Armavia took delivery Tuesday of the first production Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SN95007), at Zvartnots International in Yerevan, nearly three years after the jet’s maiden flight.

GE Aviation announced the launch of the CF6 TRUEngine program, awarding TRUEngine designation to Nippon Cargo's fleet of 43 CF6-80C2s powering its Boeing 747s. The TRUEngine status, which was launched for CFM56s in 2008 (ATW Daily News, July 14, 2008), requires engine configuration, overhaul practices, spare parts and repairs to be consistent with GE or CFM requirements.

Sabena Technics confirmed that Barfield Bogota, the Colombian subsidiary of Barfield Miami, is expected to open mid-year 2011. The new subsidiary follows the signing of a 10-year Airbus A320 component services contract with AviancaTaca for subsidiary carriers Avianca, TACA, Aerogal and Ocean Air. The “fast shop” will initially focus on avionics testing and repair with plans to expand its capabilities to service a larger array of components. The shop will also provide services to other operators in South America.

Embraer delivered 20 commercial aircraft while taking firm orders for 44 E-Jets during the first quarter. Deliveries were slightly behind the 21 commercial aircraft delivered during last year's March quarter. The Brazilian manufacturer's firm backlog stood at 270 aircraft valued at $16 billion on March 31, up 2.6% compared to $15.6 billion as of Dec. 31, 2010.

Boeing's decision on whether to launch an all-new aircraft to replace the 737NG will be driven by technology and risk assessment, according to a Buckingham Research client note.

Air China is pressing ahead with requiring its majority-owned subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines to join Star Alliance, an industry insider told ATW. The source noted that Star is still evaluating the carrier and there is no specific timetable for a formal agreement.

EgyptAir took delivery of its sixth new Boeing 777-300ER as part of an order for six of the type (ATW Daily News, Dec. 3, 2007). MS received four last year and the remaining two this year. All six are leased from GECAS. The new delivery lifts EgyptAir Group’s fleet to 75 aircraft.

Japan's Star Flyer on Friday signed an order with Airbus for two CFM56-5B-powered A320s. The carrier operates five leased A320s and is slated to receive four more of the type on lease. Friday's order was its first direct purchase of aircraft.