Despite reporting a €763 million ($1.04 billion) net loss in 2009, reversed from a €1.57 billion surplus the prior year, Airbus parent EADS yesterday announced an increase in the monthly A320 family production rate from the current 34 to 36 in December thanks to "continuing demand" and a "record backlog." The Airbus commercial unit posted an operating profit of €386 million excluding goodwill impairment and exceptional items, an 83.3% plunge from the €2.31 billion earned on a similar basis in 2008. Revenue slipped just 0.6% to €26.37 billion.

Boeing expects to make a decision on 737 re-engining "toward the end of this year," Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh said yesterday at the JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference in New York, available via webcast. He said the company is talking to "all three engine manufacturers" and that it recognizes it is "looking at more competitors in the future" in the single-aisle market. "We have to deliver an airplane that has more value than the competition," he said

Hawaiian Airlines added to its firm long-haul Airbus order, signing up for a seventh A330-200 scheduled for delivery in 2011. HA placed an order for six -200s and six A350-800s, plus purchase rights for six of each type, two years ago (ATWOnline, Feb. 5, 2008). It also plans to lease three additional A330s.

AWAS delivered a fourth 737-700 to Bogota-based Aires.

Pemco World Air Services reached agreements with JetBlue Airways to upgrade the seats on the carrier's 110 A320s and to extend the existing heavy maintenance contract covering the fleet.