China Airlines played down suggestions that it is to become the launch customer for the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger version. According to Taiwan's Economic Times, the carrier will place a $2.5 billion order in June for 10 dash 8s. However, an airline spokesperson cautioned that "we are still evaluating options." Boeing is keen to secure orders for the passenger version of the 747-8, which was launched late last year by Cargolux and Nippon Cargo.

Air Pacific placed an order for five 787-9s with three additional purchase rights. The first will be delivered to the Fijian flag carrier in 2011. The Dreamliners will replace two 747-400s and one 767-300ER. The airline plans to use them to fly from Nadi to Australia, New Zealand, North America and Japan. Retiring Chairman Gerald Barrack said the decision was reached after "many months of detailed study and negotiation," adding he was satisfied with the sale price the carrier negotiated but declining to release the figure. No list prices are available for the 787-9 model.

Airbus secured ETOPS approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency for A330-243 and A330-343 aircraft fitted with Trent 772Cs. Airbus said the new engines will improve aircraft performance in high altitudes and hotter temperatures. The first A330 fitted with Trent 772Cs is slated for delivery to Air China in late May.

Rising commercial aircraft sales helped propel Boeing to a 29% increase in first-quarter net income to $692 million compared to a $535 million profit in the first quarter of 2005. Momentum from the manufacturer's record year for aircraft orders in 2005 carried into this year's first quarter as airlines booked 176 net orders in the three-month period. "Strong overall performance, combined with a significant increase in commercial airplane deliveries, drove this quarter's results," said Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney.

Airbus CEO Gustav Humbert told reporters in Dresden that the airframer will decide whether to make changes to the A350 by mid-year. "We are talking intensively with our customers and looking very closely at the matter. We have an A350 that is good. If we can improve it, we will do that with profitability and the market in mind," Humbert said, according to Reuters. Several important customers, including Singapore Airlines and ILFC, have criticized the A350 as derivative in recent weeks (ATWOnline, April 11).

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise ordered 10 737NGs valued at $675 million plus 10 options and 10 purchase rights, with the firm aircraft scheduled for delivery between early 2009 and late 2010. The 737-800 is the baseline model SALE specified, although substitutions can be made. CFMI valued the firm engines at approximately $140 million at list price.

Kingfisher Airlines signed an order for five A340-500s with options for five more. The Rolls-Royce Trent 500-powered aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2008. Kingfisher currently operates eight A320s and four A319s and has placed firm orders for five each of the A380, A330 and A350. Vijay Mallya, chairman of Kingfisher parent UB Group, said the new aircraft will allow the Indian airline to launch direct flights to the US for the first time.

MAT Macedonian Airlines took delivery of a CRJ900, Bombardier announced. The 86-seat aircraft will replace a 737 and an F100. MAT holds options for two additional CRJ900s.