Boeing delivered the first 747-400ERF to China Cargo Airlines, the China Eastern Airlines/China Ocean Shipping Group joint venture. China Cargo's fleet is composed of six MD-11Fs and one leased 747 freighter, and it uses belly space on China Eastern passenger flights. The aircraft delivered to China Cargo will carry a maximum payload of 124 tons and has a maximum range of 4,970 nm.

Hainan Airlines ordered 15 additional 737-800s, completing the distribution of the 150-aircraft order placed by China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group (ATWOnline, April 12), Boeing announced yesterday. The 150 737-700s/-800s are worth approximately $10 billion at list prices and will delivered to Air China (25), China Eastern Airlines (20), China Southern Airlines (30), Shandong Airlines (12), Shanghai Airlines (13), Shenzhen Airlines (10), Xiamen Airlines (15) and Hainan (25) between this year and 2010.

Boeing maintained its bullish air cargo outlook, projecting 6.1% annual average worldwide airfreight growth over the next 20 years in its World Air Cargo Forecast 2006/07 released this week.

Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas are bracing for further delays in the delivery of the first batch of A380s. Speaking last week at an Airways dinner at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, ILFC Chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy told guests and media that a third A380 delay is likely. According to Udvar-Hazy, the problems with the wiring required for airline customization are worse than expected and another delay may be announced soon. He said ILFC learned of the possibility earlier that day (Sept. 8).

A Boeing official said yesterday that the manufacturer has had "serious" talks with Emirates and "11 or 12 other" airlines regarding the 787-10, the not-yet-launched stretch version of its next-generation aircraft that would seat more than 300 passengers.