EADS yesterday said it intends to proceed toward the full industrial launch of the A350 program with partner BAe Systems by the end of September. "Following the already public commitments towards the A350 by several airlines, and having reviewed the ones to be announced in the near future, the Board was confirmed in its conviction that this project very appropriately meets the airlines' expectations in the field of mid-size twin aircraft for the next generation," EADS said in a statement.

South Korea-based Jeju Air yesterday placed a firm order for five 74-seat Bombardier Q400s and took options on a further three. The firm order contract is valued at roughly $120 million, but it could rise to $196 million if all options are exercised. According to Bombardier, the carrier is its first South Korean Regional airline customer. The company now has 147 firm orders for the Q400.

Boeing upped its forecast for commercial aircraft for the next 20 years, projecting a need for approximately 25,700 new passenger and freighter aircraft during the period worth an estimated $2.1 trillion compared to last year's projection of 25,000 commercial aircraft worth $2 trillion.

Avions de Transport Regional will announce multiple orders for the ATR 42/72 family of turboprops at next week's Paris Air Show, confirming "the recovery of the turboprop market and the success of ATR." The company forecasts a cumulative number of sales this year "not seen in over a decade."

As predicted (ATWOnline, June 6), FlyBE placed an order to purchase up to 26 GE CF34-powered Embraer 195s, comprising 14 firm orders and 12 options with deliveries beginning in August 2006 and continuing to November 2007. According to Embraer, total value of the firm contract at list prices is $470 million with a potential of up to $870 million if all options are converted.

Boeing appears to be moving toward a July launch of both the cargo and passenger versions of the 747ADV. A number of airlines are interested in the passenger version, while a more significant number will take the freighter. Air New Zealand MD and CEO Ralph Norris told ATWOnline that while his airline has ordered 777-200ERs to replace its 747-400s, it would be interested in a number of 747-400ADVs for major routes.

FlyBE confirmed to ATWOnline that it will announce a major fleet expansion today. The order for 9-12 new 150-seat aircraft is part of its fleet renewal program as it intends to retire its aging BAe 146s, but it also will accommodate the carrier's ambitious growth strategy.

Continental Airlines placed its first Blended Winglet-equipped 757-200 into revenue service last week.