Air Algerie added the eighth 737-800 to its fleet this week. It will receive another two in August 2006.

In order to facilitate further its expansion in Brazil and elsewhere in South America, Gol announced that it increased the size of its total order for 737-800s from 63 to 101. The revised deal doubles the airline's firm orders to 60 and increases purchase options to 41. The aircraft included in the firm order are scheduled for delivery from 2006 to 2012 and the purchase options can be exercised between 2007 and 2012.

Malaysia Airlines will lease five 737-800s for India and China operations, according to Bloomberg. The carrier will use the aircraft to open new routes to secondary airports and their selection may be an indication of its choice of a replacement for its 737-400 fleet, which is due by year end.

EVA Air unveiled the first of its 316-seat 777-300ERs, which will begin operations on the London Heathrow-Bangkok-Taipei route from Sept. 15. The aircraft is configured with three new cabins: Premium Laurel, EVA's new business class; Elite Class, its re-launched premium economy product, and an upgraded economy class. It also features a new inflight entertainment system.

SkyQuest International, as acquisition agent for International Aviation Support, arranged the purchase of an Embraer Brasilia from Bank of America through its agent Northstar Aviation Services.

Air China signed a contract with Airbus to purchase 20 A330-200s, which are scheduled for delivery beginning next May. China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group was involved in the deal by signing a GTA with Airbus. Air China President Li Jiaxiang said the new aircraft will help the carrier expand its fleet and open more international destinations. According to ATW's "World Airline Report," Air China currently operates a fleet of 83 aircraft consisting of both Airbus and Boeing models.

Cargolux, as expected, has emerged as one of the launch airlines for the 747ADV after its board authorized management to enter into final negotiations with Boeing for a minimum of 10 of the type for delivery beginning in 2009. President and CEO Uli Ogiermann said, "Management's recommendation to the board is the result of a very thorough analysis during which we assessed which aircraft was best suited to our fleet renewal in the next decade.

Embattled Independence Air received another blow yesterday when US FAA proposed to fine parent Atlantic Coast Airlines $1.5 million for maintenance violations including operating an aircraft for approximately 455 flights beyond a required C check in the fall of 2004. FAA also alleged that the carrier operated several aircraft on more than 7,400 flights last year without replacing expired emergency locator transmitter batteries and several more aircraft on more than 3,600 flights without performing required inspections and tests on a variety of systems and components.