Australia's Virgin Blue reported an 80.9% year-over-year increase in net earnings to A$124.3 million ($97.8 million) for the six months ended Dec. 31 on a 16.7% lift in revenue to A$1.12 billion, results that have it primed for expansion including considering an order for 777-300ERs to be deployed on planned long-haul operations (ATWOnline, Feb. 13).

British Airways yesterday took a first step toward renewal of its long-haul fleet with an order for four 777-200ERs plus four options and also placed an order for four A320s. The Boeing order, while not unexpected, was a blow to Airbus, which was pitching the A330 and saw a potential deal as an opening for the A350 XWB. BA issued an RFP for long-haul aircraft to both manufacturers in the fall (ATWOnline, Oct. 18, 2006).

Boeing announced 787 deals with both Air New Zealand and LOT Polish Airlines. ANZ finalized its order for four additional 787-9s (ATWOnline, Dec. 20, 2006), which brings its commitment to the type to eight firm plus 12 price rights. Delivery of the new orders, valued at $700 million at list price, is scheduled for 2011-13. Meanwhile, LOT raised its 787 commitment to eight with an order for one additional aircraft (ATWOnline, Sept.

Bombardier's new 100-seat CRJ1000, which was unveiled Monday, will not affect the company's decision on the proposed CSeries of mainline aircraft.

Telair International will design, manufacture and supply the full Supplier Furnished Equipment cargo loading system for the A330-200, A330-300 and A340-300 lower deck. Installation is scheduled to begin by March 2008.

Skybus Airlines, a proposed low-fare startup, ordered CFM56-5Bs to power the 65 A319s it ordered last fall (ATWOnline, Oct. 27, 2006). The deal is worth $750 million at list prices, according to Safran Group. Engines will be Tech Insertion models. Skybus expects to take delivery of its first aircraft in late 2008 and commence flying from Columbus, Ohio, the following spring.

Airbus announced that CIT Group signed a firm order in December for five A330s and 10 A320 family aircraft. To date, CIT has ordered 112 A320 family aircraft, 25 A330s and five A350s; 73 have been delivered.

Kuwait Airways is preparing for a major fleet renewal. According to the Arab Air Carriers Organization, KU is negotiating with both Airbus and Boeing to buy up to 34 aircraft and expects formal proposals from the manufacturers in the next few weeks. It currently operates three A320s, two A310-300s, five A300-600s, four A340-300s and two 777-200s.