China Eastern Airlines signed firm order late last month for 16 A330s worth CNY17.75 billion ($2.6 billion) at list prices as it plots its international expansion.

Rex Regional Express leased two Saab 340s to Chiang Mai-based SGA Airlines. Aircraft are expected to begin flying for the Thai carrier on Jan. 17 and will operate on routes to Maehonson and Udonthani.

Airbus delivered 10 A380s in 2009, one short of its target, as it continued to struggle with production ramp-up (ATWOnline, Nov. 17, 2009). It plans to hand over up to 20 this year and will announce the precise figure on Jan. 12. To date, 23 A380s have been delivered and 202 have been sold to 17 customers.

Turkish Airlines chose Airbus for its narrowbody fleet expansion, yesterday announcing plans to purchase 14 A321-200s and six A319-100s with options for 10 additional A319 or A321 aircraft.

Allegiant Air parent Allegiant Travel Co. signed an agreement to purchase 18 MD-80s from downsizing SAS Group and will take delivery during the first half of this year.

Boeing sold 11 787s to an unidentified customer(s), it said on its Orders and Deliveries website, bringing to 24 the number of gross orders for the aircraft received in the year to Dec. 22 (it has not booked United Airlines' commitment for 25).

AVIC's Commercial Aircraft Engine Co. and MTU Aero Engines signed an MOU covering production of a powerplant for the 150-seat C919. ACAC GM Zhang Jian said the partnership with MTU "is based on independent innovation" and that ACAC will safeguard its own intellectual property. Last month, Commercial Aircraft Corp.

Honeywell said Volaris will use its LED technology to upgrade A320 navigation wingtip lighting on 20 aircraft.