A Boeing official said yesterday that the manufacturer has had "serious" talks with Emirates and "11 or 12 other" airlines regarding the 787-10, the not-yet-launched stretch version of its next-generation aircraft that would seat more than 300 passengers.

Thales and Smiths Aerospace announced that Lufthansa selected the Topflight Flight Management System, a joint product of the two companies, for seven new A340-600s. The airline's decision represents a switch from Honeywell.

Rolls-Royce announced that Air China signed an $800 million deal for Trent 1000s to power its fleet of 15 787s scheduled to begin delivery in June 2008. The agreement includes a long-term TotalCare maintenance package.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker confirmed the airline has ordered 20 777s. The order has been listed by Boeing for months (ATWOnline, June 13) and was due to be announced at the Farnborough Airshow in June. The first 777-300ER will be delivered to QR in November next year, according to Al Baker. The order is worth $4.24 billion, according to the Arab Air Carriers Organization.

Aeroflot announced yesterday that it intends to split its order for 44 250/300-seat aircraft between the 787 and A350 XWB. The number of aircraft is double the original stated requirement. The split order follows what is perceived to be a new balanced approach to Russia's relationship with Boeing and Airbus. Aeroflot had indicated a preference for the 787 prior to the re-launch of the A350 in June and Vneshtorgbank's purchase of 5% of EADS last week (see above item).

CommutAir signed a lease agreement with Horizon Air for 16 Q200s, with deliveries beginning in January. CommutAir will operate the 37-seat turboprops on behalf of Continental Connection at CO's Cleveland hub.

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, parent of Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo, placed a firm order with Boeing yesterday for 12 GEnx-powered 747-8 freighters valued at $3.4 billion, with deliveries slated for 2010-11. Atlas operates the world's largest fleet of 747Fs with 20 dash 400Fs and 15 dash 200Fs and had been considering replacements for four dash 200Fs, a dash 100F and a dash 300F retired from Polar's fleet earlier this year (ATWOnline, Aug. 15).

Boeing's 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter, the specially modified 747-400 that will transport major assemblies for the 787, took to the air for the first time Saturday. The aircraft left from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport for a 2-hr. flight, initiating a test program targeting FAA certification. It is designed to accommodate three times the cargo volume of a standard dash 400 freighter.