China Eastern Airlines subsidiary China Cargo Airlines took delivery of its first 777 freighter Sunday as it begins to upgrade its MD11 fleet in order to compete more effectively with Western carriers. The aircraft is scheduled to operate between Shanghai and Luxembourg beginning today. CCA noted that the new 777 will be used mainly on its European network as the city prepares for Expo 2010, which will take place in Shanghai from May to October. CCA plans to introduce three more 777s before August. It currently operates six MD11s, two 747s and three A300 freighters.

Turkish Airlines is considering both the 787 and A350, CEO Temel Kotil confirmed to ATWOnline, while declining to say whether the growing carrier will place an order. "We certainly want new-generation aircraft, but I'm not commenting further," he said, noting that promising to commit to either could be "taken to mean we might not order additional 777s." THY has orders for 12 777-300ERs on the books with delivery starting in September, one month earlier than initially planned.

2010 will be a pivotal year that will set widebody strategies and fortunes for decades to come. The stakes are sky high and the complexity of the aircraft being built is not for the faint hearted.

CTT Systems said it will supply Thomas Cook Scandinavia with six Zonal Drying Systems for installation onboard the Danish airline's A320s and A321s in April and May.

Safran reported a €376 million ($509.3 million) profit in 2009, up 47% from the €256 million posted the prior year, on a 1.2% lift in revenue to €10.45 billion. Its Aerospace Propulsion segment posted a 2.2% fall in turnover to €5.67 billion. It participated in the delivery of 1,263 CFM56 engines, compared to 1,268 in 2008, and took 795 orders. The segment's operating income rose 7.5% to €628 million. The Aircraft Equipment segment, which includes Labinal, Messier-Bugatti and Messier Services, reported a €73 million operating profit, up 21.7%.

Garuda Indonesia announced the sale of four 737-400s through auction. Arik Air last week took delivery of its fourth 737-800 and 25th aircraft overall. Aircraft seats 16 in business class and 132 in economy. AWAS delivered two A320-200s to Viking Hellas Airlines.

Third Sukhoi Superjet 100 test aircraft began cold soak testing last week in Yakutsk. Testing will validate standard flight preparation and systems performance after short (up to 2 hr.) and long (at least 12 hr.) parking. Sukhoi said average February temperature at the airport is -35C.

Cabot Aviation delivered the fourth of seven 737-200s to Karachi-based Shaheen Air International. Aircraft were purchased by Sharjah-based KAL Aviation from Aerotrans Leasing.