Rapidly expanding Turkish Airlines will make its final decision on an order for 35 widebody aircraft (25 firm plus 10 options) within the next three months and is looking seriously at the 777.

Esterline CMC Electronics said it will invest C$149.4 million ($124.7 million) in research and development over the next five years to support development of its FronTier cockpit systems technology for business jets, helicopters and air transport aircraft following the Canadian government's decision to support its effort with a C$52.3 million repayable investment over the same period. CMC said "FronTier will help position CMC as a major player in the field of avionics design and integration."

Australia's Regional Express (Rex) continued to phase out its eight Saab 340As with the sale of one aircraft to Argentina's Sol Lineas Aereas. It said it is finalizing the sale of two more to an unidentified European operator. Last year it sold a 340A to Bridges Worldwide Express and converted two others to freighters for its Pel-Air Aviation subsidiary. Rex is adding 25 340Bs to its fleet.

Pratt & Whitney yesterday signed two 10-year contracts with Delta Air Lines to provide engine maintenance, material and aftermarket support. Pratt's Commercial Engines & Global Services unit will cover material replacement and parts repair for more than 80 PW4000s in DL's fleet under an Inventory Logistics Program agreement.

Embraer delivered a record 204 jets in 2008, 20.7% higher than the 169 reported in 2007, comprising 162 commercial aircraft, 36 executive jets and six for government use. Year-end backlog was valued at $20.9 billion and included 426 commercial aircraft. Commercial aircraft deliveries during 2008 comprised six ERJ-145s, nine E-170s, 55 E-175s, 78 E-190s and 14 E-195s.

A year that featured soaring fuel prices, a slumping global economy and a 58-day machinist strike ended with 662 net commercial aircraft orders for Boeing, a steep drop from the record 1,413 garnered in 2007. The 662 orders is the eighth-highest annual total on record for Boeing. The 737NG again was the manufacturer's most popular model with 484 net orders. It sold 93 787s, "primarily [to] Middle East customers," as well as 54 777s, 28 767-300ERs and three 747-8Is.

Saudi Arabian LCC Nas Air took delivery of three new 110-seat E-190s from Embraer, the Arab Air Carriers Org. reported. Nas now operates 14 aircraft and signed a maintenance support agreement covering them with Lufthansa Technik.

Airstream International Group was named as exclusive agent to offer for sale or lease one BAe 146-200 and one -300 on behalf of Tronos Ltd. Aircraft most recently were operated by Flightline Ltd. on behalf of BA CityFlyer.