Finnair (AY) will return four Airbus A320s at the end of their lease periods in the fall of 2012 as part of its €140 million ($186.6 million) cost-savings program, to be completed by 2014 (ATW Daily News, Oct. 10). As a result of this move, AY said it “expects to realize a boost in narrowbody aircraft utilization.” The move will not impact personnel.

Boeing plans to build the new 737 Max at its Renton, Wash., facility pending union approval, the company announced Wednesday.

Sichuan Airlines (3U) has signed for eight Airbus aircraft, comprising two A319s, four A320s and two A321s.

Shijiazhuang-based Hebei Airlines (NS) has placed a firm order for 10 ARJ21s, according to Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC).

Airbus has completed installation of the first set of sharklet wing-tip devices on the company’s A320 development aircraft (MSN 001), preparing for the flight-test campaign in the coming weeks.

China’s Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co, a subsidiary of China’s Bank of Communications, has placed a firm order for 30 Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) C919s.

BOC Aviation , a Singapore-based aircraft leasing company, signed a contract with Embraer for 15 Embraer 190 aircraft.

Air Lease Corp. (ALC) has signed lease agreements for 13 additional aircraft. ALC said it placed two Embraer 175s, leased to Belavia (Belarus); four ATR 72-600s, leased to Passaredo (Brazil); and two Airbus A320-200s, leased to S7 Airlines, from its order book. ALC leased one Boeing 737-800, leased to Caribbean Airlines; one 737-800, leased to Transaero; and one 737-800, leased to Sun Country, from its fleet. ALC acquired on lease one 737-800, leased to Spicejet, and one A320-200, leased to Interjet.