Russia's UTair Aviation signed a contract Thursday to purchase 20 ATR 72-500s, valued at $426 million at list prices.

Boeing this week delivered one 737-800 to Air Algerie, the North African carrier’s 50th Boeing aircraft and the fourth of seven 737NGs it ordered in 2009 (ATW Daily News, Nov. 18, 2009). Separately, the manufacturer delivered a 737-800 to Algeria-based Tassili Airlines, the carrier's first Boeing aircraft and the first of an order placed in 2009 for four -800s.

Airbus said it is bringing forward the A320neo's entry into service from 2016 to October 2015, and will begin the program's industrial development phase "in earnest" with Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G serving as the "lead development engine."

Qatar Airways and Boeing said Wednesday that the airline has placed firm orders for three 777 freighters and two 777-300ERs valued at $1.4 billion at list prices.

AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines received two additional Boeing 767-300ERs on operating leases. It plans to launch nonstop services from Kiev Borispol to Colombo, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City later this year. This summer, VV will operate about 80 international routes in 33 countries, including transcontinental services to New York JFK, Toronto, Beijing, Delhi and Bangkok. Two 737-800s will be delivered in March and April 2012. In 2013-2014, VV will also receive four 737-900ERs, becoming the first East European operator of this type.