Kuzu Airlines Cargo of Istanbul took delivery of its fifth A300-B4 freighter, which was purchased from Channel Express-UK.

Finnair converted four options for Embraer 170s into firm orders for 190s. These are in addition to an original 2004 order for 12 170s. Deliveries of the additional jets are scheduled for 2007. Finnair still holds options on four 170s.

Cathay Pacific Airways' love affair with the 747-400 is set to continue for "many years yet," according to COO Tony Tyler. Speaking to this website after the selection of the 777 (ATWOnline, Dec. 2), Tyler confirmed that the 777-300ERs ordered last Thursday will be used for "new services" that will include new destinations and increased frequencies. The longer-term 747 replacement for the heaviest routes at Cathay will pit the A380--which Airbus COO-Commercial John Leahy vows the airline will buy--against the born-again 747-8.

As predicted by this website (ATWOnline, Nov. 30), Cathay Pacific Airways chose the 777-300ER, stating that it will order up to 36 of the type including 16 firm aircraft that will be delivered between September 2007 and July 2010 and powered by GE90-115Bs. A Boeing statement did not refer to the deal as a final order but confirmed the numbers Cathay released. The airline said it also will take three Trent 700-powered A330-300s in 2008 for regional routes.

Embraer 170, 175 and 190 have been granted a common type rating by aviation authorities in Brazil, the US, Canada and Europe. This will allow operators to reduce pilot training and crew qualification costs.

Finnish Commuter Airlines took delivery of its first new ATR 42-500. Configured with 48 seats, the aircraft is part of an order for eight finalized at the Paris Air Show. It will feed the Finnair Helsinki hub and also will be operated on the Finncomm regional network. Pegasus Airlines, a Turkish leisure carrier, said it ordered six 737-800s. It already operates a fleet of 12 737-800s and two 737-400s. JAT Airways plans to take delivery of two Embraer 170s in January for use on services from Belgrade to Podgoroca, Vienna and Sarajevo.

Bombardier Aerospace reported third-quarter earnings before taxes and interest of $28 million, a 41.6% drop from the $48 million posted last year. Revenues increased 12.5% to $1.8 billion, boosted in large measure by a 71% rise in deliveries of business jets and CRJ705s. However, the profits were not enough to lift the overall results for the Canadian transportation manufacturer, which reported a $9 million loss for the three months to Oct. 31.

Delta Air Lines received US Bankruptcy Court approval to sell an undisclosed number of 767s, 737s and Brasilias, according to media reports.