The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the enhanced Package B version of the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, which powers the Boeing 787. The Package B version of the Trent 1000 is certified to 70,000 lb. take-off thrust.

China Aircraft Leasing Co. has placed an order for 20 150-seat Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) C919s.

Boeing has rolled out its first 737NG at the production rate of 35 aircraft a month (ATW Daily News, June 16, 2010) and is on track to deliver the aircraft to launch customer Norwegian Air Shuttle (ATW Daily News, June 22) in January, the company said.

Boeing finalized an order with Air Lease Corp. (ALC) for four 787-9s. ALC also exercised options for four 737-800 NextGens. The order, worth more than $1.2 billion, marks the completion of an agreement announced during the Paris Air Show in June (ATW Daily News, Aug. 16). The aircraft join the 74 737-800s and five 777-300ERs that ALC has on order.

Airbus has filed a lawsuit against Boeing affiliate Aviation Partners (API), seeking to invalidate API’s patent on Blended Winglets.

MA60. Courtesy, AVIC African carriers have placed six firm orders for the Chinese-produced MA60 turboprop, according to AVIC. National Airways Cameroon ordered three MA60s, Air Burundi ordered two aircraft and Trans Air Congo ordered one of the type. Deliveries are scheduled for 2012.

Boeing’s 747-8 freighter will have company in future cargo fleets.

With the 787 in service, ANA leads the way in exploring how best to operate the new type.