++ Australia's biggest independently-owned regional carrier, Brisbane-based Flightwest Airlines, will buy at least four 19-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32EP (enhanced performance) to replace Raytheon Beech King Airs on routes to remote-areas. The airline has also upgraded several regional routes formerly flown by Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias, with the acquisition of a third Fokker F28 from Ansett.
++ The board of American Airlines has approved the acquisition of at least seven additional Rolls-Royce Trent-powered Boeing 777s, and at the same time decided to sell the seven remaining Boeing MD-11s to FedEx. The cargo carrier had already agreed to acquire 12 aircraft in April 1995. FedEx will take delivery of the aircraft, after cargo conversion through to 2003.
++ Delta is to order two more Rolls-Royce Trent-powered Boeing 777-200IGWs for delivery next March, which are in addition to the airline's previous order for 20 777-200s due to arriving in August 1999. The 777s will initially be operated on transatlantic services, which will enable the airline to re-allocate Boeing MD-11s and expand services to Japan.
++ Air Malta has added the first of two new Boeing 737-300s on lease from Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. The second aircraft is due this month.
++Asiana has cancelled orders for five International Aero Engines V2500-powered A321s, reducing its orders to 12, of which one has been delivered (one other order was cancelled in January).
++All Nippon Airways has taken delivery of its first of seven IAE V2500-powered A321s. The 191-seat aircraft will be operated on the airline's short haul network alongside 17 smaller A320s.
++ Air Canada has confirmed its letter of intent placed last August for 15 Airbus A340-500/600s, equipped with the R-R Trent 500 engine. The deal includes firm orders for two 308-seat A340-500s and three 360-seat -600s, plus 10 options, with deliveries starting in 2002.
Source: Flight International
