617 replies to this topic

[Jaime]

November 17

• Air France KLM Group is examining early 2007 launch of an Orly-based LCC to operate as jointly-owned subsidiary of Air France (60%) and transavia.com (40%) with 737-800s.
• ACE Aviation Holdings and Air Canada set price of C$21 per share for public offering for about 25% of Air Canada, and expect C$525m in gross proceeds...
  ...ACE will retain control of Air Canada through a 75% majority interest, or 71.25% in the event that an over-allotment option is exercised in full.
• Air China has ordered two Tu-204 freighters.
• TAM took delivery of its 13th new A320 Family aircraft in 2006, and now operates fleet of 94 aircraft: 14 A319s, 48 A320s, 10 A330s and and 22 Fokker 100s.
• Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors has authorized a new share repurchase program to acquire up to $400m of the company's common stock...
  ...Southwest also announced the addition of 33 new nonstop flights in 26 city-pairs in US.
• Airbus says A380 successfully completed crosswind tests in extreme wind conditions at Keflavik Airport in Iceland.
• Japan Airlines took delivery of its first of 30 737-800Ws ordered in May 2005.
• Thai Airways executive was quoted as saying he would not rule out possibility of canceling their order for six A380s due to program delay.
• UPS announced new list rates for 2007, including a net average increase of 4.9% on all air express and US-origin international shipments.
• China Aviation Supplies Import & Export Group Corporation (CASC) ordered 500 30-pax Su-80GP combi aircraft with GE ST7-9B turboprops.
• Aeroflot had net profit of US$169m on $1.91b revenues in January-September 2006.
• Delta Air Lines is trying to rally support from creditors against US Airways' takeover bid.

[Jaime]

November 18

• Embraer forecasts a global demand for 7,500 passenger jets worth US$220b in the 30-to-120-seat capacity segment over the next 20 years: 1,400 30-to-60 seaters, 2,600 61-to-90 seaters, and 3,500 91-to-120 seaters.
• Spirit Airlines sold five new A319s -- scheduled for delivery through end of 2006 -- to GECAS, and leased them back...
  ...It also announced plans to begin new nonstop service from its Fort Lauderdale hub to Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach on February 15 and Los Angeles on March 15.
• Embraer estimates an overall demand for 11,115 business jets -- including 2,715 VLJs -- worth US$169b over the next 10 years...
  ...It says the new air taxi market may add another 2,500-3,000 aircraft to the Very Light Jet (VLJ) segment.
• Garuda Indonesia said it is in talks with four or five airlines about strategic partnerships.
• Vueling was approved for IPO on the Bolsa de Madrid stock exchange and plans to use proceeds to increase its A320 fleet from 16 at end of 2006 to 37 by end of 2008 and set up a new hub outside Spain.
• Embraer says it expects to deliver 160-165 aircraft in 2007 and 195-205, including 15-20 Phenom 100 VLJs, in 2008.
• Tucson, AZ-based Hamilton Aerospace Technologies received four new maintenance contracts worth $4m...
  ...First is for maintenance, paint and reconfiguration of 737-200 sold by JetGlobal to Royal Khmer Airlines of Cambodia...
  ...Second is for heavy maintenance of a 737-200 in the Mexican Presidential fleet...
  ...The third involves lap seam repairs, paint, and a heavy maintenance visit for a 737-200 leased to Aloha Airlines by BCI Aircraft Leasing...
  ...The fourth involves modification and heavy maintenance on a Super 727-200 that will be operating as a VIP aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines of India.

[Jaime]

November 20

• Airbus plans to increase A320 Family aircraft production from current 30 per month to 36 by end of 2008.
• British Airways revised its normal retirement age from 55 to 60 as part of plan to reduce GBP2.1b deficit in its New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS).
• Delta Air Lines is recalling 700 additional maintenance employees beginning in mid-December...
  ... It says it "remains on track to emerge from Chapter 11 during the first half of 2007 as a stand-alone carrier."
• Goodrich broke ground on 110,000 sq ft component/systems MRO facility in Dubai.
• Royal Jordanian took delivery of last of six new A320 Family aircraft as part of its medium-haul fleet modernization program...
  ...RJ says it expects next week to take delivery of its first of seven EMBRAER 195s.
• Kitty Hawk has >$29m USPS contract to manage its C-NET network over holiday season (Nov 28-Dec 24).
• Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry Co. and Hafei Aviation Industry Co. both agreed to take 10% in Chinese company being formed to build/operate A320 assembly facility in Tianjin in joint project with Airbus.
• Aeroflot, Dalavia and Saklhalin agreed to consolidate regional operations into single airline.
• Eaton was selected by Boeing to provide quick-disconnect coupling products and hose products for 787.
• Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines have expanded their code-sharing agreement.

[Jaime]

November 21

• Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems made IPO for up to 63.4m shares (includes over allotments) on NYSE at $26 each.
• Qantas announced that it is retaining its 737 heavy maintenance base at Tullamarine, pending a broader review of the entire Qantas Engineering operation over next 12 months.
• Netherlands-based AerCap Holdings made IPO for up to 30m shares (includes over allotments) on NYSE at $23 each.
• Korean Air finalized $5.5b order for 10 777-300ERs, five 737NGs, five 747-8 Freighters, and five 777-200 Freighters, plus options for four 777-300ERs, two 747-8Fs and two 737-900ERs, for 2009-2019.
• Mesa Air Group reported $34m net income on $1.3b revenues for year ended Sept 30 vs $56.9m on $1.1b a year ago.
• Netherlands is selling its remaining 10.9% stake in TNT for about $1.9b under privatization plan.
• EADS is expected to make launch decision on A350XWB on Friday, November 24.
• Kingfisher finalized $300m order with Pratt & Whitney for PW4168As for five A330s on order, plus five options, in deal that includes long-term maintenance support.
• Finnair Technical Services was selected by Finncomm to maintain PW127 engines for 11 ATRs over next 12 years.
• British Airways is adding new routes from Gatwick to Trinidad and Tobago, Dresden and Sarajevo in March 2007.
• Ryanair says it will not increase its offer for Aer Lingus beyond current 2.80 euros per share.

[Jaime]

November 22

• Airbus forecasts global market for 22,700 new passenger/freighter aircraft worth $2,600b between 2006 and 2025...
  ...It is projecting an average annual delivery of close to 1,100 >100-seat passenger aircraft, up from around 800 two years ago.
• Macquarie Bank and Texas Pacific Group-led consortium has approached Qantas about a possible takeover.
• SkyWest was selected by Delta to operate 12 ex-Comair CRJ700s from Cincinnati under contract flying arrangement starting in February.
• Raytheon Aircraft received FAA type certification for Hawker 4000.
• Qantas launched 12-month review of its in-house aircraft maintenance and engineering operation to determine whether to commit to future investment or outsource.
• SR Technics has 10-year component services agreement from Eurofly, Italy for its three A330s, eight A320s and one A319.
• Virgin Atlantic unveiled redesigned Premium Economy cabin with wider seat manufactured by Reynard Aviation.
• Air Cruisers, Honeywell and Thales joined Boeing's 787 GoldCare lifecycle support solution.
• Southwest Airlines says it would be interested in acquiring slots, gates and 737s to be sold from proposed US Airways/Delta merger.

[Jaime]

November 24

• EADS canceled scheduled Board meeting to discuss launch of the A350XWB.
• MAXjet appointed William D. Stockbridge as President and CEO, replacing Gary Rogliano, who left the company...
  ...Stockbridge had been Chairman of MAXjet since 2004 and was previously Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Air Cargo and Founder of Gemini Air Cargo.
• Lufthansa Technik Philippines was selected by Gulf Air to perform 8C/10Y Check of one of its A340s.
• Air France KLM Group reported Eu374m net profit on Eu6.1b revenues for second quarter ended September 30 vs Eu717m on Eu5.6b a year ago...
  ...It is considering opening formal discussions with Alitalia about becoming part of the group.
• Korean Air took delivery of the first of two converted A300-600Fs from EADS EFW.
• BAE Systems Regional Aircraft leased five more ATP turboprop freighters to West Air Sweden, and also leased a 15th BAe 146 (extended leases on seven others) to Eurowings.
• AgustaWestland completed first flight of second BA609 tiltrotor prototype in Cameri, Italy.
• TAM plans in 1H07 to begin service to Milan, Italy.
• Airbus expects to receive certification for A380 on December 13

[Jaime]

November 25

• Airbus began final phase of 3-week A380 route proving flights, which will involve an around-the-world trip via both poles, returning to Toulouse on November 30.
• M1 Travel ordered two Q400s for operation by Switzerland-based Flybaboo SA, and optioned four.
• Arik Air, of Lagos, Nigeria, ordered for a fourth new CRJ900.
• Research and Markets forecasts delivery of 4,124 VLJs in 2007-2016, which added to the 30 or so delivered in 2006 will put the global VLJ fleet at 4,154 aircraft.
• ACE Aviation and Air Canada completed initial public offering and secondary offering of Air Canada shares for gross proceeds of C$525m.
• SR Technics established a line maintenance station at Paris Orly Airport.
• Poland's White Eagle Aviation leased an ATR 42 in deal arranged by UK-based Skyways Aviation...
  ...The aircraft will be subleased on a long term ACMI contract with Air One of Italy.
• Lufthansa announced that foreign ownership of its common stock has exceeded 45% (45.73%).
• Harrods Aviation renewed contract with Volvo Aero to provide TFE731 heavy maintenance and repair support.
• Airbus announced that with TAM's previously announced order for six A330-200s, the A330 Family has now surpassed 600 firm orders.

[Jaime]

November 27

• KLM appointed Peter F. Hartman as next CEO, effective July 5, 2007, replacing Leo M. van Wijk, who is stepping down.
• Lufthansa Technik is planning to set up heavy maintenance capabilities -- including new hangar -- for A330s and A340s at Lufthansa Technik Malta...
  ...Lufthansa and Air Malta have also agreed to operate code-share flights on several routes and recognize each other's frequent flyer programs.
• Japan's Galaxy Airlines took delivery of its first new-build A300-600F, joining its existing converted A300-600F.
• SR Technics was selected by Virgin Atlantic Airways as the EASA Part 21 Design Organization, integrator, and installer for previously announced reconfiguration of five 747-400s.
• Onex Corp., Carlyle Group and Cerberus Capital Management have reportedly all submitted bids to purchase Raytheon Aircraft...
  ...Onex is also expected to make offer for Air Canada Technical Services.
• Association of European Airlines says that while it agrees with principles of Europe's Emissions Trading Scheme, it feels current proposal is distortive and will damage competitiveness of European airlines.
• Michelin Aircraft Tire received certification for its A380 tires.

[Lewinki]

Korean Air Cargo took delivery of their first 2 converted A300-600s freighters...

[Jaime]

November 29

• Bombardier Aerospace reported EBIT of US$43m on $1.84b revenues for third quarter ended October 31 vs $31m on $1.79b a year ago...
  ...It delivered 73 aircraft (42 business and 31 regional) vs 74 (48 business and 26 regional) a year ago, citing fewer Learjet deliveries due to October strike.
• Alenia signed final partnership agreement with Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. to purchase 25% plus one share of SCAC, and also take a corresponding financial stake in the Superjet 100 regional jet.
• Airbus is planning to outsource about 50% of the airframe for proposed A350XWB to save >$2b...
  ...EADS Board is now expected to meet on December 1 to discuss project.
• Finnair ordered four more EMBRAER 190s, and has now ordered 10 for delivery through 2009, plus 10 E170s.
• Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings and DHL finalized strategic partnership that includes 49% equity interest in Polar by DHL and 20-year commercial arrangement.
• Wizz Air sold four new A320s with V2500s (for delivery in 1H08) to GECAS for leaseback.
• Fraport signed LOI to acquire in 2015 needed land for new runway.
• Thales was selected by Hainan Airlines to provide IFE systems for seven A330s and eight 787s.
• Ryanair has increased its shareholding in Aer Lingus from 19.2% to 25.2%.
• Zodiac's Monogram Systems was selected by Cathay Pacific to provide eight air chillers each for 18 777-300ERs.
• US Airways canceled order for 29 CRJs.
• Singapore Airlines took delivery of its first of 19 777-300ERs, equipped with newly designed interiors.

[Jaime]

November 30

• Airbus completed technical route proving tests of A380 that took aircraft over both poles...
  ...It expects certification in mid-December.
• UAE-based consortium of Mubadala Development, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and Istithmar completed previously announced acquisition of SR Technics.
• Delta Air Lines lost $88m in October 2006, compared to $301m loss in October 2005.
• Hawaiian Airlines agreed to purchase three of the seven 767-300ERs on lease from AWAS, and amend the lease agreements for the other four, removing early termination options.
• Precision Conversions received STC from EASA for its 15-pallet 757-200PCF conversion.
• Boeing Business Jets delivered its 100th green aircraft to the Government of India...
  ...Aircraft is being flown to Delaware for completion work at PATS.
• KLM ordered APB blended winglets for line installation on seven new 737-800s and retrofit of 14 others.
• British Airways reports that three 767s remain out of service (two are at Heathrow; one in Moscow) following discovery of a radioactive substance on two of the aircraft in connection with police investigation into the death of Alexander Litvinenko.
• Grob Aerospace reported crash of its second spn test aircraft (D-CGSP) with single fatality, and says it remains committed to the program and production of aircraft #3 will continue.

[Jaime]

December 1

• US Airways Group made a presentation concerning its proposed merger of US Airways and Delta to representatives of the Delta creditors' committee and members of Delta's management team...
  ...Delta said that it will continue to progress toward filing a stand-alone reorganization plan by end of 2006 and emerge from bankruptcy by mid-2007...
  ... Delta said its October 2006 net loss was $88 million, a $213 million improvement over October 2005.
• GATX completed the sale of its wholly-owned aircraft, 38 737s/A320s valued at about $1.25b, to Macquarie Aircraft Leasing.
• Varig plans to increase fleet from 15 to 31 aircraft, pending approval from authorities, and change its name to Nordeste.
• Qantas announced that it expects its pretax profit for 2006/07 to be 25-30% higher than in 2005/06.
• Timken agreed to acquire the assets of Tucson, AZ-based Turbo Engines, which provides repair/overhaul for PT6, Twin Pac series, T53 engines, plus Bell power transmission and drive train components and Goodrich fuel controls.
• Alaska Airlines made a voluntary contribution of $50m in cash to four defined benefit pension plans.
• Triumph Group announced that John R. Bartholdson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will retire on March 31, 2007. It is searching for a successor.
• California-based AeroCentury purchased three Saab 340Bs from a regional bank for lease to Colgan Air.
• Boeing delivered its seventh 747-400BCF to Guggenheim Aviation Partners for lease to Martinair Cargo, its first under deal for four total.
• Bankrupt Northwest Airlines reported a $37m net income for October 2006.
• Boeing delivered the first of 18 737-800s to Air-India Express.
• EADS Board of Directors could approve launch of the A350 XWB as early as today.

[Jaime]

December 2

• The EADS Board of Directors has given the go ahead for Airbus to launch the industrial program for the A350 XWB family -- with a cross section of 232 inches -- for entry into service in 2013...
  ...The A350 XWB Family -- to be powered with Rolls-Royce Trents -- includes 270-pax A350-800, 314-pax A350-900, 350-pax A350-1000, and an A350-900F...
  ...In doing so, the EADS Board has assumed the full implementation of the Power8 competitiveness program...
  ...The A350 XWB is going to be financed predominantly from company cash flows, with strong contribution from the Power8 program and from risk sharing partners.
• AAR named Richard J. Poulton as Vice President of Acquisitions and Strategic Investment.
• AIG Financial Products and Global Infrastructure Partners (Credit Suisse/GE Infrastructure joint venture) completed joint acquisition of London City Airport.
• Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air purchased three MD-83s (now 11 total) from SAS in deal arranged by JetWorks Leasing through its alliance with Sigma Aircraft Management.
• Alenia Aeronautica was selected by Romania’s Ministry of Defence to supply seven C-27Js.
• Government of Italy is expected to sell about 25% of Alitalia within the next year.
• Airbus booked orders for 127 aircraft in November, bringing its year-to-date total to 635.

[Jaime]

December 4

• JetBlue is deferring 35 of 98 EMBRAER 190s due in 2005-2009 to 2010-2016.
• ACTS, subsidiary of ACE Aviation Holdings, agreed to purchase 80% of Aeroman from Grupo TACA.
• Engine component maker Cefival of France was certified by Boeing as an approved supplier.
• ThyssenKrupp Services purchased the Aerospace Service Business in North America and Europe from Alcoa.
• Airbus delivered 46 airliners in November and has now delivered 399 of planned 430 in 2006.
• ILFC has reportedly converted all of its orders for five A380Fs to passenger aircraft; it had previously ordered five pax A380s.
• Rolls-Royce says Trent XWB being developed for A350 will incorporate Vision technology demonstrator innovations.
• ARINC and Starling Advanced Communication teamed to develop integrated broadband solution for business jets.
• Goodrich was selected by Embraer to supply SmartProbe for Phenom 300.
• Finnair confirmed decision to order nine A350 XWBs.
• Boeing delivered final of 16 upgraded E-6Bs to US Navy.
• Iberia Maintenance began first CF34 for inspection.

December 5

• Nakash Group of America ordered two 787-9s for delivery in 2012 for operation by Tel Aviv-based Arkia Israeli Airlines, and optioned two.
• Airbus plans to have suppliers fund 15% of A350 XWB development.
• Ryanair extended deadline to December 22 for Aer Lingus shareholders to accept its takeover offer...
  ...To date, less than 1% of Aer Lingus shares have been tendered.
• Delta Air Lines reached settlement agreement with Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) regarding termination of the Delta Pilots Retirement Plan.
• Pratt & Whitney and Turkish Airlines Technic signed MOU) to build CFM56/V2500 engine overhaul facility in Istanbul.
• Aleris, which recently acquired Corus, has expanded agreement with Embraer to supply aluminum plates and sheets.
• The NORDAM Group selected CIT Aerospace unit to provide inventory financing.
• Sogerma Services is being formed by EADS Sogerma (initially 60% stake) and TAT Group (will own 100% from 2007) to offer maintenance services at Bordeaux Merignac.
• JetBlue now plans 14-17% increase in capacity for 2007 vs prior 18-20% ...
  ... it also assumes additional aircraft sales, leases and/or assignments beyond announced A320 and E190 transactions.

[Jaime]

December 7

• Lufthansa ordered 20 747-8s for delivery beginning in 2010 and seven A340-600s, and optioned 20 more 747-8s...
  ...Lufthansa is the first airline to place an order for the passenger version of 747-8.
• Delta has sold 38 737-800 delivery positions for 2008-2010 to Aviation Capital Group (15) and Babcock & Brown (23), on top of earlier deal to sell its other 10 for 2007 to CIT...
  ...It has agreed to order 10 737-700s for 2008-2009...
  ...It also confirmed plan to convert orders for five 777-200ERs to 777-200LRs.
• International Aero Engines announced that Jon Beatty of Pratt & Whitney had been nominated company's eighth President to succeed Mark King, who will return to Rolls-Royce.
• Philippine Airlines ordered two 777-300ERs from Boeing, took purchase rights on two more, and agreed to lease two others from GECAS, all for delivery 2009-2012.
• UK's First Choice ordered a seventh and eighth 787.
• Colombia's SATENA took delivery of its first of two EMBRAER 170s.
• Israel Aircraft Industries reported $42m profit on $681m sales in 3Q06 vs $16m on $624m in 3Q05.
• Boeing completed "virtual rollout" of 787 through use of digital tools supplied by Dassault Systemes...
  ...It has orders and commitments for 458 787s from 37 customers...
  ...It also unveiled the "Dreamliner Gallery" in Everett to provide customers a single location for configuring their 787s.
• NAC Nordic Aviation Contractor purchased 12 Dash 8-300s from Bombardier currently on lease to Piedmont Airlines (11) and Wideroe (1).
• AgustaWestland and PZL-Swidnik formed partnership to co-operate on the Polish Ministry of Health tender for 23 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopters.
• Landmark Aviation's Associated Air Center completed and delivered its seventh ACJ...
  ...It has three more on firm backlog.

[Jaime]

December 8

• US Senate approved bill to create a federal Interagency Aerospace Revitalization Task Force to develop strategies to bolster US work force of skilled engineers and other workers for aerospace industry.
• Stork Aerospace has agreement with Goodrich to manufacture Q400 landing gear...
  ...Goodrich will continue to be responsible for overall system integration and product engineering.
• Midwest Airlines signed LOI to acquire two MD-80s in 1H07 to increase fleet to 13, but would not disclose source.
• Boeing delivered 34 airliners in November: 25 737s, one 747, one 767, and seven 777s.
• A.E. Petsche was named by W.L. Gore & Associates as the exclusive North American distributor of its bulk wire and cable.
• Boeing reported orders from unidentified customers for five 747-8 Freighters, three 777 Freighters, and two 737NGs.
• GKN Aerospace has Boeing contract to supply 13 different titanium 787 wing-to-body and wing-to-nacelle fittings from St. Louis.
• Northern California-based Willis Lease Finance named Brad Forsyth as its new Chief Financial Officer, replacing Robert M. Warwick, who is resigning...
  ...Forsyth is currently Vice President of Finance of Standard Aero, and will join WLFC in January.
• Southern California-based Whittaker Controls has GE Aviation contract to supply bleed bias venturi flow sensors for GEnx.
• Colombia's SATENA took delivery of its first of two E170s from Embraer.
• A group of nine unsecured creditors of Delta formed an unofficial committee to represent their interests in potential merger with US Airways.

[Jaime]

December 9

• Willis Lease Finance agreed to repurchase 1.3m shares of its common stock (14%) for $9.00 each from FlightTechnics, LLC.
• Northwest Airlines asked a US Bankruptcy Court for permission to retain Evercore Group to help evaluate and possibly implement strategic alternatives, including a merger.
• American Airlines asked US DOT to approve a modification of its application for authority to operate DFW-Beijing...
  ...Because westbound route is longer than allowed under the collective bargaining contract with its pilots, it is now applying to operate segment via Chicago, with the return flight nonstop.
• Turkish Airlines was approved to become the 21st member the Star Alliance.

[Jaime]

December 11

• Airbus says it is set to receive type certification for A380 tomorrow, December 12.
• New York's Empire Aero Center, in partnership with SR Technics, has JetBlue contract to perform C-Checks on up to 12 A320s in 2007.
• Netherlands-based AircraftConversions received FAA certification for its Fokker50Freighter with Large Cargo Door.
• Porter Airlines has begun Q400 service between Toronto's City Centre Airport and Montreal's Trudeau Intl. Airport.
• Lufthansa Technik and Croatia Airlines signed LOI to study possible partnership in heavy maintenance that includes sending overflow C-Checks to Croatia and exchanging personnel...
  ...Croatia Airlines also contracted Lufthansa Technik for A320 landing gear overhaul/maintenance.
• Northrop Grumman has $105m USAF contract to outfit 17 NATO AWACS NE-3As with its Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures systems.
• Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast joined UK national research program to study new wing design, materials and manufacturing techniques.
• Zurich-based Comlux took delivery of its first of three A318 Elite aircraft...
  ...Green aircraft will now be fitted with 18-pax VIP interior at Lufthansa Technik for redelivery in early 2007.
• Singapore's Tiger Airways expects to carry its 2-millionth passenger this week.

[Jaime]

December 12

• Airbus received type certification for the A380 with Trent 900s from both EASA and the FAA.
• IATA expects cumulative airline losses of $500m for 2006 (vs original projection of $1.7b) and profit of $2.5b, which it says is "peanuts," in 2007.
• LCAL selected Trent 1000s for three more 787s, and has now selected Trents for all nine of its 14 787s on order...
  ...The engines will also be covered by a TotalCare service agreement from Rolls-Royce.
• Macquarie Bank-led consortium is expected to announce takeover offer of around A$10.9b for Qantas.
• Riyadh-based National Air Services (NAS) announced $2b aircraft purchasing plan to order up to 75 new jets from Airbus, Gulfstream and Raytheon...
  ...Earlier this month, NAS was licensed as the first privately-owned airline in Saudi Arabia.
• Air-India and Indian Airlines received approval to merge.
• Comair pilots voted to authorize a strike against Delta subsidiary if contract is rejected by US Bankruptcy Court.
• Amsterdam's Stella aviation technics signed line maintenance services agreement with Icelandair for its 757s at four airports.
• Fokker Elmo was selected by Boeing for two separate wiring work packages for 777.
• UK's Silverjet has deal with London Luton Airport to build a private terminal to take 100 passengers from arrival to aircraft within 30 minutes.
• Singapore's Changi Airports International has contract to manage Abu Dhabi International Airport.
• Finnair has surpassed 8m passengers for 2006.

[Jaime]

December 13

• AirTran Holdings announced offer to acquire Midwest Air Group for $11.25 per share and a $290m equity position in the merged carrier...
  ...AirTran decided to make proposal public after Midwest declined offer on December 6...
  ...AirTran expects merger would generate >$60m in synergies and create LCC with strong fleet commonality in the 717.
• United and Continental are discussing a possible merger, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• The Airline Partners Australia consortium -- comprising Allco Finance Group (11%), Allco Equity Partners (34%), Macquarie Bank (<15%) and offshore investors that include Texas Pacific Group and Onex -- proposed an all-cash takeover of Qantas for A$5.50 per share...
  ...Qantas has rejected the bid.
• Guggenheim Aviation Partners ordered three 777 Freighters for delivery starting in 2009, and optioned one, in deal valued at approximately $708m.
• ILFC announced new lease agreements for 65 new and used Airbus and Boeing aircraft with 27 airlines.
• GE Aviation was selected by Air Seychelles to supply GEnx engines for its two 787s to be leased from ILFC.
• IAE was selected by China Southern to supply V2500s for 50 new A320 Family aircraft on order in deal that includes V2500Select aftermarket agreement.
• Boeing Commercial Airplanes appointed Stan Deal as VP-Asia/Pacific Sales and Rob Laird as VP-Greater China Sales.
• Dragonair was elected to join oneworld alliance in 2007.
• American Airlines is investing $20m to upgrade 767-200 cabins, including new seats and IFE.
• Volito Aviation and Goldman Sachs agreed to combine their commercial aircraft lease portfolios into jointly owned Irish company.
• AMETEK agreed to acquire Tulsa, OK-based Southern Aeroparts.