TAM placed an order for four additional 777-300ERs, taking its commitment to the type to eight. Its first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in June 2008. Boeing said the order pushed all-time sales of the 777 past 1,000.

US FAA ordered Bombardier to correct potential flap failures on some 684 CRJ100s/200s operated in the US by Air Wisconsin, Atlantic Southeast Airlines and SkyWest Airlines. "The Bombardier CL-600-2B19 airplanes have had a history of flap failures at various positions for several years," the agency said. "Flap failure may result in a significant increase in required landing distances and higher fuel consumption than planned during a diversion." Thus far, no fatal accidents have been attributed to flap failures.

Bombardier Aerospace reported EBIT of $133 million for the second fiscal quarter ended July 31, double the $66 million earned in the year-ago period. Revenue was up 15.8% to $2.21 billion. Company officials attributed the increase to higher manufacturing revenues for business and regional aircraft and more deliveries of pre-owned regional aircraft. Net orders for the second quarter more than doubled to 187 from 77. Bombardier delivered 78 aircraft compared to 75 in the year-ago period.

General Electric announced a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Czech Republic's Walter Engines, which it said "will broaden GE's capabilities in the small turboprop segment of aviation." Financial details were not disclosed.

First two CRJ200s painted in the red, gold and white livery of Kunpeng Airlines are heading for China, Mesa Air Group CEO Jonathan Ornstein confirmed yesterday to ATWOnline. He said he expects the joint venture with Shenzhen Airlines to launch domestic service on Sept. 16. Kunpeng will be based in Xi'an (ATWOnline, April 11). Under terms of an agreement that was announced in December, Shenzhen holds a 51% stake in Kunpeng with MAG holding the remainder.

Kuwait Airways' lease deal with ALAFCO for 12 787s and seven A320s, worth a reported $3 billion, has been canceled because the airline was unable to secure government approval, the lessor said in a filing with the Kuwait Stock Exchange cited by numerous press reports.

EgyptAir signed a contract for five firm A330-200s plus three options, Airbus announced. The airline said the purchase will allow it "to continue its impressive route network growth." No engine choice or delivery schedule were announced.

AZAL took delivery of its first ATR 42-500, part of a $100 million contract signed in January for two 42-500s and four 72-500s (ATWOnline, June 19). The Baku-based carrier will take delivery of its first 72-500 later this year and the remainder in 2008.