Series of fires aboard CRJ200s resulting in temporary loss of all cockpit EFIS displays on some of the affected aircraft prompted the US National Transportation Safety Board to urge FAA to address the situation. According to NTSB, there have been seven fires aboard CRJ200s, six of them within the past six months. Although none resulted in loss of life, "the potential exists for an uncontained fire to compromise the oxygen line, which could develop into an even more critical situation." All fires have involved the Ultem 2200 surface material of the 1K4XD contactors aboard the aircraft.

Embraer reported a record year with sales topping $3.8 billion, an 11.3% increase over 2004, and net income of $446 million, a 17.2% rise.

Pakistan International Airlines took delivery of its second 777-200LR. It is the aircraft that broke the commercial jetliner distance record on a Hong Kong-London flight last fall (ATWOnline, Nov. 11, 2005).

Etihad Airways said it will install Boeing Class 3 EFBs on five new 777-300ERs being delivered in the first half of this year. The EFBs will be installed starting in 2007. Meanwhile, Etihad took delivery of a 777-300ER and an A330-200.

Cathay Pacific Airways, which generates about 30% of its revenue from cargo activities, is evaluating its future freighter fleet and is studying the 747-8F, 777F and A380 freighter. "We are looking at them but we may not make a decision this year, because we are very well served with our strategy not to order [new] aircraft too early," COO Tony Tyler told ATWOnline in Hong Kong. He joked that the airline might make an exception "if Boeing gives us a killer offer."

Hapagfly took delivery of three 737-800s Friday. The aircraft, along with an additional dash 800 delivered the previous week, are part of an order for 10 placed by parent TUI Group in late 2004 and will replace A310s.

At Flight Level 350 over Canada's Northwest Territories, Delta Flight 55, a 777-200ER, is bound for Tokyo Narita. All is quiet when the call goes out: "Is there a doctor onboard?" A couple of minutes later, a second announcement, but with added emphasis: "Is there anyone onboard with medical training?"

With the number of regional jets in the world airline fleet now numbering in the thousands, some of them with more than a decade in service, the demand to support them is rising. Surprisingly, few third-party providers have shown much interest in participating in this segment of the maintenance, repair and overhaul market, which still rests largely with the airframe and engine OEMs and the component and system suppliers. Industry analysts suggest this could change as the fleet continues to age and aircraft come out of warranty.