SITA and Flight Explorer are developing an integrated decision-support solution that combines the Flight Explorer Aircraft Situation Display with SITA's Aircom product for inflight data link communication. AirTran Airways, which already uses both systems, is set to carry out the first tests of the combined solution in September.

Boeing revealed more details regarding last week's 73 unidentified orders (ATWOnline, June 4). The 11 777s comprise at least two transactions, possibly three, for two -300ERs placed May 23 and eight -300ERs and one 777F placed May 29. Meantime, Air France converted one 777F to a 777-300ER. The 62 737s booked last week all are for one customer and are 737-900ERs. The order was placed May 25.

SATA Air Acores of Portugal leased a fifth ATP from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft to facilitate route expansion.

GE Aviation announced that Air Pacific selected the GEnx to power its five firm and three option 787-9s (ATWOnline, April 27, 2006). Engines will begin delivering in 2011 and are valued at more than $100 million at list prices.

Philippine Airlines exercised purchase rights for two more 777-300ERs, bringing its firm orders for the type to six. It also will lease two 777-300ERs from GECAS (ATWOnline, May 30). Value of the two new aircraft is $500 million at list prices.

Etihad Airways intends to add narrowbody aircraft to its fleet in order to cut down on the number of regional services it operates with widebodies. "We are currently sourcing for a minimum of six to nine A319/A320 aircraft for our regional routes," CEO James Hogan told ATWOnline at this week's IATA GM in Vancouver. Etihad plans to lease or buy the aircraft "depending what is available on the market and what's best for the carrier," he said. They are scheduled to enter service by year end on routes to destinations like Doha, Bahrain and Muscat among others.

Airbus yesterday detailed a "new, simplified and streamlined" organizational structure that emphasizes transnational integration and attempts to minimize the national rivalries that executives believe helped fuel the manufacturer's current financial difficulties.

Spanair will take delivery of its seventh 120-seat 717 this week and its eighth later this month, which it said will enhance service on routes catering to business travelers. Aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce BRR715A engines.