Boeing said yesterday that GE Commercial Aviation Services booked a 39-aircraft order in 2006 valued at $5.34 billion comprising seven 777-300ERs, eight 777Fs and 24 737-800s. The aircraft, previously listed in Boeing's 2006 order ledger as belonging to an unidentified customer, will begin delivering next year and continue through 2010. The order boosts GECAS's 2006 order book with Boeing to 69.

Aircastle signed a $1.6 billion purchase agreement with "certain subsidiaries" of Guggenheim Aviation Investment Fund to acquire 26 passenger aircraft and 12 freighters. The passenger aircraft were unidentified, while the freighter purchase comprises four new 747-400ERFs, seven 747-400 conversions and one MD-11SF. The aircraft will be purchased in a series of closings scheduled from this month to February 2009, with 28 scheduled to close this year. "This is a transformational investment for Aircastle," CEO Ron Wainshal said.

UPS denied a French newspaper report that it plans to cancel its order for 10 A380Fs this week. The cargo carrier is the last customer for the freighter version of the aircraft. Rival FedEx cancelled its order for 10 A380Fs in November and placed an order for 15 777Fs with 15 options instead, saying that market demands were too pressing to wait for Airbus to work through production issues (ATWOnline, Nov. 8, 2006).

CTT Systems sold eight Zonal Drying Systems to Jet2.com for installation on 757-200s.

Boeing unveiled its 787-inspired revised interior mockup for the 747-8 Intercontinental in Renton. A number of changes were introduced after airline interest ramped up last year (ATW, December 2005). The staircase to the upper deck has been shifted back to its original position after carriers insisted the second door on the right side be freed for catering. There was concern that boarding passengers would obstruct the area.