China’s Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation Industry has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire 30 firm Bombardier Q400 aircraft, as it prepares to launch commercial airline operations in China through an airline to be named Sutong Airlines.

ATR CEO Filippo Bagnato is hoping to finalize plans for a new training center in Asia by year end to meet demand triggered by its growing order book in the region.

Russia’s MetroJet will take delivery of three Airbus A321s before the summer season 2014.

Airberlin expects to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 in 2018.

Kazakhstan-based Air Astana has taken delivery of the last of six new Airbus A320 family aircraft, with the latest aircraft the third to be equipped with sharklet wingtips and in a 16 business-/132 economy-class configuration.

Boeing has selected UK-based leisure carrier TUI Travel as a partner for the next part of its ecoDemonstrator program, which aims to accelerate creation and production of sustainable technologies for aircraft.

Iraqi Airways has firmed a purchase agreement for five Bombardier CS300s plus 11 options.

Belgian leisure carrier Jetairfly has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787.