Boeing finalized Dubai Aerospace Enterprise's 100-aircraft order valued at $10.9 billion and also officially completed a $2 billion order for 12 787-8s from Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam Aircraft Leasing Co., pushing its total 2007 commercial aircraft orders to well over 1,300, a single-year record.

Aeroflot removed its final Tu-134 from service, RIA Novosti reported (ATWOnline, Feb. 19, 2007). Final flight of the 14-strong fleet was on Dec. 31 from Kaliningrad to Moscow. The aircraft seats 76 passengers.

Boeing announced/finalized several aircraft deals over the holidays, including the signing by British Airways of a contract for 16 787-9s and eight 787-8s worth $4.4 billion at list prices. The deal, originally announced in September (ATWOnline, Sept. 28), includes options for 18 787s and 10 purchase rights. Brazil's Gol converted its 34 remaining 737-800 options into firm orders and signed a new deal for 40 additional aircraft to be delivered in 2012-14. It now has ordered 161 of the type.

When all-business-class carrier MAXJet Airways announced it was filing for bankruptcy and shutting down service on Christmas Eve, two other all-business airlines quickly stepped forward to offer services to displaced passengers and reaffirm their commitment to the service model.

Qatar Airways took delivery of its second 777-300ER.

Transaero took delivery of its first 747-400 last week, bringing its fleet to 29 aircraft. First flight is scheduled this week. Aircraft is powered by RB211-524H2-19s and seats 352 passengers (11 in first class, 56 in business and 285 in economy). Transaero will use the aircraft primarily on flights from Moscow Domodedovo to Singapore and Dominican Republic. It already operates eight 747-200s and -300s.

The first regional jet manufactured by a Chinese company, the ARJ21-700, rolled out in Shanghai Friday and won its biggest order, 100 aircraft from Kunpeng Airlines. Xi'an-based Kunpeng, a regional joint venture launched by Shenzhen Airlines and Mesa Air Group two months ago (ATWOnline, Oct. 30), confirmed its intention to adopt the ARJ21 as its main fleet type. Based on its agreement with AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Co., its first ARJ21 will be delivered in 2010.

Republic Airways Holdings converted 11 E-175 options, Embraer announced. Aircraft will begin delivery in July 2008 and will be operated by Shuttle America on Delta Connection flights. They are worth $341 million at list prices, Embraer said. Republic is the world's largest E-Jet operator with 76 170s and 25 175s. Its E-Jet order book totals 29 firm and 74 options. Shuttle America will configure its 175s with 12 first class and 64 economy seats. It currently flies 44 170s, including 16 for DL.