Etihad Airways took delivery of the first of five new 777-300ERs Monday in Abu Dhabi. The aircraft, which seats 378 in two classes and has space for 20 tons of cargo, will be used on Etihad's Frankfurt service.

South African Express Airways signed a $48.5 million contract to acquire two 74-seat Q400s, the airframer announced. The airline, which will be the first African carrier to operate the turboprop, flies an all-Bombardier fleet of seven Dash 8-300s and six CRJ200s.

Morgan Stanley said it entered into a definitive agreement to sell operating lessor AWAS (formerly Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services) to Terra Firma, a European private equity firm, for $2.5 billion in cash plus the assumption of liabilities.

Boeing unveiled a new no-charge carbon brake option on the 737NG that it said will reduce weight by up to 700 lb. and increase the wear life for up to twice as many landings. The brakes will be supplied by Goodrich and Messier-Bugatti and will be available for delivery in early 2008. They also will be available for retrofit. "Carbon brakes offer the same stopping performance as steel brakes but with the added benefit of a significant weight savings," 737 Chief Project Engineer Mike Delaney said.

Volvo Aero will increase its participation in the GEnx engine to the tune of an additional SEK6 billion ($787 million) in sales over the next 30 years. Volvo now will be responsible for additional components in the fan module and HPT.

Airbus said All Nippon Airways ordered three A320s last year. The Airbus website showed orders for three A320s from an unidentified customer received on Dec. 1. The airframer also said ANA will lease two A320s. All aircraft will be powered by CFM56-5B4/Ps and will support expansion to destinations in China.

Air Europa finalized its launch order for 10 A350-800s plus two options. The Spanish carrier became the first airline to commit to the aircraft when it signed an MOU with Airbus at the end of 2004 (ATWOnline, Dec. 22, 2004). It also will lease three A350s from GECAS. The A350-800s, scheduled for delivery between 2010 and 2012, will be used for transatlantic service, be powered by GEnx-1As and seat 253 passengers in a two-class configuration.

Qantas took delivery of the first of seven Q400s, which will enter service Feb. 26. The 72-seat turboprop will operate twice-daily service between Brisbane and Mackay replacing a single daily flight currently operated with a 737.