Boeing pulled back on its development of the 787-3 while trying to make up for lost time on the new aircraft's larger models, according to press reports. Workers on the -3, a shorter-range variant sought mainly by airlines in Japan, began transitioning to the 787-8 last week. A Boeing spokesperson told Bloomberg News that resources "have been temporarily redeployed. . .in an effort to support the program's nearer-term priorities." ANA has 30 787-3s on order and Japan Airlines has committed to 13.

Bombardier's long-awaited CSeries program moved one step closer to an official launch after the company's board gave the go-ahead to begin actively marketing the aircraft to prospective customers.

China Southern Airlines announced sale and leaseback deals covering 10 A330s ordered in December 2005. Eight aircraft now will be owned by and leased from Shenzhen Financial Leasing, with the remaining two owned by HSBC. CZ said the deals were "for the purpose of reducing the tremendous need of capital and relieving the pressure on the manufacture and operation of the company caused by the high asset/liability ratio."

NavAero said Freebird Airlines of Turkey selected its tBag C22 computer and display technology as the EFB flight deck hardware for the carrier's A320s and A321s. Deployment will begin this year with full implementation slated for early 2009.

Boeing yesterday released a statement confirming that it is "engaged" with the Iraqi government and Iraqi Airways regarding an aircraft order. Government officials this week claimed there was an agreement to purchase 44 Boeing aircraft for the depleted carrier (ATWOnline, Feb. 20). "We're pleased they have announced their intent to purchase Boeing airplanes and we look forward to finalizing our commercial negotiations," the manufacturer said.

Willis Lease Finance added Aloha Airlines to the North American engine-sharing agreement. Other members include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet and Alaska Airlines covering CFM56-7Bs powering 737s. Pool represents more than 500 aircraft to be serviced.

Niki took delivery of its second A319 yesterday. By May the Austrian LCC will operate nine A320 family aircraft.

Airbus said US FAA and EASA have approved reduced training for pilots transitioning from the A320 family, A330 or A340 to the A380. The manufacturer said an A320 family pilot now can be qualified to fly the A380 in 13 working days and an A330/A340 pilot in 12 working days. A pilot with no Airbus fly-by-wire experience requires 24 working days to complete the A380 standard type rating course.