GE/Snecma JV targets 16% fuel efficiency gain in the LEAP-X.

Open rotor engines will bring substantial environmental benefits if the technological issues can be solved.

Air Mauritius this week took delivery of a second A330-200 powered by GE CF6-80E engines. It seats 24 in business class and 251 in economy. The airline now operates the two -200s as well as four A340-300s, two A340-300Es, two A319-100s and two ATR 72-500s.

Airbus yesterday said it is "quite optimistic" that the A330-200 freighter is on track for first flight next month, US FAA/EASA certification next spring and EIS in the 2010 summer. "We've done a lot of testing in the laboratory. . .so we are very ready to have a clean flight test program," A330-200F Project Manager Jens Knaack said during a conference call. The -200F is targeted to carry "at least" 64.5 tonnes over 4,000 nm. (7,400 km.) or 69.5 tonnes up to 3,200 nm. (5,930 km.). Knaack described it as a "general freight, high-utilization" aircraft.

AirAsia is deferring delivery of an additional eight A320s, lifting the number of delayed aircraft to 24. According to a regulatory filing cited by Malaysia's Bernama news agency, the LCC will push eight more 2011 deliveries back to 2014-15. It now plans to take 15 aircraft in 2011, 24 in 2014 and two in 2015 (ATWOnline, Oct. 6).

Saudi Arabian Airlines took delivery of its first A320 purchased directly from Airbus, the manufacturer announced. It ordered 22 A320s in December 2007 but already had taken delivery of a leased aircraft this month (ATWOnline, Nov. 13, 2007). Saudi's A320s will be powered by CFM56-5B engines and will seat 112-132 passengers. It eventually will operate 50 of the type (including 28 on lease).

Thales announced that its Head-Up Display was certified by EASA on the A380 in single (left seat only) and dual configuration (left and right seats). Air France is launch customer.

Bionic Aviation, a Johannesburg-based charter provider, last week took delivery of one BAe 146-300, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft announced.