With the help of all of the supply chain solutions available and the plethora of options for component asset management, airlines are gaining efficiencies and improving their bottom lines.

As Boeing prepares to conduct at least one and possibly two test flights as part of the certification of its redesigned 787 lithium-ion battery system, the airframer also is seeking FAA clearance for a series of ferry flights for aircraft stranded around the world. Several 787s remain at airports where they have been stuck since the fleet was grounded in mid-January. Boeing is working with the airlines and the FAA for some of them to be cleared for one-off ferry flights by the end of this month to relocate them to modification centers.

JetBlue Airways next year will offer a “premium” onboard product solely for its transcontinental flights on a dedicated fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft, Chief Commercial Officer Robin Hayes said March 20 during the New York-based carrier’s annual Analyst Day. Hayes, however, offered few details on the planned premium product, and no mention was made of a separate cabin.

Inmarsat named Bill Peltola senior director-aviation services for the Asia-Pacific region.

Airports Council International-North America announced that President Gregory O. Principato will step down June 30.

Airbus named Yann Barbaux chief innovation officer.

EADS appointed Guillaume CEO of Eurocopter.

Copa Holdings named Jose Montero CFO.