American Airlines plans to maintain a low-to-negative growth strategy for the foreseeable future even as it accelerates deliveries of 737-800s to replace its MD-80 fleet (ATWOnline, March 29). "It's very much about replacement, not growth," VP-Corporate Development and Treasury Beverly Goulet said yesterday at the Bear Stearns 2007 Global Transportation Conference, available via webcast.

Emirates is focused on simplification and fuel efficiency as it enters the final lap of what will be a major fleet expansion program taking it to 2020. On the shopping list are more 777s, A350-900s/-1000s, 787s and 747-8Is. President Tim Clark told ATWOnline prior to his trip to Seattle this weekend that the airline is "focused on fuel efficiency" even if it means a slight drop in capability.

Flybe signed a deal with Bombardier for 15 Q400s valued at $394 million, with options for a further 15. The UK regional, which recently acquired BA Connect from British Airways (ATWOnline, March 6), is the world's largest Q400 operator. The latest order will increase its Q400 fleet to 60. It also operates E-195s.

Austrian Airlines will become the first European operator of 767-300ER blended winglets after announcing an order for six retrofits yesterday, Aviation Partners Boeing said. CEO Alfred Oetsch said the carrier will save 1,000 tons of fuel per year per aircraft while extending range by approximately 670 km. after installation, which will begin in spring 2009.

Air One yesterday said it has converted options and purchase rights for 50 A320s into firm orders, boosting its commitment to the type to 90 (ATWOnline, Feb. 12).