[UPDATED] US FAA has issued an airworthiness directive ordering Boeing 787 operators to inspect the aircraft for “improperly assembled” engine fuel feed manifold couplings.

Boeing said the world’s airlines should have access to “reasonable liquidity and pricing” for financing new aircraft deliveries in 2013.

Flight trials were conducted late last month to validate the Airborne Separation Assistance System Spacing (ASPA), a system for aircraft spacing and merging in congested air traffic environments.

Boeing said it has delivered more 737s this year than in any year of the program’s history.

Airbus has completed the main structural assembly and system connection of the A350 XWB first flight-test aircraft.

Norway’s air navigation services provider Avinor has begun a week-long, real-time simulation to validate the Southern Norway Airspace concept.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), which operates 16 Boeing 787s, fears the Airbus A380s scheduled to fly into Tokyo Narita Airport may result in lower yields.

Airbus has received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency for its sharklets for the A320 family aircraft with CFM engines.