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.

DAE Capital said it signed a deal with Aviation Partners Boeing to purchase 50 blended winglet shipsets for 737-700s/-800s. Delivery will begin in 2010.

Qantas Executive GM John Borghetti told a cheering crowd of more than 4,000 Qantas staff Sunday that the airline's new A380 will give it an edge over the competition.

The Boeing machinists strike has entered its third week, continuing to silence the manufacturer's production lines and raising airlines' anxieties over delayed aircraft deliveries.