Aircastle signed a $1.6 billion purchase agreement with "certain subsidiaries" of Guggenheim Aviation Investment Fund to acquire 26 passenger aircraft and 12 freighters. The passenger aircraft were unidentified, while the freighter purchase comprises four new 747-400ERFs, seven 747-400 conversions and one MD-11SF. The aircraft will be purchased in a series of closings scheduled from this month to February 2009, with 28 scheduled to close this year. "This is a transformational investment for Aircastle," CEO Ron Wainshal said.

UPS denied a French newspaper report that it plans to cancel its order for 10 A380Fs this week. The cargo carrier is the last customer for the freighter version of the aircraft. Rival FedEx cancelled its order for 10 A380Fs in November and placed an order for 15 777Fs with 15 options instead, saying that market demands were too pressing to wait for Airbus to work through production issues (ATWOnline, Nov. 8, 2006).

CTT Systems sold eight Zonal Drying Systems to Jet2.com for installation on 757-200s.

Boeing unveiled its 787-inspired revised interior mockup for the 747-8 Intercontinental in Renton. A number of changes were introduced after airline interest ramped up last year (ATW, December 2005). The staircase to the upper deck has been shifted back to its original position after carriers insisted the second door on the right side be freed for catering. There was concern that boarding passengers would obstruct the area.

Guggenheim Aviation Partners yesterday became the third customer for the A330-200F (ATWOnline, Jan. 17), finalizing an October letter of intent for six on behalf of one of its investment funds. Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2010. "Guggenheim Aviation Partners is making a significant investment in the acquisition of medium-range and long-haul freighters as we believe this is a market that is currently underserved and is expected to benefit from near-term industry growth," MD Paul Newrick said.