Irish regional carrier Aer Arann (RE) is understood to be finalizing an ATR 72 deal, which could be announced at the Farnborough Airshow.

Canada’s WestJet (WS) has signed a conditional order for 20 Bombardier Q400 turboprops following last month’s letter of intent to purchase the aircraft for its new regional affiliate.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced financing for the purchase nine new Boeing 787-800s, one 777-300ER and 10 Embraer E-190 aircraft, from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

Russian state corporation Rostechnology’s lessor, Aviacapital-Service, has firmed an order for 35 Irkut MS-21 aircraft.

Air China subsidiary Shandong Airlines (SC) plans to purchase two leased Bombardier CRJ700s that have been part of its fleet for eight years.

Skyworld Aviation has arranged a two-year lease of an Avro RJ85 to Malmö Aviation, which was delivered to the Swedish airline May 24. It will also market an additional Avro RJ85 for Blue1. Airbus announced the first A380 for Thai Airways was rolled out of the paint shop in Hamburg, marking the completion of the painting and cabin installation work on the aircraft, which will now enter a final phase of ground and flight tests in Hamburg.

Flight trials are underway in the UK in preparation for the maiden flight of a surrogate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in UK shared (non-segregated) airspace later this year.

Nine northern European air navigation service providers (ANSPs) have formed a commercial cooperation alliance—the Borealis Alliance—to improve efficiency, as well as reduce costs and environmental impact.