Alenia Aeronautica yesterday delivered the first two carbon fiber fuselage sections of the 787 from its plant in Grottaglie. The central 8.5-m. section and the central-rear 10-m. section were loaded on Boeing's 747-400LCF and sent to Global Aeronautica's facility in Charleston, where they will be integrated before heading to Seattle. Alenia said it accounts for 14% of the 787's structure.

QantasLink is increasing its fleet of 717-200s from eight to 11 as part of a renewed operating agreement with National Jet Systems for an additional five years. Qantas Group GM-Regional Airlines Narendra Kumar said the move will increase QantasLink's total jet and turboprop fleet to 49 aircraft, which typically serve regional routes within Australia. NJS provides crews and maintenance for the 717s. The first additional aircraft will enter service in August and be based in Perth, with the other two entering service in October.

LAN Airlines yesterday converted 15 options for A320 family aircraft into firm orders. The options were part of the carrier's 2005 order for 25 firm A318s and A319s (ATWOnline, July 1, 2005). LAN and its affiliates currently operate 15 A319s and 15 A320s, Airbus said.

American Airlines will make an announcement regarding fleet renewal "in short order," according to Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey, who conceded that the carrier's more than 300 MD-80s burn too much fuel. He said 737NGs may be a viable replacement.

Virgin Blue Holdings confirmed its order for six 777-300ERs with options for six more, and will lease one additional -300ER from ILFC. The order for the six is worth $1.5 billion at list prices and was listed last week on Boeing's website as unidentified (ATWOnline, March 19). The aircraft will be used to establish a new long-haul airline next year providing service from Australia to the US "and other destinations." (ATWOnline, Feb. 22).