avionics.

Embraer unveiled a corporate restructuring plan giving voting rights to all shareholders and making it easier to raise capital to fund future development. The plan must be approved by shareholders, who are scheduled to meet March 31. As part of the plan, CEO Mauricio Botelho would relinquish his title in 2007 and become chairman for a three-year period. A successor has not been named, but sources suggested Executive VP Frederico Curado as a possibility. According to Brazilian news reports, Botelho said the company might develop a business jet based on its commercial aircraft program.

Qantas confirmed to ATWOnline last week that its evaluation of the 777-200LR is ongoing despite local media reports indicating it had been shelved. Qantas CFO Peter Gregg told this website that the 777-200LR is "definitely under serious evaluation," although he was coy on the finer details of the operational options under examination.