Skyways Aviation arranged the sale of a Saab 340B, originally operated by Crossair, to REX Regional Express of Australia. REX currently operates a fleet of 27 340s.

ATR signed a $97 million contract with Tanzanian carrier Precision Air for three ATR 42-500s and three 72-500s. Deliveries will begin in 2008. Precision Air currently operates a fleet of six ATRs. ATR said it has sold more than 50 turboprops this year, including some yet-to-be-announced transactions.

Varig intends to add five aircraft this week and operate a fleet of 45 by year end, up from the current 12, according to an official of parent Volo do Brasil cited by Reuters. The carrier employs 3,985 people following last week's layoffs (ATWOnline, Aug. 1) and intends to raise that to 5,400 by year end. Marco Antonio Audi told Reuters Varig is looking at leasing Airbus and Embraer jets--it has operated an all-Boeing fleet--and that it now will begin purchasing aircraft at the end of their leases.

Boeing Business Jets ordered two 787s for delivery to corporate customers. The order that was posted on Boeing's website last week is in addition to three 787s ordered by an unidentified customer. They bring the number of net Dreamliner orders this year to 77 and the number of commercial aircraft orders to 518.

Midwest Connect signed letters of intent to acquire two 328JETs formerly operated by defunct Atlantic Coast Airlines. The acquisitions will increase the fleet to a dozen aircraft. The Regional is a wholly owned subsidiary of Midwest Airlines. Terms were not disclosed.

Continental Airlines yesterday converted 12 existing firm orders for 737NGs to 737-900ERs, becoming the first US carrier to order the type. The aircraft are slated for delivery in 2008. "These new planes will have among the lowest operating costs in our fleet, allowing us to serve high-demand markets more efficiently," Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner said.

SilkAir, Singapore Airlines' regional subsidiary, turned its back on regional jet offerings and issued an RFP for up to 20 737s/A320s. Sources at the airline tell ATWOnline the aircraft are for delivery from 2009. SilkAir once operated 737s but has replaced them with a fleet of 12 A320s/A319s, with three more deliveries scheduled through 2008.

Boeing delivered the first of six 747-400ERFs to Jade Cargo International.