Alitalia said late Tuesday that its financial situation allows it to continue operations in the "short term" and reiterated the need for "substantial financial support" as forecast in both its budget and the takeover proposal by Air France-KLM. "Only by means of such support will it be possible to regain the required confidence to pursue the company's business plan and hence to confirm continuity of operations," the carrier said following a board meeting. Union representatives are scheduled to meet with AZ management today.

As widely expected, Boeing delayed its 787 program by an additional six months, the third setback since the July 2007 rollout. First flight now is expected in the fourth quarter instead of the current quarter, with only 25 deliveries scheduled for 2009.

CSA Czech Airlines will continue to lease an A310-300 to Air India under the terms of a recently signed extended agreement. Aircraft has been operating out of Mumbai since March 2007.

Airbus received 54 aircraft orders in March, including its second for a VIP version of the A350 XWB, and delivered a record 48 aircraft, including the third A380 to Singapore Airlines. Last month's orders comprised 27 A320 family aircraft (including six Airbus Corporate Jetliners), 26 A330s and the A350. Deliveries comprised 39 A320 family aircraft, eight A330s/A340s and the A380. Previous delivery record was 46 in October 2006.

Boeing is expected to announce another delay to the 787 program today, but the manufacturer is emphasizing that the 747-8 freighter and passenger programs will not be affected.