Boeing recorded orders for 24 aircraft last week, the largest weekly haul since July. Orders are for 11 737s, four 777s and nine 767s. The company listed all as unidentified, but ATWOnline understands that the nine 767s are the aircraft announced by ANA last week (ATWOnline, Sept. 26). The 24 orders take the company's yearly total net of two cancellations to 610: 467 737s, two 747s, 11 767s, 52 777s and 78 787s.

Russian Federal Air Transportation Agency last week temporarily suspended flights by 737-500 aircraft, which are equipped with the same navigation system used by the Aeroflot Nord 737 that crashed in Perm two weeks ago (ATWOnline, Sept. 16). Six carriers operate the plane, according to RIA Novosti, which reported that the ban will remain in force until pilots from those airlines undergo additional training.

Rockwell Collins reached a deal with Airbus to provide side displays and docking stations for the new Class 2 electronic flight bag on A320s for production and aftermarket applications. System is designed to enhance efficiency by electronically connecting airline and pilot operations.

Embraer delivered the first E-190 to Virgin Nigeria. The aircraft is configured for 96 passengers, 12 in first class and 84 in economy. All seats feature the Thales i4500 IFE system. VK has ordered three E-190s and seven E-170s.

AVIC I is ramping up efforts to manufacture large commercial trunk aircraft as some of its subsidiaries are beginning to make big investments in expanding production capabilities.

CTT Systems announced that Air New Zealand ordered 42 Zonal Drying Systems to be installed in 13 A320s, five 767s, 16 737s and eight 777s. The systems, which eliminate condensation in the aircraft, are scheduled for installation starting in November.

Boeing expects oil to stabilize at $70-$80 per barrel (in 2008 dollars) over the next 20 years, VP-Marketing Randy Tinseth told media in Sydney, adding that the company's forecasts have proven to be "quite accurate" this decade. The manufacturer projects that by 2027 the global passenger and freighter fleet will comprise 2,630 regional jets (7%), 23,540 single-aisle aircraft (66%), 8,290 twin-aisle aircraft (23%) and 1,340 jumbo aircraft (4%). Total value is estimated to be $3.2 trillion.

British Airways signed up for Boeing's Performance Improvement Package for its fleet of 42 777s. The package is expected to reduce fuel spending per aircraft by about $200,000 annually (assuming $100-per-barrel crude oil prices), according to Boeing estimates. Key elements include addition of a drooped aileron and a ram air system. In addition, Boeing will provide redesigned wing vortex generators. The manufacturer expects the package to be certified by US FAA next year.