Nippon Cargo Airlines took delivery of the first of four new 747-400Fs it has on order. The aircraft enters NCA's all-747 fleet that consists of six 747-200Fs, four 747-200 Special Freighter conversions and one 747-100 conversion. The carrier ordered three 747-400Fs in January 2004 and added another order in April 2005.

GE Aircraft Engines expects revenues in 2005 to reach a record $13 billion, up from $12.55 billion in 2004, on stronger commercial engine deliveries, higher utilization that drives its services business and increased activity from military applications. GE said it has invested approximately $1 billion annually in engine R&D since 2001 and that figure will grow to $1.2 billion in 2005.

United Airlines this week introduced 70-seat CRJ700s and Embraer 170s, which are configured with United First and Economy Plus cabins, to eight of its United Express markets. The new fleet, which replaces 50-seat United Express aircraft, is a "direct response to customer demand," United said. From June 7, United Express began to operate the new RJs between Chicago O'Hare and White Plains, Columbia, Portland, Montreal and Ottawa. They also were introduced on flights between Washington Dulles and Portland, Rochester (N.Y.) and Montreal.

AWAS delivered the first of two PW2040-powered 757-200s to startup charter carrier Fischer Air in Poland.

EADS yesterday said it intends to proceed toward the full industrial launch of the A350 program with partner BAe Systems by the end of September. "Following the already public commitments towards the A350 by several airlines, and having reviewed the ones to be announced in the near future, the Board was confirmed in its conviction that this project very appropriately meets the airlines' expectations in the field of mid-size twin aircraft for the next generation," EADS said in a statement.