MA60s Delivered
Indonesian airline Merpati Nusantara was last week due to take delivery of its first two Chinese-built Xian Aircraft MA60 turboprops. One will be based in Surabaya and the other in the west Timor city of Kupang, serving routes previously operated with Fokker F27s which Merpati grounded earlier this year. Delivery of another 13 MA60s on order remains subject to financial negotiations between the Indonesian and Chinese governments. Meanwhile Indonesia's Batavia Air has placed an order for 10 new ATR 72-500s with options for a further 10, after evaluating the European twin turboprop alongside the rival Bombardier Q400 (Flight International, 28 August-3 September).
NCA Confirms 747-8FS
Japan's Nippon Cargo Airlines has exercised options for six more Boeing 747-8 Freighters, taking its firm commitments for the type to 14. All of the General Electric GEnx-powered aircraft are due to be delivered by April 2016.
Kuwait cancels order
Kuwait Airways has been forced to cancel its agreement to acquire 19 aircraft from lessor Aviation Lease and Finance after failing to secure government approval for the deal. The airline had signed a letter of intent earlier this year to take 12 Boeing 787s and seven Airbus A320s.
Source: Flight International
