Sukhoi said the fourth Sukhoi Superjet 100 joined the flight test program yesterday, operating a 2 hr. 45 min. flight. The aircraft will " undergo a complex evaluation of onboard equipment and avionics as well as failure safety tests" and be subject to fire protection and inert gas system testing. It also will host flight crew training for initial customers. Sukhoi is aiming for type certification in mid-year.

Hong Kong Airlines signed an MOU yesterday to purchase six A330-200s, increasing its commitment for the type to 23, Airbus announced. HKA will use the aircraft "to develop new services to destinations across the Asia/Pacific region, as well as to the Middle East and Europe," the manufacturer said. President Yang Jian Hong said the carrier intends to "establish our company as a premium brand in new international markets." Delivery dates and engine choice were not announced.

Sichuan Airlines yesterday took delivery of the first of three new A330-200s on lease from AerCap. It already operates 13 A319s, 21 A320s and 10 A321s. The A330 will seat 36 in first class and 209 in economy.

Turkish Airlines yesterday continued its ambitious fleet renewal and announced a commitment for 10 737-800s and 10 737-900ERs (plus 15 options) that will join the A320 family aircraft ordered last month.

E-190 has been certified by EASA to operate at London City, Embraer announced. The E-170 received steep-approach approval in 2007 and is operated by BA CityFlyer at the airport. The 190's range from LCY is more than 800 nm., Embraer said. CityFlyer, Baboo and Lufthansa CityLine plan to fly the 190 at LCY initially. The manufacturer said 15 of the type are expected to be operating out of the airport by year end.

Boeing's third flight test 787 has been outfitted with 135 seats, multiple lavatories and two crew rests in order "to test the passenger experience elements of the airplane," Director-787 Interiors Tom Galantowicz said, adding that the aircraft will fly "later this month."

AerSale of Florida announced the acquisition of 44 DC-8-71F/-73F freighters, the accompanying CFM56-2C1 engines, spare parts and tooling and a Level D DC-8-70 series flight simulator from an unnamed seller thought to be UPS Airlines, which retired its fleet of 44 DC-8s last year (ATWOnline, April 24, 2009).

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. contracted Heath Tecna of Bellingham, Wash., to supply flight deck, passenger cabin and cargo compartment linings, galley units, lavatories, emergency escape slides and waste and water systems for the Mitsubishi Regional Jet.