Russian manufacturer Irkut told reporters at the Dubai Airshow that its short- to mid-range MC-21 has reached a backlog of 235 orders. The aircraft, Irkut claimed, will provide 10% more fuel burn reduction than the A320neo, without the use of winglets, which it dismissed as a detriment to the aerodynamics of the plane.

CS300 in Atlasjet livery. Courtesy, Bombardier

Qatar Airways (QR) ordered 50 Airbus A320neos and five A380s, worth a reported $6.5 billion at the Dubai Airshow—alongside a Boeing order for two 777 freighters worth $560 million—but the Airbus order was only secured after some high drama.

Russia's NordStar Airlines signed a contract with ATR for the purchase of three more firm ATR 42-600s, adding to an agreement inked in September for two firm ATR 42-600s and two options.