China received a boost to its aircraft manufacturing ambitions yesterday as GECAS announced an order for five firm and 20 option ARJ21-700s. The aircraft will be powered by GE's CF34-10A and are scheduled to begin delivering to the lessor in 2013. GECAS is the first Western customer to order the 90-seater, which now has sold 206 units. Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Chairman Zhang Qingwei said the commitment also marks the largest so far. It is worth up to approximately $800 million if all options are filled.

Compagnia Area Italiana presented its binding offer for Alitalia Friday despite the continuing protest of unions representing pilots and flight attendants (ATWOnline, Oct. 30). AZ, operating under administration, said the bid is "unique, inseparable and irrevocable" until Nov. 30 and is conditional upon European Commission approval of the Italian government's emergency loan and antitrust approval (ATWOnline, Oct. 3). CAI is confident it can re-launch Alitalia on Dec.

Regional Express (Rex) of Australia purchased four Saab 340Bs it was operating under a lease that expired last month. It now has 24 340s.

Rockwell Collins won a deal with China Cargo Airlines to provide communication, navigation and surveillance avionics for 10 777Fs. Aircraft are slated for delivery from December 2009 through 2013.

Cathay Pacific Airways finally has decided to phase out its 777-200s, rationalizing its 777 fleet around the -300 and -300ER while cutting capacity. It has been considering the future of its -200s for some time, as its fleet is built around the A330-300 for regional flying and the 777-300 for heavy trunk routes. It will attempt to sell the aircraft.

AirAsia X took delivery of the first of 25 new A330-300s last week in Toulouse. Aircraft is powered by Trent 700s and will seat 28 premium and 355 economy passengers.

Skyways Aviation placed a BAe Jetstream 32 with Swedish regional carrier Direktflyg, which now will operate nine Jetstreams to nine destinations.

Kuzu Airlines Cargo took delivery of the first of three A310-300 freighters it said it has purchased from Emirates. Remaining two will be delivered to the Istanbul-based carrier this month and next.