British Airways announced it will sell 11 of its 15 757s for cargo conversion, with the aircraft leaving the mainline fleet between 2010 and 2012. The four 757s operated by BA's transatlantic OpenSkies subsidiary will remain. The departing aircraft will be replaced by A320 family aircraft. "Replacing the Boeing 757s will give us both environmental and cost benefits," BA Director-Strategy and Business Units Robert Boyle said.

Atlantic Southeast Airlines expected to return to service by late yesterday all 60 CRJ200s grounded for safety inspections, a spokesperson told ATWOnline. ASA, which operates as a Delta Connection carrier, voluntarily pulled the 50-seat aircraft on Tuesday after an internal audit raised questions about whether engine maintenance was in compliance with manufacturer recommendations (ATWOnline, April 2).

First two Sukhoi Superjet 100s have been flown to the MM Gromov Flight Research Institute outside Moscow for flight certification testing (ATWOnline, March 5). "The stability and control testing show good results," Sukhoi Civil Aircraft President Viktor Subbotin said. "The overall test program, including static tests at the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute, eliminated redesign risks."

Aircraft Leasing and Management arranged the sale of one BAe 146-300 to Star Peru on behalf of Flybe, which has replaced its 146 fleet with E-195s. ALM is remarketing the remainder of the Flybe 146 fleet.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker told Abu Dhabi's The National yesterday that the carrier will announce an aircraft order at the upcoming Paris Air Show. He also said QR is targeting 20% year-over-year passenger growth to 14.4 million, according to Reuters (ATWOnline, March 13).