Gulf Air signed a preliminary lease agreement with Embraer for two E-170ARs scheduled for delivery in early March. Aircraft will be leased for three years, with an option for a further five, and will seat seven in business class and 60 in economy. Gulf said it will initiate a "full analysis and evaluation of all the regional jets on the market including Embraer, Airbus and Bombardier" in order to select the "optimal" aircraft to complement its new regional focus (ATWOnline, Nov. 24, 2009).

Airbus said the second A330-200F flew for the first time Wednesday. The Trent 700-powered aircraft flew for 3 hr. The 200-hr. flight test program is expected to result in mid-March certification, with first delivery to Etihad Crystal Cargo scheduled for the summer. The first -200F, powered by PW4000s, initially flew in November and currently is undergoing cold-weather testing in Canada (ATWOnline, Nov. 6, 2009).

Yemenia Yemen Airways firmed its order for 10 A320 family aircraft announced at the Dubai Airshow, Airbus said (ATWOnline, Nov. 17, 2009). No engine choice was announced.

China Southern Airlines has committed to purchasing 20 A320 aircraft for delivery in 2011-13. The carrier said it would pay less than the $1.54 billion catalog value for the aircraft and that the fleet expansion will increase ATKs by 4.5%. Aircraft are part of the order for 110 A320 family aircraft and 40 A330s that the Chinese government placed with Airbus in November 2007.

ATR delivered 54 aircraft in 2009, down one from the prior year, and enjoyed record revenue of $1.4 billion, up 7.7%. The French turboprop manufacturer took orders for 40 new aircraft plus 17 options last year compared to 42 orders plus 14 options in 2008.