Boeing unveiled its first 777 freighter yesterday at its Everett facility just north of Seattle. The aircraft, which has attracted 78 firm orders from 11 customers, is capable of carrying 113 metric tons over 4,885 n.mi. The manufacturer plans to complete eight 777Fs this year, with two involved in flight tests. That pair is destined for launch customer Air France. The 2.5-month certification program will involve 350 flight test hr. and 700 ground test hr.

Grand Xinhua Express this week became the first Chinese mainland carrier to introduce the E-190. Launched in March 2007, GXE is a regional subsidiary of HNA Group, which placed an order for 100 regional aircraft with Embraer in August 2006 (ATWOnline, April 2, 2007). The E-190 will seat 106 in a single-class layout. Since last September, Tianjin-based GXE has taken seven ERJ-145s and is expected to introduce the remaining aircraft, including 49 E-190s, over the next five years.

Bombardier delivered the first of four Q400s ordered by Croatia Airlines, which holds options on two additional aircraft.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 took to the skies yesterday at Komsomolsk-on-Amur in southeast Russia, completing its inaugural flight in 65 min. and performing four circuits of the airfield at various altitudes up to 1,200 m., the manufacturer announced. "While much remains to be completed on the way to certification, I am certain that we are well prepared for them and that the aircraft will enjoy the success it deserves," Sukhoi Holdings DG Mikhail Pogosyan said (ATWOnline, May 14).

US Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), concerned that his state will lose air service if the Delta Air Lines-Northwest Airlines merger is approved, last week attempted to attach amendments to nonaviation legislation aimed at making approval more difficult, a legislative tactic that ultimately failed but that could be attempted again by lawmakers opposed to the merger, Politico.com reported. US Dept.