Avionica said Continental Airlines secured its ACARS communications in passenger service over the Iridium satellite network. One of CO's satLINK-equipped 737-800s reached its Houston headquarters as it flew over the Pacific. The carrier also plans to install satLINK on 757-200s.

Boeing said yesterday that it has completed 50% of the design releases for the 747-8 freighter, releasing detailed designs to Boeing factories and suppliers so parts, assemblies and tools for the aircraft can begin being built.

STG Aerospace said it received EASA approval for its photoluminescent exit signage for MD-80 aircraft.

Tiger Airways will add two leased A319s this year and a fifth A320 in April to its Australian operation, growing seat capacity 65%, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation reported. The 144-seat A319s will afford Tiger access to airports with shorter runways. CEO Tony Davis said the announcement of its second Australian base after Melbourne is due within three months.

NavAero won an EASA 737 STC for its tBagC22 EFB System for -300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -800 and -900 series aircraft. Certification was executed by Saab Aerotech in cooperation with SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Boeing delivered its 700th 777 Monday, a -300ER leased by Cathay Pacific Airways from ILFC. The lessor has ordered 79 777s since 1992 and has five more scheduled for delivery. CX operates 24 777s, with 23 additional -300ERs to come.

US National Transportation Safety Board said a manufacturing flaw affecting GE CF34-3B1 fan blades made by Teleflex Aerospace Manufacturing Group in Mexico was responsible for two CRJ200 engine failures in the past two years. A July 2006 Air Nostrum flight and a May 2007 Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight each landed safely following a fan blade fracture that in one of the cases led to an engine fire.

China is making final preparations for the launch of its "jumbo aircraft" manufacturing company, which is scheduled to begin operations in Shanghai this month. China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council will be the controlling shareholder of the new entity (ATWOnline, Jan. 29). Other stakeholders include AVIC I and AVIC II--which will hold the second-largest stake jointly--the Shanghai local government, Baosteel Group and Aluminum Corp. of China.