Asiana Airlines reportedly will add both Airbus and Boeing aircraft to its fleet, but press reports yesterday differed on whether the acquisitions involve purchased and/or leased planes. The Associated Press said the Korean carrier agreed to purchase two 777-300ERs, two A321-200s, one A320-200 and one A330-300 and that it is "considering ordering two additional planes from the [A320] family this year," according to an Asiana spokesperson.

Boeing booked 1,044 net commercial aircraft orders in 2006, paced by a record 729 net orders for 737s, surpassing its 2005 record of 1,002 total orders. The company delivered 398 commercial planes for the year, a 37% boost over 2005 and its highest total since 2001, led by 302 737 deliveries. "2006 was another outstanding year for our customers and for Boeing," Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson said in a statement.

Pegasus Aviation Finance of California ordered two A350 XWBs and six A330-200s in a deal representing the lessor's first Airbus order and the first public commitment to the new A350 since the program was relaunched last month (ATWOnline, Dec. 4, 2006).

AirAsia is expected to place another large order for A320s, possibly as early as today. Sources confirmed to ATWOnline that the airline will double its A320 fleet; it operates 15 and has 70 on order (ATWOnline, July 20, 2006). Part of the pending buy will be the exercise of existing options. The LCC also has 35 737-300s in service that all will be replaced by A320s.

US Airways took delivery of two E-190s yesterday at a ceremony in Charlotte. They are scheduled to enter service Feb. 11 and will be based in Philadelphia. US has placed firm orders for 25 of the type.