Air New Zealand converted three Q300 options on behalf of its Air Nelson regional subsidiary in a deal worth $48.6 million at list prices. The options were part of a 2004 order for 17 firm Q300s plus 10 options and 13 Q400 options. Bombardier had delivered nine of the 50-seat Q300s as of July 31.

Thai Airways yesterday took delivery of the first of six 777-200ERs it is adding to its fleet this year and in 2007. It will take delivery of three more this year and two in 2007.

In a significant departure from the LCC one-plane-fits-all strategy, Australia's Virgin Blue yesterday ordered three Embraer 170s and 11 190s plus six options. The aircraft will replace 737-800s on some thinner routes while adding frequency at off-peak times on others. The carrier said they will be used to expand domestic and regional markets. The airline, which currently operates a fleet of 53 737s, is Embraer's first customer in Australia.

TAM said late Tuesday that it placed a firm order for four 777-300ERs, the first Boeing jets it has ever purchased, and will take delivery of the aircraft in mid-2008. Additionally, Brazil's largest airline reported that it more than doubled its third-quarter net profit to BRL212.7 million ($99.2 million) from BRL93.3 million in the year-ago quarter on a 34.8% jump in revenues to BRL2.08 billion.

Continental Airlines in February will begin to introduce 37-seat Q200s on Continental Connection flights operated by CommutAir from Cleveland. The 16 turboprops will replace 19-seat Beech 1900s currently in service. The aircraft transition is expected to be completed in spring 2008.