The 46th Paris Air Show will be larger than the 2003 event in terms of numbers of exhibitors and will feature both the A380 and the 777-200LR making their first air show appearances, officials confirmed at a briefing in Washington yesterday. According to Paris Air Show Chairman Louis Laport, the seven-day event (trimmed from nine days previously at the request of exhibitors) will bring together almost 1,800 exhibitors from 44 countries compared to 1,728 from 42 countries at the 45th show. Trade days are June 13-16 with the public invited June 17-19.

Emirates Airline continues to push Airbus to launch the stretch version of the A380, the proposed dash 900, President Tim Clark told ATWOnline in Dubai.

An A380 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines and carrying the registration F-WWOW took off from Blagnac International Airport in Toulouse at 10:29 a.m. local time yesterday and flew for 3 hr. 54 min. before landing back at Blagnac at 2:23 p.m.

On the day that it celebrated the anniversary of the launch of the 787, Boeing wrapped up one of the longest sales campaigns in history as it won the widebody mandate from Air-India to supply up to 50 jets worth $6.8 billion. Yesterday's deal includes firm orders for five GE90-110B-powered 777-200LRs, 10 GE90-115B-powered 777-300ERs and 20 787-8s, with options on three 777-200LRs, five 777-300ERs and seven 787-8s. Engine selection on the 787s was not announced, but GE valued the 777 firm engine orders at more than $700 million.

In a major victory for Boeing, Air Canada yesterday placed a fleet replacement/growth order for up to 96 777s and 787s, including two 777-200 freighters should that program be launched.

Copa yesterday placed an order with Boeing for up to 15 additional 737NGs. The deal includes five firm orders, with deliveries beginning in 2007 and extending through 2009. If all options are exercised, Boeing said the deal will be valued at $750 million. Copa currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 21 737NGs, with three remaining to be delivered from prior orders.

The A380 will make its maiden flight Wednesday morning depending on weather conditions and the absence of last-minute problems, Airbus said yesterday.

Kingfisher Airlines took delivery of its first A320 last week. The aircraft is one of four that the Indian carrier will take on lease from debis AirFinance. Kingfisher also has placed firm orders for 10 A320s plus 20 options and three A319s.