Bombardier Aerospace announced that Pluna Lineas Aereas Uruguayas signed a follow-on firm order for three CRJ900 NextGen regional jets and has taken options on an additional six. The Montevideo-based airline already operates seven of the type from an order announced in July 2007. Based on the list price for the aircraft, Bombardier valued the order at approximately $120 million, rising to $370 million should all six options be exercised.

An AeroUnion A300B4-200 freighter crashed on approach to Monterrey at around 11 p.m. local time Tuesday, hitting a roadway leading to the airport and striking a car, killing all five crew and a motorist on the ground. Flight 302 operated by the Mexico City-based cargo carrier was en route to Los Angeles via MTY after originating at MEX. According to the Aviation Safety Network, it had been cleared to land but came down about 2 km. short of the runway threshold and "burst into flames."

MTU Aero Engines completed the first high-speed low-pressure turbine for the PW1524G slated to power CSeries aircraft. Pratt & Whitney VP-Next Generation Product Family Bob Saia said the component's completion "ensures the test program for the PW1524G engine continues on schedule." The turbine will be dispatched to Pratt, which plans to put the first PW1524G test engine through its paces later this year on a test stand at its West Palm Beach facility.

Virgin Blue Group canceled two 777-300ERs on firm order for its V Australia subsidiary scheduled for delivery next year, converting the order to two options for 2012 delivery. The company said the move is designed to allow new CEO John Borghetti an opportunity to review fleet strategy. One option under consideration is to take a few "early 787s that have become available," sources tell ATWOnline. Last month, Virgin Blue ordered up to 100 737s for its domestic, New Zealand and regional international flights.

Precision Conversions will provide Shenzhen-based SF Airlines with a 15-pallet 757-200PCF. The 1992 ex-Air China aircraft recently purchased by SF will undergo modification at the TAECO maintenance facility in Xiamen.