Aircell Appoints Abu Dhabi Sales Rep
Airborne communications specialist Aircell has announced the appointment of Shoukry Shokralla as its sales and service representative in Abu Dhabi. Shokralla’s responsibilities include supporting existing customers and seeking new ones, as well as providing Tier 1 support services such as assisting in system installation. A multi-engine and instrument-rated pilot, Shokralla has 28 years’ experience in avionics and communications.

Comlux Buys Challenger for Kazakhstan Base
Comlux Management has bolstered its executive charter fleet by ordering a third Bombardier Challenger 605. The new aircraft will be operated by the Swiss-based company’s FlyComlux division in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and will be available for flights both within Asia and into Europe. The Comlux fleet includes three Challenger 605s, two Challenger 850s, two Global 5000s, two Global Expresses and two Global Express XRSs. In addition to its location in Almaty, FlyComlux has operating bases in Zurich and Moscow. The Challenger 605 is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and can be fitted with the optional Bombardier enhanced vision system, which is ideal for low-visibility conditions.

RR Trent XWB Engine Sales Top 1,000 Mark
Rolls-Royce has received a $480 million order from Ethiopian Airlines for more than 1,000 Trent XWB engines to power 12 widebody Airbus A350 XWBs the African carrier agreed to buy in July. The aircraft are due to enter service in 2017. Separately, the engine maker has won an order from Air China to power 20 Airbus A330s with Trent 700 turbofans. That contract, worth $1.5 billion at list prices, includes Rolls-Royce’s long-term TotalCare support. As the powerplants to be delivered are an enhanced-performance version with reduced fuel burn, the deal also includes the retrofit of Air China’s existing A330s. Deliveries are of the newly ordered aircraft are to begin in 2011 and will bring the total of Air China’s Trent-powered A330s fleet to 43.