Rockwell Collins said China Southern Airlines selected its MultiScan weather radar, GLU-920 Multi-Mode Receiver and advanced sensors for 10 A330s, with deliveries scheduled to start in March 2010. EgyptAir selected its Multiscan Hazard Detection System, TTR-2100 Traffic Avoidance System and a full communications, navigation and surveillance suite including the GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver for five A330s plus three options scheduled for delivery from August 2010 through 2012.

Gulf Air CEO Samer Majali said Sunday that the carrier's mandate to cut costs may include revisions to its aircraft order book. "We do not yet know what size or shape Gulf Air will take following this review; however, as a result it may be necessary for us to look at our fleet orders with our suppliers and to adjust them according to the airline's newly defined requirements," he said in a statement to Dow Jones. Gulf has 15 A320s scheduled for delivery between this year and 2012 and 20 A330-300s set to arrive beginning in 2012.

WestJet yesterday announced a revised fleet plan featuring deferred delivery of 16 aircraft and purchase of an additional 14 737-700s that will see the Canadian LCC operating between 112 and 135 planes at the end of 2016. The 14 new aircraft will be delivered in 2015-16. The airline, which currently flies 81 737s, also has 23 leases with Aviation Capital Group up for renewal between 2013 and 2016.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told The Australian that Boeing informed him that the 787's first flight will take place by year end, the newspaper reported Friday. Boeing declined to comment, saying a revised flight test program schedule will be issued by the end of September.

Turkish Airlines firmed up its order for seven 289-seat A330-300s. It signed an MOU at the Paris Air Show (ATWOnline, June 22). Delivery is scheduled to begin in September 2010. THY currently operates seven A330s.

Iran Civil Aviation Org. banned airlines from leasing Russian-built aircraft following two July accidents involving a Tu-154M and an Il-62 in which a combined 185 people were killed (ATWOnline, July 27). "Eastern planes would be able to operate in the air sector only when they are brand new and made according to our order," CAO head Mohammad Ali Ilkhani was quoted as saying by Reuters.

World Airways added a sixth MD-11 passenger aircraft, citing a "high demand for military charters."

Joy Air was expected to start formal operations over the weekend with a fleet of three Chinese-produced MA60 regional aircraft. The official launch of the Xi'an-based carrier comes after a one-month trial period. It is expected to introduce three more MA60s by year end and plans to acquire 50 of the type, plus 50 ARJ21s, over the next eight years.