Nigeria's Arik Air increased its commitment to Boeing airplanes, placing an order for 10 737-800s, four 787-9s and one 777-300ER worth a combined $1.8 billion at list prices.

Hong Kong Airlines finalized its order for 30 A320 family aircraft, 20 A330s and one ACJ initially announced at the Paris Air Show (ATWOnline, June 22). Engine choice has not been finalized, Airbus said.

Airbus secured 713 gross orders in the first eight months of 2007, although cancellations reduced the net number to 656, according to the manufacturer's cumulative order data. This compares to Boeing's eight-month gross of 773 with a net figure of 763. However, since Aug. 31 Boeing, which posts its orders weekly, has lifted its tally to 851 gross and 841 net. Those numbers are certain to change significantly before year end with large orders expected from British Airways and Emirates.

Singapore Airlines' A380s will be configured with a main deck first class cabin consisting of 12 "Singapore Airlines Suites," 60 business class seats on the upper deck and 399 economy seats spread across both decks, the carrier announced yesterday.

Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney conceded that the manufacturer is experiencing "growing pains" in its global 787 production process and said flight testing will have to "go by the books" in order for first delivery to be made on time to ANA in May 2008.

Mesa Air Group yesterday said it is restructuring the CRJ fleet it operates under contract for United Airlines. Mesa will replace eight 50-seat CRJ200s with two 66-seat CRJ700s, which will be added to its existing contract and will enter service next spring. It then will fly 22 CRJ700s on behalf of UA.

EVA Air sold an MD-11 freighter to Wells Fargo Bank for $55 million, booking a gain of TWD50 million ($1.5 million) on the deal, Dow Jones reported. EVA now operates nine MD-11Fs, but will continue to sell the aircraft as it converts nine 747-400 Combis into freighters, an EVA spokesperson told the news service. Separately, the carrier took delivery of its seventh 316-seat 777-300ER and will operate it on Taipei-Los Angeles service. An eighth -300ER will be serving LAX by year end. EVA flies the route 17-times-weekly.

Etihad Airways will lease two Trent 772B-powered A330-200s from CIT Aerospace, with delivery scheduled in January and March 2009. Etihad CEO James Hogan said the aircraft will have a "major impact" on both its short- and long-haul networks.