Airbus is moving toward another radical rethink of its A350 XWB that may include a composite fuselage that will combat the 787 and leapfrog the 777-200ER. According to Airbus insiders, the latest revision will push the A350's entry into service to at least 2014.

Faced with lagging aircraft orders, Bombardier is reducing production of its CRJ700/900 line and eliminating some 1,330 jobs, with the cut in the larger regional jet program offset somewhat by an increase in production of Q400 turboprops.

Boeing said it successfully opened and closed the 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter swing tail in testing in Everett, Wash. The aircraft will be used to move assembly components for the 787 around the world and the swing tail is designed to allow more efficient loading and unloading of large parts.

Willis Lease Finance of California announced the signing of an engine sharing agreement with American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and WestJet covering CFM56-7Bs used to power 737NGs. The pool initially will service more than 450 aircraft. "I believe engine sharing pools will ultimately change the way all engines are leased...Engines can literally be rented in a matter of minutes," WLFC President and CEO Charles Willis said. "We have worked with the management teams of these airlines for over five years to reach agreement on the details."

Indian Airlines took delivery of its first directly purchased A319 last week in New Delhi. The plane is part of the order for 20 A319s, four A320s and 19 A321s signed in February (ATWOnline, Feb. 22). "It is indeed a historic occasion and ushers in a new era for the airline which is witnessing the induction of its own aircraft after a gap of 12 years," Chairman and MD Vishwapati Trivedi said.