PrivatAir converted a 787-8 purchase right into a firm order, Boeing announced yesterday. The company now has two 787s on firm order plus one remaining purchase right. "The ever-increasing demand from charter customers for long-range, large-cabin aircraft shows no sign of abating," PrivatAir CEO Greg Thomas said.

Boeing's 787 suppliers continue to fall short in completing work correctly and in a timely manner, the manufacturer admitted yesterday, forcing it to push first flight back another three months to "around" the end of the second quarter--nearly a year after rollout--and creating considerable uncertainty regarding the Dreamliner's delivery schedule and entry into service.

Thai Airways plans to lease 20 A320s to replace its 737s and 14 787s to replace its A300s and A330s, according to sources at the airline. The 787 deliveries are thought to start from 2014.

Airbus recorded another blockbuster year with deliveries of 453 aircraft, 19 more than in 2006 and 12 more than Boeing, and a record 1,341 net orders worth $157.1 billion. While slightly less than its rival's 1,413 net orders (ATWOnline, Jan. 7), the difference largely is academic as both manufacturers have the sobering challenge of delivering, ontime, what they have sold (ATWOnline, Jan. 14).

Rockwell Collins said Southwest Airlines selected the GPS-4000S for RNP operations. In May, Southwest told FAA it will equip its entire fleet for RNP, including retrofitting its 737 Classics (ATWOnline, May 18, 2007). Installation will begin this year.