Aeroflot said it is converting two MD-11 passenger aircraft into freighters, with Boeing to handle the modifications in conjunction with SASCO, a subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Aerospace. "By putting [the MD-11s] in the hands of the original manufacturer for conversion, we can extend the life of the aircraft and maximize their capabilities," Aeroflot-Cargo GD Andrey Goryashko said. Modification work is slated to start in November 2008. A converted MD-11 has a capacity of 205,400 lb. structural payload at a range of 3,486 nm. (6,456 km.) and is capable of 630,500 lb.

Volga-Dnepr Group, Motor Sich and Antonov Design Bureau signed an agreement at the MAKS air show outside Moscow last week to resume production of An-124-100 freighters and modernize existing aircraft of the type. VD and Motor Sich, a Ukrainian company, last winter announced the formation of a joint venture company to manage the re-launch of the An-124-100F (ATWOnline, Feb. 8). ADB said last week it will join the venture, known as GLA Cargo Aircraft. Production timelines were not announced.

ATR and Batavia Air signed a contract for 10 ATR 72-500s plus 10 options, the manufacturer announced, marking its first order from an Indonesian carrier. Batavia will fly the 74-seat turboprops on regional routes currently operated with Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies. Deliveries will extend until 2010, ATR said, adding that the Batavia Training Academy is "considering" acquisition an ATR flight simulator.

A small hole in a fuel tank caused by a loose wing slat bolt was the likely cause of the Aug. 20 China Airlines 737-800 post-landing fire and explosion at Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan's Aircraft and Railways Accidents Investigation Commission said yesterday.

Russia's Atlant-Soyuz is the customer for four 737-700s that previously had been listed as unidentified on Boeing's website, the manufacturer announced from MAKS outside Moscow. The aircraft are worth $249 million at current list prices, although the order was placed last year. One of Russia's largest charter airlines, A-S counts the Moscow city government as one of its principal customers and also offers scheduled domestic services from its Moscow Vnukovo base, Boeing said, adding that the carrier "recently" added two leased 737 Classics.

PT Linus Airways, an Indonesian startup, signed a lease with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for two BAe 146-200s for delivery this summer. BAE said the carrier intends "to fill the air transport gap in the country between the existing legacy carriers and the newly formed low-cost airlines." All flights will originate in Jakarta and destinations will include Medan, Palembang, Pekan Baru, Batam, Semarang and Tanjug Padan.

Embraer yesterday signed a contract with BRA Transportes Aereos for 20 118-seat E-195s plus 20 options, finalizing an order announced at the Paris Air Show (ATWOnline, June 22). The deal includes 20 "rolling options," which if confirmed constitute purchase rights for an additional 15 aircraft, the manufacturer said. Value of the 20 firm aircraft is $730 million at list prices and the deal could reach $2.7 billion if all options and rights are exercised.

Ilyushin Finance Co. reached several leasing and purchase agreements yesterday at the MAKS air show outside Moscow, according to press reports from Russia. It signed leasing agreements for six Tu-204-100s with Red Wings Airlines (15 years worth $250-$350 million, according to conflicting press reports) and for six An-148s with GTK Rossiya. Deliveries to both carriers are scheduled to start next year. The latter airline signed an MOU with IFC for the purchase of an additional six An-148s and one Il-96-300.