Thomson Airways took delivery of the second of two new CFM56-powered 737-800s yesterday. The first aircraft entered commercial service April 1. The 189-seat leased aircraft are the first new deliveries from Boeing since last year's merger of Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways and are part of a wider fleet renewal program that includes 12 787s.

American Airlines yesterday took delivery of two 160-seat 737-800s, its first new -800s since December 2001 and the first of 76 that are scheduled to arrive through the first quarter of 2011.

Qantas and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said they will consult with and assist Dutch crash investigators after a QF 737-800 last week suffered a radio altimeter malfunction similar to the one that is suspected of causing the loss of a Turkish Airlines -800 on approach to Amsterdam on Feb. 25.

Boeing yesterday stopped short of announcing the deep production cut anticipated by some but said that monthly 777 production will decrease to five aircraft from seven beginning in June 2010 and that previous plans to increase 747-8 and 767 production have been suspended.

Aerolia delivered the first subassemblies for the nose fuselage for the new A330-200 freighter to Airbus.

Air Tahiti yesterday took delivery a 66-seat ATR 72-500. It now operates three ATR 42-500s and seven 72-500s. It also is one of the launch customers for ATR's new -600 series with an order for three 42-600s and two 72-600s scheduled to start delivery in the spring of 2011 (ATWOnline, Oct. 3, 2007).

Rex Regional Express announced the sale of two Saab 340As to SprintAir of Poland. Rex is phasing out its 340As as it introduces 25 340Bs. It has one 340A remaining and expects to have offloaded it by year end.

LAN Airlines said it "recently" operated its first commercial flight with a blended winglet-equipped 767-300. It said it is investing nearly $70 million in equipping its entire -300 fleet, numbering 37 passenger and cargo aircraft, with winglets before year end.