Boeing delivered 481 commercial aircraft in 2009, in line with its guidance and up from 375 in 2008 (a total impacted by a two-month machinists strike) and 441 in 2007. Orders plummeted, however, "as air travel and freight declined and carriers worldwide experienced severe economic challenges," the company said. It recorded 263 gross orders last year and 142 net compared to a net of 662 in 2008 and the record 1,413 in 2007. Deliveries in 2009 comprised 372 737s, eight 747s, 13 767s and 88 777s. Gross orders comprised 197 737s, five 747s, seven 767s, 30 777s and 24 787s.

Sukhoi Superjet 100's first delivery now is expected in mid-2010, a company executive told ATWOnline, confirming reports that the setback from the year-end 2009 timetable resulted from problems related to the SaM146 engines developed and produced by Powerjet, a joint venture between Snecma and NPO Saturn (ATWOnline, Nov. 13, 2009). The source cited the "likely, but badly communicated, delays that traditionally accompany a new aircraft type. Look at the 787.

Carpatair is adding three F70s to its fleet. The first 72-seat aircraft came in last month and the remaining two are scheduled to arrive in February and March. The Romanian regional did not say where it acquired the aircraft or whether they were purchased or leased. In March and April the Timisoara-based carrier plans to launch routes operated exclusively with the F70. It also flies F100s and Saab 2000s.

Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe told ATWOnline that the continuing uncertainty of the 787 delivery schedule is a more pressing problem for the airline than the global recession and industry downturn. Fyfe said yesterday that ANZ has had to hold up key expansion plans "because only the 787 is suited to the new routes." It originally was scheduled to take delivery of the first of 16 787s this year but the current schedule now calls for late 2013 with no firm date established. The Dreamliner flew for the first time last month.

Boeing yesterday announced a restructuring of its engineering leadership designed to "ensure that engineering excellence continues to be driven through all our products and services to satisfy our customers and grow our company," Chief Technology Officer and Senior VP-Engineering, Operations & Technology John Tracy said.