Identification of in-service issues with the Boeing 737 MAX maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS) flight control law follows a common pattern for newly certified products, and does not signal errors made during the system’s design and risk analysis, FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell told a Senate panel March 27.

China Aviation Supplies Holding Co. (CAS) has signed a general terms agreement (GTA) with Airbus for 290 A320 family aircraft and 10 A350s, in one of the Toulouse-based manufacturer’s biggest narrowbodies deals.

Boeing is confident that sales of its Boeing 777X family, which it views as solid, will move at a steady pace, underscoring airlines’ shifting widebody ordering patterns.

AirAsia X is working with Airbus on details of a potential order for longer-range versions of the A321neo, with discussions covering issues such as configuration, quantity, timing and variant.

FAA does not want to be the first regulator to lift its Boeing 737 MAX operations ban and is working with other agencies to find consensus on joint approval of the model’s return to service, but the agency is prepared to act alone if the authorities cannot agree, sources with knowledge of the agency’s thinking tell ATW.