Air One yesterday said it has converted options and purchase rights for 50 A320s into firm orders, boosting its commitment to the type to 90 (ATWOnline, Feb. 12).

CFM International said Southwest Airlines placed an order for up to 92 additional CFM56-3 Advanced Upgrade kits worth approximately $145 million at list prices. SWA's total order now stands at 447. The newly ordered kits will be delivered by early 2009, CFM said.

Emirates followed through on its interest in increasing its A380 order (ATWOnline, April 27), signing a contract for an additional four, Airbus said yesterday. It now has committed to 47 of the jumbo aircraft and is due to receive its first in the third quarter of 2008.

Boeing recorded another strong week last week with orders for 51 more 737s. Two were for Boeing Business Jets and 49 were unidentified. During the week, previously unidentified 737s were announced by Copa Airlines (ATWOnline, May 3). The new orders take this year's tally to 315 net of cancellations, of which 130 are unidentified: 56 737s, six 747s, three 767s, 21 777s and 44 787s.

Goodrich was selected by China Southern Airlines to supply wheels and electronically actuated brakes for 10 787s on order.

Hainan Airlines parent HNA Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement with AVIC II under which the parties will cooperate on aircraft purchasing and leasing. At the signing ceremony, HNA Group Chairman Cheng Feng said his company's alliance with AVIC II will further the development of and investment potential in China's rapidly growing air transport industry.

E-190, which seats up to 114 passengers, received ETOPS approval from US FAA allowing the aircraft to operate routes with a diversion airport up to 75 min. from the flight path. Embraer officials said the approval will increase performance capabilities in regions such as Southeast Asia or Australia. It is working on 120-min. ETOPS approval, which it expects to secure early next year.

ABX Air signed a two-year agreement with ANA to operate two 767-200 freighters to support ANA's cargo operations in Japan, China and Thailand. Effective May 15, the deal is expected to generate $22 million in annual revenue for Ohio-based ABX, an all-cargo carrier that primarily operates flights on DHL's US network but has been seeking to expand its base of services. "This agreement underscores ABX's commitment to grow its presence as an international provider of aircraft and aircraft-related services," President and CEO Joe Hete said. It has 35 767s in service, including 29 for DHL.