ANA exercised options for two additional 767-300BCFs, bringing its firm orders for the passenger-to-freighter conversions to seven. The carrier is the launch customer for the aircraft. The first of its converted freighters is nearing completion at Singapore Technologies Aerospace and is expected to make its first flight this month. After flight testing and certification, redelivery to ANA is planned for June at the SASCO facility in Singapore.

Boeing delivered 115 commercial aircraft in the first quarter, up from 106 in the first three months of 2007. First-quarter 2008 deliveries comprised 87 737NGs, four 747s, three 767s and 21 777s.

Northwest Airlines yesterday announced a series of measures "in response to the high cost of fuel and current economic uncertainties," including a 5% reduction from its 2008 business plan in domestic capacity following the peak summer schedule that will result in the removal of an additional 15-20 aircraft from service. Aircraft removed will comprise 10 DC-9s and a mix of 757s and A319s/A320s.

CFM International reached a deal with Ural Airlines for CFM56-5B/3 Tech Insertion engines to power seven A320s slated for delivery in 2012.

AMF, the French stock market regulator, said its 18-month investigation into alleged insider trading at Airbus and parent EADS related to A380 program delays produced enough evidence to "initiate proceedings" against an undisclosed number of unidentified executives.

SAS Group has sold six Q400s to Philippine Airlines, a spokesperson confirmed to ATWOnline, and has sold and delivered one to Swedish aviation company Nordflyg, which will use the aircraft on cargo services. However, SAS said its sale of four Q400s to Austrian Airlines Group has not been completed despite an announcement to the contrary from AAG. It said there has been considerable interest from around the world in its grounded turboprops.

Unable to reach an accord with Alitalia's trade unions following a two-day extension to the negotiations, Air France-KLM yesterday ended its effort to acquire the ailing flag carrier, leaving AZ's future once again up in the air.

China Southern Airlines will sell and lease back five A321-200s in order to reduce its high debt ratio, it said in a filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The aircraft are part of an order for 50 Airbus narrowbodies placed in summer 2006 (ATWOnline, July 10, 2006). CZ said it will transfer ownership of three aircraft to China Aircraft Leasing Co. and two to Shenzhen Financial Leasing Co. Last year it struck a similar deal with the two lessors, selling two -200s to CALC and one to SFLC.