Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States will require 1,060 new commercial aircraft worth about $70 billion over the next 20 years, Boeing said yesterday in an update to its annual forecast released two months ago (ATWOnline, June 14). The manufacturer decided its Current Market Outlook should include a separate regional forecast for Russia/CIS for the first time.

Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems received both Supplemental Type Certification and Technical Standard Order Authorization from US FAA on 757s for SafeRoute, its ADS-B-based program that provides on-ground situational awareness and merging and spacing assistance to pilots (ATWOnline, Aug. 20). It still is awaiting operational approval from FAA that would allow the technology to be used on commercial flights. "The ball's basically in FAA's court," an ACSS spokesperson told ATWOnline.

All 157 passengers and eight crew were reported safe following a fire and explosion that destroyed a China Airlines 737-800 at a gate at Naha Airport on Okinawa yesterday morning. Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network said the CFM56-7B-powered aircraft, which first flew in 2002, departed Taipei and landed safely at Naha, but that a fire "erupted in or near the No. 1 engine as the plane arrived at the stand." Following a successful evacuation via escape slides, "a large explosion occurred in the center of the airplane," which "burned out completely."

China Southern Airlines yesterday announced that it entered into an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 55 737-700s/-800s for delivery starting in May 2011 and extending to October 2013. A Boeing spokesperson contacted by ATWOnline would not confirm the order but said the 55 aircraft were unrelated to the 80 737NGs ordered by China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group 16 months ago (ATWOnline, April 12, 2006). The manufacturer did not update the orders list on its website.

ACT Airlines, based at Istanbul Ataturk, signed an MOU for two A330-200 freighters, Airbus announced. ACT currently operates seven A300B4 freighters and will use the new aircraft for flights to Hong Kong, Singapore and New York.

Focus Aviation, acting on behalf of Central Air Leasing, managed the sale to UPS of an MD-11 formerly operated by Varig.

Jeppesen and Continental Airlines finalized an agreement for Class 2 and 3 electronic flight bag applications and data for the carrier's entire fleet of 368 aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney said it has begun testing the fan drive gear system on its Geared Turbofan engine at its new Middletown, Conn., testing facility. Testing will continue for 18 months. Flight testing is scheduled for next year with entry into service possible for 2012.