Rolls-Royce announced that ILFC chose the Trent 1000 to power 40 of the 74 787s it has an order (ATWOnline, June 20). The deal is worth $1.3 billion at list prices and supersedes a previous contract covering 10 aircraft that was announced last summer. Rolls said the order represents the largest single purchase it has received from the lessor and that it now has orders and options for more than 500 Trent 1000s from 15 customers.

There appears to be a price to be paid for popularity, as Boeing is coming under pressure from customers to offer more versions of the 787 with increased range. High on customers' wish lists is more capability for the proposed 787-10, which would necessitate a higher takeoff weight and significant structural changes. Several airlines revealed to ATWOnline at Sunday's rollout event in Seattle that they want the 787-10 to have the same range as the -9 (8,500 nm.) but to carry 50 more passengers.

Air Berlin yesterday said the order for 25 787s placed during the weekend's festivities in Seattle (ATWOnline, July 9) included options and purchase rights for a further 25, making it the largest Dreamliner order from a European airline.

Air Berlin, Qantas, CIT Aerospace and Kuwaiti lessor Alafco helped Boeing celebrate yesterday's 787 unveiling in Seattle while the manufacturer promised further improvements to the record-setting aircraft. Qantas ordered an additional 20 787s Friday and on Saturday the German LCC committed to 25 and Alafco ordered 10. In addition, CIT Aerospace doubled its order to 10 last week. In addition, ATWOnline learned that Qatar Airways is the customer for 30 previously unidentified aircraft.

Boeing delivered 114 aircraft in the second quarter, up from 97 in the year-ago period. Deliveries comprised 86 737NGs (compared to 70 in the second quarter of 2006), four 747s (none), three 767s (none) and 21 777s (17). It delivered 220 aircraft in the first six months of 2007 compared to 195 in the year-ago period. First-half 2007 deliveries comprised 169 737NGs, seven 747s, six 767s and 38 777s.

CIT Aerospace yesterday announced an order for five additional 787s worth approximately $810 million at list prices. The lessor already had five 787s on order. Delivery schedule was not announced.

Okay Airways of Tianjin, as part of its accelerated preparation to launch a regional carrier, is nearing an order for 30 Xian MA60 turboprops. Negotiations with AVIC I are expected to conclude soon, Okay President Liu Jieyin announced yesterday. The airline signed an LOI at last year's Zhuhai Air Show for the aircraft, which are worth approximately CNY1.8 billion ($236.7 million).

Rockwell Collins said Shandong Airlines selected a suite of avionics for 18 737-800s including the MultiScan Hazard Detection System, Model 4000 HGS and Programmable Audio Video Entertainment System. Deliveries are scheduled through 2009.