Boeing Friday confirmed an order from Azerbaijan Airlines for three 787-8s and two 737-900ERs valued at $609 million at list prices (ATWOnline, Feb. 7). AZAL is the first airline from the former Soviet Union to order either type, Boeing said. The carrier will fly the 787 to destinations in East and Southeast Asia and North America, entering the long-haul market "for the first time," according to AZAL DG Jahangir Askerov. The aircraft will be powered by the GEnx. No engine choice was announced for the 737s.

Hamilton Sundstrand announced the acquisition of Page Group, an aerospace lighting and cockpit controls designer and manufacturer based in the UK. Page had 2005 revenues of £23 million ($44.9 million).

SR Technics and Vueling Airlines signed a 12-year contract for CFM56-5B4/P services on the LCC's 16 A320s. The deal includes a possible extension of 6-12 years. Separately, SRT Group named nine-year company veteran Georg Radon CFO effective March 1.

JAL Group announced its intention to introduce the Embraer 170 on its domestic network, starting next year. The company said it "will conclude a purchase agreement" with the Brazilian manufacturer for 10 firm aircraft plus five options this spring. They will be powered by GE CF34-8s and be operated by regional subsidiary J-AIR, which currently relies mainly on the CRJ200. JAL said the aircraft will allow it to match demand more efficiently on domestic routes and take advantage of an increase in slots at Tokyo Haneda from 2009.

Australia's Virgin Blue reported an 80.9% year-over-year increase in net earnings to A$124.3 million ($97.8 million) for the six months ended Dec. 31 on a 16.7% lift in revenue to A$1.12 billion, results that have it primed for expansion including considering an order for 777-300ERs to be deployed on planned long-haul operations (ATWOnline, Feb. 13).