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.

Buckingham Research predicted that Boeing will push back the announcement of an all-new aircraft to replace the 737NG to late 2012 with launch approval likely in 2014.

Boeing announced it is in “advanced discussions with multiple customers” regarding its GoldCare lifecycle support offering for 737NGs. Boeing recently revealed to ATW that it is offering GoldCare for the 737NG in addition to the 787 operators and is considering extending it to older models (ATW, Apr. 1).

Boeing confirmed to ATW that Fiji's Air Pacific has canceled its order for eight 787 aircraft “and is no longer a Boeing 787 customer.”