Telair International was selected by Boeing to design and manufacture the cargo handling system for the 747 Large Cargo Freighter, the specially modified 747-400 that will transport major assemblies for the 787. According to Boeing, the system's design features "intelligent" power drive units networked through a control system that allows them to communicate with one another. This enables safe and nonlabor-intensive loading and unloading of the aircraft as well as simplifying system maintenance.

Bulgarian Air Charter increased its MD-80 fleet

Kingfisher Airlines signed a five-year contract with SITA INC for VHF AIRCOM data link services. According to the airline, SITA was selected because of its ability to provide nationwide VHF data communications coverage. SITA has four VHF ground stations operational at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Calcutta with two more being installed at Port Blair and Trivandrum. SITA INC is now in the process of installing VHF stations at 17 new sites in India as well as upgrading existing sites.

Volga-Dnepr Group signed a 15-year financial agreement with Ilyushin Finance Corp. to become launch customer for the IL-96-400T with an order for two of the freighters. The first is due to be delivered in late 2006. The IL-96-400T will have a cargo capacity of 92 tonnes and a range of 5,000 km. It will be powered by four PC-90A1 engines. It will be used by AirBridge Cargo, Volga-Dnepr's scheduled cargo airline, to enhance its expanding network. The contract was signed by Volga-Dnepr Group President Alexey Isaikin and IFC General Director Alexander Rubtsov.

Donbassaero is leasing an A320. It is the Ukrainian carrier's first Western-built aircraft.