In what it called "the biggest fleet modernization in its history," Finnair yesterday said it will acquire nine A350-900s and three CFM56-5-powered A340-300Es (Enhanced). Value of the deal and engine choice for the A350s were not announced. The A350-900s will begin arriving in 2011. The dash 900 is the larger of the two versions. Finnair will take them in a 314-seat, two-class layout. Range of the type is 7,500 nm. (13,890 km.).

Boeing and Royal Air Maroc firmed up the carrier's July order for four 787s plus an option yesterday. RAM intends to use the aircraft on services to North America and on new routes in the Middle East and Africa. The first Dreamliner is scheduled for delivery in 2008. "The advantages the 787 brings to our long-haul fleet operations will allow RAM to expand profitably," Chairman and CEO Mohamed Berrada said.

Engine Alliance said its GP7200, selected to power Emirates' A380s, has completed the certification tests required by FAA. Certification is expected this month. The engine ran at more than 94,000 lb. thrust and has accumulated nearly 3,000 hr. and 7,000 cycles. It holds the market share lead with 58% of announced A380 firm orders, according to the GE-Pratt & Whitney joint venture.

Yemenia confirmed that it is in initial talks with Airbus and Boeing to acquire up to 10 midsize widebody aircraft for delivery by 2012. It is expected that the order will be six firm aircraft and four options. The carrier plans to simplify its fleet down to two aircraft types. Yemenia currently operates two A330-200s, four A310-300s and three 737-800s.

Philippine Airlines finalized a commitment for nine A320s announced last month (ATWOnline, Nov. 9) and took five options as well. Engine choice was not released. The carrier also said it will lease two new A320s and two new A319s from GE Commercial Aviation Services. The firm and leased aircraft are valued at approximately $840 million, according to media reports. Firm deliveries will begin in the second half of next year and continue until 2008. The optional aircraft will be available between 2009 and 2012.

US Airways chose GEnx engines to power 20 A350s ordered last month (ATWOnline, Nov. 30). GE valued the business at $400 million. Deliveries begin in 2011.

Airbus's negotiations with Chinese authorities (ATWOnline, Nov. 30) resulted in a blockbuster contract as the airframer reached a "general terms agreement" with Chinese Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group for the purchase of 150 A320 family aircraft.

Boeing appears to be ahead by a nose in the intense battle for a $15 billion, 100-plus-aircraft order from Qantas pitting its 787 and 777 against Airbus's A350 and A340. The Qantas board will make a selection at its Wednesday meeting, with an announcement expected before the Australian Stock Exchange opens the following day. Boeing's pitch has been helped by Cathay Pacific's order for the 777-300ER (ATWOnline, Dec. 2) and the recently announced 1.4% improvement in that aircraft's fuel burn.