Skyworld Aviation placed one ex-Shuttle America Embraer 170 with Fuji Dream Airlines of Japan on behalf of Republic Airways Holdings. Lufthansa Technik said it took delivery of two SunExpress CFM56-7B engines at its Hamburg engine overhaul center, the first two powerplants it will overhaul as part of a 10-year Total Engine Support deal signed earlier this year covering the carrier's CFM56-7Bs powering its 737-800s.

AerCap Holdings announced that Gothenburg-based cargo operator West Atlantic will become the launch operator for the Airbus A320 passenger-to-freighter program by taking an initial three aircraft on lease from AerCap with deliveries between 2012 and mid-2013, with the option of a further four aircraft by 2015. The agreement is subject to finalization of terms and conditions, AerCap said. The aircraft are part of a 2008 passenger-to-freighter conversion project between Airbus Freighter Conversions and AerCap covering up to 30 A320s.

Russia's S7 Airlines plans to buy a mix of up to eight 737-800s and A320 family aircraft in 2011 as part of its fleet modernization program, according to CEO Vladimir Obyedkov. "If the shareholders permit it, we will buy seven or eight aircraft," he told RIA Novosti. He said the 737-800s would operate for S7 subsidiary Globus Airlines while the A320s would join S7's mainline fleet. The carrier currently operates 28 A320 family aircraft, five A310-200/300s and two 767-300s. It also owns several Russian-built aircraft including Tu154s and IL-86s.

Spirit Aerosystems announced it inked an agreement with British Airways to supply thrust reverser, fuselage and wing components for its fleet of Boeing aircraft. Separately, it announced the opening of a new sales office in Shannon, Ireland to serve customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

SriLankan Airlines said last week it will equip its long-haul fleet with flatbed seats and new IFE systems starting in May 2011. It said the retrofits will occur on two of its five A340s and four of its five A330s. The airline also operates three A320s and plans to take delivery of five more A320s by the end of 2011, according to its website.