ANA yesterday effectively launched the 70/90-seat Mitsubishi Regional Jet program with an order for 15 plus 10 options for the MRJ90 with delivery scheduled after 2013.

Bombardier confirmed that German LCC airberlin is the customer that placed a firm order for 10 Q400s plus 10 options last October. The airline had requested that its identity be kept confidential at that time. The firm order contract is valued at $267 million and would rise to approximately $540 million if all options are exercised. It marks the company's first turboprop order. AB expects to receive four Q400s this year and the remaining six in 2009. The 76-seaters are intended primarily to replace F100s, which Berlin-based Germania operates for AB.

Vietnam Airlines is set to give the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries regional jet program a boost with an order for up to 20 of the 70/90-seat aircraft, according to widespread press reports.

AWAS said it finalized the purchase of six new A330-300s from Airbus for lease to Singapore Airlines. Transaction is valued at $1.2 billion at list prices and first delivery will be next year. The lessor said the order "reflects our goal to further diversify our aircraft portfolio and broaden the appeal to our airline customers." It ordered up to 100 A320s two months ago (ATWOnline, Jan. 10).

Shandong Airlines, based in Jinan, will take delivery of six 737NGs in 2009 and 16 in 2012-13, according to a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange cited by press reports. According to its website, Shandong operates 37 aircraft on more than 700 weekly flights to 50 destinations.

Air France KLM appears willing to make some concessions to Alitalia's unions amid reports that AZ rival Air One is interested in making another offer for the flag carrier.

Jeppesen won US FAA authority for its Airport Moving Map application for Class 2 EFB devices. Technology features GPS capabilities, an airport surface map database and positional awareness functionality. Integration with Continental Airlines' EFB system by NavAero is slated for this month.

Pakistan International Airlines plans to sell eight 747s to cut costs, a spokesperson told the Associated Press in Karachi.