Boeing completed the certification flight test program for its 747-8 freighter Tuesday as the two flight test aircraft returned to Paine Field in Everett.

Emirates Airline President Tim Clark told ATW in Vienna that the performance of the carrier's Airbus A380s continues to improve, noting that its 15-aircraft fleet achieved 99% reliability performance last week.

Boeing completed the certification flight test program for its 747-8 freighter Tuesday as the two flight test aircraft returned to Paine Field in Everett.

After years of reworking the design and refining its production process to learn from the troubles encountered by both the A380 and 787, Airbus is about to discover whether its ambitious A350 promises can be turned into reality.

Korean Air placed a firm order for two additional Boeing 737-900ERs valued at $171.6 million at list prices. KE currently operates two 737-900ERs. Boeing Flight Services said it will partner with KE to provide 737NG training for KE pilots at the airline's Seoul Incheon flight training facility. The 737-900ER is designed to carry up to 180 passengers in a two-class layout.

Ducommun AeroStructures has been awarded a contract to manufacture fuselage skins for the Bombardier CSeries aircraft. Ducommun will deliver the fuselage skins, composed of advanced aluminum alloys, to Bombardier's China-based supplier and partner Shenyang Aircraft Corp. The initial contract will extend through 2015. Austrian Airlines completed the retrofit of its Airbus A320 family aircraft fleet, adding lighter seats and a new cabin interior.

American Airlines' blockbuster split order last week for up to 460 aircraft, including 130 A320neos and 100 re-engined 737NGs, appeared to be the carrier's answer to critics who say that its current fleet and business strategy are not sufficient for it to emerge from a long string of unprofitability.