Boeing announced the transfer of the 787 fatigue test airframe to its structural test rig in Everett. Tests are expected to begin in mid-2010. "Unlike static tests, where loads are applied to the airplane structure to simulate both normal operation and extreme flight conditions, fatigue testing is a much longer process that simulates up to three times the number of flight cycles an airplane is likely to experience during a lifetime of service," 787 VP and GM Scott Fancher said.

Nordic Aviation Capital announced the sale of three ATR 72-500s to Borajet of Turkey. Aircraft were purchased last September from Alitalia Express.

CIT Aerospace delivered one CFM56-powered 737-300 to Jet2.com.

Baltia Air Lines, a New York JFK-based startup, announced a power-by-the-hr. engine lease agreement with Logistic Air.

Despite all the advances in airframe durability and engine reliability over the past 50 years that have helped to make air travel the safest form of transportation the world has ever known, one thing has not changed: Bad weather is a threat to be avoided, not confronted. Fortunately, airlines have a weapon in their arsenal that gives them a huge advantage in the never-ending war of wits with Mother Nature--highly advanced weather radar systems.