Airbus and a group of Chinese industrial partners on Monday opened a joint venture composite manufacturing facility in Harbin first announced in 2009 (ATW Daily News, Feb. 2, 2009). It spans 33,800 sq.m. and will eventually be an "80,000 sq.m. manufacturing compound, comprising production, technical support, office areas and other services," Airbus said.

Embraer said Tuesday that TRIP Linhas Aereas ordered four additional E-190s valued at $172 million at list prices. The Brazilian carrier already was slated to take delivery of nine E-190s this year, and said it intends to use the new aircraft to expand its destinations domestically. It expects the Brazilian market to double in size over the next five years. It currently operates nine E-175s.

Airbus bets that a re-engined A320 will carry it through the next decade as Boeing studies its next move.

Boeing is nearing completion of its agreement with Saudi Arabian Airlines to modernize the interiors of 22 of the carrier's 23 777-200ER aircraft. Eight of the airplanes feature SV’s new business market configuration with 24 first class, 38 business class and 170 economy class seats, while the remaining aircraft are in the new high-density configuration accommodating 14 business class and 327 economy class seats.

AirAsia X has ordered three Airbus A330-200s with an option for two more, bringing the airline’s total orders for the A330 to 28.

Safran group companies Labinal and Aircelle signed agreements with Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing and Airbus respectively. Labinal’s framework agreement with COMAC subsidiary SAMC will establish an aircraft wiring joint venture company, while Aircelle was selected by Airbus to supply the complete integrated nacelle package for the A320neo family.

Wings Air, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s Lion Air, firmed up options for 15 ATR 72-500s. Wings signed a contract with ATR at the 2009 Dubai Air Show for 15 72-500s plus 15 options; it now has 30 of the type on firm order with 10 already in operation.

Airbus on Thursday announced it has rolled out the first Korean Air Airbus A380 bearing the airline's livery. The paint work was done in Hamburg. The aircraft is one of 10 ordered by the carrier, which will become the sixth A380 operator when it takes delivery of its first in the second quarter (ATW Daily News, Jan. 19).