Syrian Arab Airlines is considering placing an order for two Russian TU204-100Bs. Because of US-imposed economic sanctions on Syria, the state-run carrier turned to Russia after negotiations stalled on the purchase of up to 50 Airbus aircraft, according to the Austrian daily Wirtschaftsblatt.

Boeing announced Thursday it delivered 124 commercial aircraft in the 2010 third quarter, up 11 from 113 in the year-ago quarter, for a total of 346 deliveries so far this year. Leading the way is the delivery of 100 737NGs, up from 90 in the year-ago quarter, bringing its year-to-date total to 281. Boeing said it delivered three 767s and 21 777s, for year-to-date totals of nine and 56, respectively. Comparatively, in the third quarter of 2009, Boeing delivered four 767s and 19 777s.

Bernstein Research believes that EADS is the “top pick” for investors in commercial aerospace owing to its stock performance being driven primarily by Airbus, whose delivery outlook continues to improve.

Coral Gables, Fla.-based AerSale said Thursday it has acquired 19 747-400s from Japan Airlines, which is in the midst of an aggressive bankruptcy restructuring and made the decision this year to retire its 747-400 fleet.

Bombardier said Thursday that Tripoli-based Libyan Airlines signed a firm order for three CRJ900 NextGen aircraft valued at $131.5 million at list prices. It also took options on three more CRJ900NGs.