LOT Polish Airlines ordered seven 787-8s and took options on two and "hold purchase rights" on five more. Boeing valued the firm aircraft at around $910 million at list prices. They will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000s and deliveries begin in 2008. The 787s will replace LOT's six 767-300s and two 767-200s. Airbus had offered the A350 in competition. LOT said the evaluation process was supported by Sabre Airline Solutions while the final results were scrutinized by Ernst &Young. The supervisory board's decision in favor of the Boeing product was unanimous.

Wizz Air finalized a previously announced contract for 12 A319s/A320s plus 12 options (ATWOnline, July 14). Aircraft will be powered by IAE V2500s. Deliveries will begin in the summer of 2007.

Azerbaijan Hava Yollari took delivery of the first of four CFM56-powered A319s during a ceremony in Baku last week. The order includes an A319CJ. The Azerbaijani flag carrier also leases an A320.

Boeing is moving closer to the launch of the 747-400ADV with the announced sale of four 747-400Fs to Nippon Cargo Airlines. According to insiders at the manufacturer, the next delivery slots are 747-400ADV aircraft. This year the company has sold 24 747-400s and now has a backlog of 30 net of five cancellations logged in 2005. Cargolux has announced its intention to order 10 747-ADV freighters. Other carriers identified with the program are China Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and British Airways.

China Southern Airlines ordered eight A330-300s and two A330-200s with deliveries in 2007-08, Airbus said, noting that the carrier already operates four A330-200s. China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group also was involved in the deal, signing a GTA with Airbus. Engine selection and value of the agreement were not announced. China Southern's current A330s are powered by Rolls-Royce Trents.

CTT Systems said its Zonal Drying System will be standard equipment on the 787 while its humidifiers will be offered as an option for flightdeck and crew rest areas. The potential value including aftermarket exceeds $250 million over the life of the program.

Gol increased the number of 737-800s scheduled for 2006 delivery to 11 from six previously. It said the aircraft will be equipped with winglets and have a special performance package permitting operation to all airports served by the carrier.

Embraer reached an agreement with Regional, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air France, covering the purchase of six GE CF34-powered 190LRs valued at $189 million with options on a further six. Deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2007. The order replaces an existing commitment from the carrier for seven ERJ-145s. The 190s will be configured for 100 seats. Regional currently operates a fleet of 50 Brasilias, ERJ-135s and ERJ-145s.