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The article focuses on the impact of growth in regional air services on the buying preferences of Asian carriers. Boeing vice president Randy Tinseth has acknowledged the growth of low-cost carriers worldwide despite the economic downturn, except in the U.S. It cites the move of mainline Asian carriers to expand their fleet capacity with wide-body twin-engine airplanes because of its improved efficiency and greater range. Also noted is the rapid growth of Asian budget airlines.

The article presents information about a long range cargo airplane being developed by Boeing Co. The airplane is based on the 777-200LR and will be ready by the fourth quarter of 2008. The -200LR freighter will have a 10 feet-high side cargo door so pallets can be rolled from one aircraft to the other easily. The company is talking to several potential customers, especially in Asia. The 777 has been a strong candidate for freighter treatment since it entered the market in 1995. However, until now the emphasis has been on extending the range of the passenger versions with the 777-300ER and 777-200LR.

Reports about the likely postponement of launching plans for the YS-X regional jet, being jointly developed by Japan Aircraft Development Corp., and Boeing, as announced by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Financial crunch and uncertain commercial viability as main reasons; Competition from China and Korea; Call for unified European proposal for regional aircraft development by Aviation Industries of China.