Estonian Air (OV) will lease four Embraer E-170s from Finnair and is in talks with the manufacturer and leasing companies over the delivery schedule and conditions for eight more aircraft, a mix of E-175s and E-190s, which are scheduled to enter the fleet in 2013-2015.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its order for inspections of Airbus A380s for potential wing cracks to all in-service aircraft.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft has been granted its type certificate A-176 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for meeting airworthiness and environmental requirements. The certificate will be presented to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. (SCAC) Feb. 24, the manufacturer said in a statement. The European validation program comprised several flights and ground tests.

Korean Air (KE) took delivery of its first Boeing 747-8 and 777 freighters, making KE the first airline to operate both the 747-8 and 777 freighters (ATW Daily News, March 21, 2011). KE chairman Yang Ho Cho said the carrier’s cargo fleet “is being improved by these fuel-saving planes. They can help reduce carbon emissions by 17% and this supports our goal to be a responsible citizen of the world.”

Windhoek-based Air Namibia (SW) has ordered two Airbus A319 aircraft. The aircraft, which will seat 112 passengers in a two-class layout and replace two Boeing 737-500s, will operate on the airline’s regional routes from Windhoek to other major African cities, according to Airbus.

Kazakhstan-based Air Astana (KC) is purchasing four Boeing 767-300ERs and three 787-8s in an order worth $1.3 billion at list prices. It is the largest ever in Kazakhstan’s civil aviation history.

Lufthansa Cargo (LHC) is considering replacing its fleet of 18 Boeing MD-11Fs and will decide by 2014 which aircraft to go with, LHC chairman and CEO Karl-Ulrich Garnadt told ATW in Seoul, South Korea.

International Aero Engines manages the development, production and aftermarket services of the V2500 engine family providing 22,000 and 33,000 lbs of thrust required by 150 seat-passenger aircraft -- the fastest growing market sector in the commercial aviation industry, as well as the new military KC-390 aircraft.