Aviation Partners Boeing announced an order for 15 blended winglet shipsets for Delta Air Lines 767-300ERs. DL now plans to install winglets on 30 -300s by early 2010 and holds options on the remainder, APB said.

Aviation Capital Group signed a firm contract with Airbus for six A319s, 15 A320s and four A321s collectively valued at $1.8 billion. The lessor already had 96 A320 family aircraft in its portfolio or on firm order. MD and CEO Stephen Hannahs said the decision to order more was based on "high customer demand." No delivery dates or engine choices for the new orders were announced.

"It would have been a miracle for Boeing to have flown the 787 on time," Emirates President Tim Clark said, adding that the delay would not be a factor in the airline's evaluation of the 787 and A350 for an order for 100 aircraft.

Flyington Freighters selected Pratt & Whitney PW4000-100s to power its fleet of 12 A330-200Fs. The contract, valued at $715 million, covers installed and spare engines for 12 firm aircraft that will begin delivering in 2009 and an exclusive long-term service agreement.

Aegean Airlines ordered six additional IAE V2500-powered A320s, bringing to 25 the number of A320 family aircraft, including two A321s, to which the Greek carrier has committed. The new order is valued at more than $1.5 billion at list prices and will be part of the airline's effort to replace 15 737 Classics. Aegean intends to grow its fleet by 2-3 aircraft per year. It has taken delivery of three A320s this year.

Boeing yesterday confirmed China Southern Airlines' order for 55 737-700s/-800s that the carrier announced two weeks ago (ATWOnline, Aug. 21). The order is valued at $3.8 billion at list prices, the manufacturer said. CZ currently operates 129 737s and has 14 more already on order.

CTT's Zonal Drying System will be installed on six First Choice Airways 767-300s this winter, the company said. FCA currently uses the system on its A320s.

TAM decelerated its A320 family fleet plan for 2008-11 based on lower "demand growth expectations in the domestic market" resulting from Brazil's ongoing ATC challenges. Its 2008 fleet will contain 98 Airbus narrow bodies, down from 103 originally planned. A320 family aircraft in TAM's fleet will total 101 in 2009, down from 106; 107 in 2010, down from 112, and 110 in 2011, down from 115.