Boeing secured orders for an additional 35 787s, all for unidentified customers, that are part of 85 new aircraft orders the manufacturer listed this week. It also sold 40 737s and 10 777s, again to unnamed customers. The orders take its 2008 total to 275, comprising173 737s, one 747, 26 777s and 75 787s.

CIT Aerospace this week signed a firm contract for 15 A320s and five A330-200s. The aircraft are worth approximately $1.9 billion at list prices, CIT said, and will be delivered from 2011 through 2014. "We continue to see a growing demand from our customer base for more efficient aircraft similar to the Airbus A320 and A330 family of aircraft. As a result of this demand we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to further enhance and diversify our fleet," President-Transportation Finance C. Jeffrey Knittel said. No engine choices were announced.

Austrian Airlines Group finished its "successful transitional year" €11.5 million ($17.7 million) in the black, reversed from a €51.6 million loss in 2006, as "redimensioning of the long-haul segment produced a significant stabilization in our business model, and strengthened us overall," CEO Alfred Oetsch said.

Bombardier announced that the Iraqi government placed firm orders for six CRJ900 NextGens with options for an additional four. The aircraft will be used for civilian air service. The firm contract is valued at $239 million and would increase to an estimated $400 million with all options exercised.

GEnx-2B for the 748-8 demonstrated 70,950 lb. of takeoff thrust during ground testing yesterday at GE's outdoor testing facility in Peebles, Ohio. Ground testing on the engine began with idle runs on Feb. 29. "This achievement marks a significant milestone in the GEnx-2B program," Program GM Tom Brisken said. Certification will involve five engines and is anticipated in the first half of 2009 with EIS later next year.

Southwest Airlines removed 38 737 Classics from service yesterday for inspections, leading to cancellation of 4% of its schedule, a move that resulted from its "ongoing internal review of. . .maintenance programs, policies and procedures" launched in the aftermath of last week's FAA-proposed $10.2 million civil penalty for alleged safety lapses.

El Al said it is "continuing advanced discussions with Boeing" to order four 777-200s for delivery beginning in 2012 that will be used on US-Israel routes. It will have the option to switch to the 777-300. A decision on the order is expected before year end.

Royal Jordanian took delivery of the first of four new A319s in two-class configuration. The second will arrive in October and the remaining two in February and March next year. RJ also will introduce two new A321s and two E-175s during the coming three months while phasing out two older A321s. Its fleet will consist of 30 aircraft in June.