Basel-based Crossair Europe, a subsidiary of Swiss International Air Lines, will cease operations as expected. Swiss will take over one of the two Saab 2000s the carrier operates.

CSA Czech Airlines and Airbus, after almost five months of negotiations, have agreed on the final text of an agreement for 12 A320s (ATWOnline, Oct. 19). In addition to specific purchase and delivery conditions for the 2006-08 period, the agreement outlines a range of special forms of cooperation such as delivery of a simulator, technical background support, free pilot and technical personnel training, technical assistance and consultancy for aircraft maintenance and servicing.

GB Airways placed an order for five Airbus single-aisle family aircraft, comprising one A320 and four A321s. Deliveries are scheduled from 2007 onward, "while three extra A321s are expected to join the GB fleet by spring 2007," Airbus said in a statement, noting that this is the first time the airline is acquiring aircraft directly from the manufacturer. They will be powered by IAE V2500s.

Aerospace Technologies Group was selected to partner with Airbus for "future definition, customization, development, manufacture and support" of electromechanical shades for the A380. The new partnership builds on the contract ATG finalized with Airbus in February to develop electromechanical window shade systems for A330s and A340s. "This announcement affirms Airbus's confidence in both ATG and the Powertech NG Shade," ATG Chairman Raymond Caldiero said.

Dauair.com, a new German carrier, will take off April 18. The airline was founded by Hans-Jorg Dau, who will act as CEO. It will be headquartered in Luebeck and its first operational base will be at Dortmund. According to the airline, its main focus will be business travelers. Initially it will operate three daily flights between Dortmund and Berlin Tempelhof using a single Saab 340B. It will expand service with daily flights between Dortmund and Poznan a week later. It will not operate scheduled service on Saturdays but will be available for charter flights.

Korean Airlines is close to placing an order for the 787, with insiders suggesting to ATWOnline an order and options package "for at least 20 aircraft."

Skyways Aviation arranged the long-term lease of an MD-83 on behalf of Sky Wings Airlines of Greece. The aircraft will enter service in April with the startup, which will specialize in European charter and ACMI contracts.

Teledyne Controls' Flight Data Interface Management Unit was selected by Turkish Airlines for installation on its fleet of 36 A319s/A320s and A330s.