Bombardier said it has begun installing semi-automated jigs at its new wing facility in Belfast to support assembly of the advanced composite wings for the CSeries. The jigs are being installed in the second phase of a new 600,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and assembly facility. The first phase, which will accommodate the fabrication of the composite components, was completed at the end of 2010.

AirAsia X selected GE’s CF6-80E1 engines to power three firm and two option Airbus A330-200s ordered in March (ATW Daily News, March 1). The aircraft, which is scheduled for delivery from 2012, will be operated on the carrier's expanding network, offering low-fare service to destinations in Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

GE Aviation is developing a next-generation regional jet engine to replace the CF34 that could be ready for a 2016 EIS, according to GM-Regional and Large Business Aviation Chuck Nugent.

ATR Head of Sales John Moore told ATW that EIS later this year of the ATR 72-600 should enable the turboprop manufacturer to make inroads in North America.

Boeing and Alaska Airlines are working together to develop a "Component Management Optimization Program" under which the airline has agreed to use its fleet and Seattle-based MRO organization to "develop, test and validate" RFID and "Contact Memory Button" technology that can be used to track parts information such as serial numbers, manufacturing date and maintenance history. Boeing, in partnership with Fujitsu, will provide automated identification technology devices, device readers, software applications and system integration service.

Bombardier said in its latest Commercial Aircraft Market Forecast released this week that 13,100 new aircraft in the 20-149 seat range will be needed through 2030, an increase of 300 units over its previous 20-year forecast.

Embraer Executive VP-Airline Market Paulo Cesar Silva said the Brazilian manufacturer is waiting for Boeing to make a move on a 737NG re-engining or replacement before making a decision on its next commercial aircraft development step.