In a blow to Airbus, Northwest Airlines yesterday said it has ordered 18 787s with options and purchase rights for up to 50 more. NWA operates 15 A330-200s and dash 300s and has 17 more on order, so was an obvious candidate for the proposed A350. Instead, the carrier, which has not ordered a Boeing widebody since the 747-400, chose the Dreamliner. It did not disclose which version but said its 787s will be fitted with 36 World Business Class and 185 coach seats and will have a nonstop range of 8,500 nm, which implies the 787-8. Engine selection was not announced.

Skyway Airlines said it terminated discussions with Delta Air Lines to operate Delta Connection's fleet of 328JETs. The decision came shortly after Delta announced it had selected Mesa Air Group to operate up to 30 CRJ200s in the Delta Connection network, which offers it an opportunity to upgrade flying previously done by Atlantic Coast Airlines with 328JETs (ATWOnline, May 5).

Delta Air Lines reached an agreement with Mesa Air Group under which Mesa subsidiary Freedom Airlines will operate up to 30 CRJ200s in the Delta Connection feeder network over a 12-year period beginning in October.

Embraer on Tuesday announced it will enter the market for small business jets with two new programs. The aircraft, currently designated the Very Light Jet and the Light Jet, are twin-engine jets targeted for entry into service in mid-2008 for the VLJ and a year later for the LJ. The VLJ will seat between six and eight including pilot and copilot and will sell for $2.75 million. The LJ will seat up to nine and list for $6.65 million. Embraer put its investment to develop both at $235 million. They will be powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.

Singapore Airlines confirmed reports that delivery of its first A380 will be delayed from the original target of May 2006 (ATWOnline, May 3). A spokesperson told this website yesterday, "We have been notified by Airbus of a delay and are working with them to minimize it. We are still working toward an entry into commercial service in the second half of 2006." Insiders at the airline said that contrary to reports from German media, the delay is not by mutual agreement.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is expected to announce a fresh order--possibly at the Paris Air Show--for more widebody aircraft for delivery over the next five years. Speaking at the opening of the Arab Travel Market, Etihad Chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan said in a prepared statement that the airline will be operating to more than 30 destinations within a year. He added, "The role of Etihad Airways in promoting the destination regionally and internationally cannot be ignored. Since it started operations, the number of tourists dramatically increased.

Boeing chose Donaldson to provide the air purification system for the 787.

Czech Airlines took delivery of two new 46-seat ATR 42-500s yesterday, part of an order for seven ATR 42-500s placed in December 2003.