Japan Air Commuter converted an option for a Q400 turboprop to a firm order, bringing the total to 10 firm orders by JAC, the largest Regional airline in the Japan Airlines Group. Also, JAL signed a deal to acquire a CRJ200 to be operated by its wholly owned subsidiary J-AIR, which flies eight of the 50-seat aircraft.

Etihad Airways took delivery of its first 777-300ER last week.

Boeing said yesterday that its 777-200LR received FAA and EASA certification. First delivery is to Pakistan International Airlines later this month. Two 777-200LR test airplanes completed 886 flight hr. on 328 flights. With a maximum range of 9,420 nm. (17,446 km.), the Worldliner, as Boeing has dubbed it, has taken the title of the world's longest-range commercial airplane away from the A340-500. To emphasize the jet's long legs, Boeing flew a test aircraft to a new world record last November, traveling from Hong Kong to London on an eastbound routing. The 11,664-nm.

The ongoing US-EU trade dispute over aircraft subsidies ratcheted up a notch in intensity as Trade Representative Rob Portman announced that the US is filing an additional consultation request under its WTO case against what it claims is illegal launch aid for the A350.

AerCap established a 50/50 joint venture with LoadAir, a Kuwait-based aviation entity, to acquire, manage and market 70 A320 family aircraft to which AerCap committed at the Dubai Air Show (ATWOnline, Nov. 24, 2005). The new company, AerVenture, will be based in Ireland. It firmed the AerCap LOI with Airbus in December. AerCap (formerly debis AirFinance) will provide complete asset management services for the portfolio. LoadAir is the trading name for International Cargo Airlines Co., which was floated on the Kuwait stock exchange in 2005.

AeroMexico placed an order for three 737-700s and three 737-800s, Boeing announced yesterday. The aircraft are worth approximately $372 million at list prices and will begin delivery in 2007. "Since they were introduced to our fleet in 2003, the Boeing 737-700 has proved to be an exceptional airplane and with the acquisition of the 737-800 in 2006, we will continue our fleet renovation program with great success," said AeroMexico CFO Francisco Cuevas. The carrier is scheduled to take delivery of eight 737NGs and two 777-200ERs this year.

Airbus said it installed the first of four Engine Alliance GP7200s on the fifth A380 test aircraft in Toulouse.

Boeing yesterday raised its earnings outlook for 2006-07 on the back of strong sales and earnings momentum as it reported that fourth-quarter net income more than doubled to $460 million from $186 million in the year-ago period. The result propelled full-year income up 37% to $2.57 billion from $1.87 billion in 2004. "Boeing made great progress in '05, which has given us a solid foundation for even better performance in 2006 and beyond," said Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney during a webcast.