The Iraqi government has announced that it plans to purchase 30 737s and 10 787s from Boeing, in a deal which is being valued at $5.5 billion, reported MarketWatch. The delivery of the aircraft will be completed in 2019. However, Boeing has not disclosed any more details regarding the contract.

Boeing Co. expects to win as many as 100 aircraft orders from the Middle East this year as Persian Gulf governments try to make the region a travel hub.

Doha-based Qatar Airways has announced its plans to launch new flights to the southern Chinese industrial port city of Guangzhou, beginning March 31, 2008.

Massive Orders For 60 Boeing 787-8 and 32 Boeing 7

By TAYLOR, Geoff ** Last week, I mentioned a heritage tour of England including visits to castles and historic homes. Calder & Lawson Tours are offering another month-long tour in June and July next year -- this time to France.