Embattled Independence Air received another blow yesterday when US FAA proposed to fine parent Atlantic Coast Airlines $1.5 million for maintenance violations including operating an aircraft for approximately 455 flights beyond a required C check in the fall of 2004. FAA also alleged that the carrier operated several aircraft on more than 7,400 flights last year without replacing expired emergency locator transmitter batteries and several more aircraft on more than 3,600 flights without performing required inspections and tests on a variety of systems and components.

Air Europa finalized an agreement for the purchase of 18 737-800s announced at last month's Paris Air Show. The order is valued at approximately $1.2 billion at list prices, Boeing said. Deliveries begin in 2007 with three new airplanes to be delivered annually. SkyEurope finalized its previously announced order for four 737-700s worth $220 million at list prices. The order includes purchase rights for up to 16 additional airplanes. The carrier also will lease 12 737s from GE Commercial Aviation Services. All 16 will be equipped with winglets.

British Airways launched a review of its long-haul options primarily for the replacement of its 767 fleet and supplemental aircraft for its 777 fleet. It also is considering the 747ADV but wants to see the A380 in airline service before deciding. CEO Rod Eddington, who will retire on Sept. 30, earlier told ATWOnline that he studied the 777-300ER as an ideal 747-400 replacement. Responding to questions from the Financial Times at BA's annual shareholders meeting, Chairman Martin Broughton added that the airline also is looking at the 777-200LR.

Boeing officially launched the 737-900ER--formerly the 737-900X--on the strength of an order for up to 60 worth $3.9 billion from Lion Air of Indonesia. The order includes 30 firm plus purchase rights for 30 more. Deliveries begin in the first half of 2007. Lion Air had been expected to announce an order for 737-700s/-800s last spring (ATWOnline, May 27).

Airbus unveiled its new management structure under President and CEO Gustav Humbert yesterday as the organization disclosed that Executive VP-Operations Gerard Blanc decided to leave the company. Reportedly, Blanc had hoped to succeed Noel Forgeard at the top of the entity. Succeeding Blanc is Karl-Heinz Hartmann, formerly executive VP and head of Airbus's center of excellence. Charles Champion was appointed COO but will retain his role as head of the A380 program. He becomes No. 2 under Humbert and deputy to the CEO. CCO John Leahy was appointed COO-customers.