Airbus parent EADS CEO Louis Gallois indicated that the aircraft manufacturer's sale of six plants could be pushed back into next year, signaling a delay in implementation of a key component of its Power8 restructuring program.

SunExpress, the JV between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, will add three 737-800s in March-May, bringing its fleet to 14 737-800s and three 757-200s, MD Paul Schwaiger said. The carrier expects to carry more than 3 million passengers in 2007 and realize revenue of €300 million ($438 million).

Boeing booked 95 new orders this week, taking its year-to-date tally to a record net 1,144. Qantas firmed up its order for 20 787-9s, and the manufacturer booked Boeing Business Jet commitments for one 737 and one 787-8. There were 73 aircraft ordered by unidentified buyers comprising 68 737s, four 777s and one 787. The firming of the QF 787 order takes orders for that type to 783 with 56 yet to be inked for a total of 839. Boeing's net orders this year are made up of 649 737s, 16 747s, 36 767s, 129 777s and 314 787s.

Vietnam Airlines placed an order for five ATR 72-500s with deliveries starting at the end of 2009. The aircraft, configured with 70 seats, will be used both to expand its current fleet and to replace its ATR 72-200s. VN currently operates seven -200s and three -500s. It added the ATR 72-500s in 2001. "The growth of Vietnam Airlines is tied to its successful partnership with ATR," Chairman Nguyen Sy Hung said. "This partnership has led to the development of a strong regional network connecting remote and small regions to main hubs."

Cathay Pacific Airways placed an order for eight A330-300s to be delivered in 2010-12, Airbus and Rolls-Royce announced yesterday. The Trent 700-powered aircraft will join a fleet of 48 -300s operated by CX and Dragonair, including three leased aircraft scheduled for delivery next year. Both carriers will receive new planes. Rolls said the engine order was worth approximately $280 million at list prices.