Bombardier delivered 245 aircraft in FY 2011, down 11 aircraft compared to FY 2010 (Feb. 1, 2010 to Jan. 31, 2011). According to the manufacturer, this delivery total is “essentially in line with the 240 aircraft delivery guidance that was provided in February 2011 although with a different mix of aircraft.”

With an eye toward the Asia/Pacific region's growing importance for the commercial aircraft leasing business, International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) said it will establish offices in Beijing and Singapore this year. It also named head of transactions David Nixon to the newly created post of senior VP and head of Asia/Pacific.

CFM International closed out 2011 as a record year, logging orders for a total 1,500 commercial, military and spare CFM56 engines, plus commitments for 3,056 Leap engines, including for the Airbus A320neo, the Boeing 737 MAX and the COMAC C919. The 4,556 engines have a total combined value of approximately $51.7 billion at list prices. The company said in “the next couple of months” it expects additional A320neo, 737 MAX and C919 announcements.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has ordered eight additional Boeing 777-300ERs in an order valued at $2.4 billion at list prices.

Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) has expanded its fleet with a Boeing 737-300, which offers 136 business- and economy-class cabin seats. This is the carrier’s 20th 737, it said in a statement. According to UIA, its fleet expansion program became more urgent after adopting the new strategic model of a network carrier based at Kiev Boryspil. The airline’s fleet includes a mix of 20 737-300/400/500/800s, one Fokker 50 and two Antonov An-148 aircraft.

Russian UTair airline (UT) has signed a leasing agreement with Sberbank Leasing Co., for two Boeing 737-800s and five 737-500s for five years, in a deal estimated to be worth $100 million. According to a UT statement, the aircraft were delivered at the end of 2011. Sberbank Leasing said one of its main company strategies is to strengthen positions in the aviation market. After the first nine months of 2011, the company had a backlog worth more than RUB202 billion ($6.5 billion).

Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) has ordered six more AirbusA350-900s for delivery between 2016 and 2017. The order builds on the airline’s original commitment to the A350-900 for 30 aircraft placed in September 2010 (ATW Daily News, Sept. 17, 2010). CX announced an additional order for two A350-900s in August last year. The A350s will replace the airline’s A340s and eventually its A330 fleet.

Vueling Airlines (VY) will add five Airbus A320s and one A319 this year to support its organic growth as it launches 44 new routes and at least three new bases, CEO Alex Cruz said.