The first A380 designated for launch customer Singapore Airlines is "in the paint shop" and on schedule for an October delivery, a sign that the troubled aircraft program finally is progressing normally, Airbus executives said.

SpiceJet converted options for 10 737-800s/-900s into firm orders for delivery in 2009-11, according to a company statement cited by press reports from India. Separately, SpiceJet announced the appointment of former Whirlpool of India Director-Finance/Commercial Partha Sarathi Basu as CFO.

Transavia.com took delivery of its 18th 737-800. It also operates 10 737-700s.

Air Canada and Virgin Atlantic Airways yesterday announced major 787 orders. The Virgin deal, flagged last month by this website (ATWOnline, March 19), is for 15 787-9s plus options for an additional eight and purchase rights on another 20. The AC order converts 23 options and purchase rights into firm orders, lifting the carrier's Dreamliner commitment to 37. It also took 23 new options.

Aviation Partners Boeing officially launched its 767-300ER blended winglet program this week, saying it has firm orders for 68 shipsets from three airlines on three continents. It expects US FAA certification in the fourth quarter of 2008. AVP said the winglets, available for both passenger and freighter versions, are worth 350,000 gal. in annual fuel savings per aircraft, a payload improvement of up to 12,000 lb. and a range increase of up to 360 nm.

FlyAsianXpress, operator of AirAsia's new long-haul, low-cost AirAsia X subsidiary, confirmed its order for 10 A330-300s for delivery starting late next year. The deal also includes five options (ATWOnline, April 2). The airline had evaluated the 777 but was unable to secure early delivery positions. AirAsia's Tony Fernandes said AirAsia X hopes to be flying 25 A330-300s in the next five years, according to AFX News, which also reported that the aircraft will be configured in two classes.

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft placed three BAe 146-200s with Johannesburg-based Airlink. The independent regional airline will operate the aircraft in a two-class configuration with seating for up to 89 passengers. It currently flies 15 29-seat Jetstream 41s, two of which are leased to Mozambique Express, and five ERJ-135s.

Horizon Air, launch customer for the Q400, placed a firm order for an additional 15 with options on 20 of the 74-seat turboprops. The firm order contract is valued at $393 million with deliveries slated to begin in October 2008. Horizon previously has placed orders with Bombardier for 46 Q400s, 28 Q200s, 21 Dash 8s and 20 CRJ700s, according to Bombardier.