Syrian Arab Airlines intends to buy a combined 50 A320s, A330s/A340s and A350s, Syrian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdallah Dardari told Bloomberg News in Damascus. "We are now in agreement with the French to completely restructure the national airline, now that we have an agreement to buy Airbus planes,'' Dardari said, adding that Syriain will lease four aircraft in the next 18 months and take delivery of the first 14 ordered aircraft in the 2010-18 timeframe, with the remainder arriving by 2028.

Austrian Airlines Group majority shareholder OIAG launched the tender for its 42.75% stake in the flag carrier, informing potential bidders that they have until Aug. 24 to declare their interest, according to press reports (ATWOnline, Aug. 13).

American Airlines said yesterday that it will speed up deliveries of its 737-800s, taking an additional six in 2010 as it as it seeks to replace its MD-80s with more fuel efficient aircraft. The carrier now plans to take delivery of 36 -800s in 2009 and 40 in 2010. It has firm orders for an additional 11 737NGs to be delivered in 2013 and "continues to evaluate opportunities to accelerate MD-80 replacement with additional 737s," it said in a statement.

Austrian government's Council of Ministers yesterday issued the contract for the privatization of Austrian Airlines Group to state holding company OIAG, entitling it to sell the entirety of its 42.75% stake (ATWOnline, Aug. 11). The contract stipulates that Austrian interests must hold 25% plus one share. Merrill Lynch has been appointed as exclusive financial adviser in the potential sale of OIAG shares to a strategic partner (ATWOnline, Aug. 1).

DAC International of Austin said its GEN-X Electronic Flight Bag System was approved for Class 3 installation in Bombardier regional aircraft. GEN-X supports Windows-based applications along with a full suite of EFB applications.

Kenya Airways took delivery of its third E-170LR. Aircraft seats 72 and is leased from GECAS.

Meggitt subsidiary Vibro-Meter announced provision of its Advanced Airborne Vibration Monitor for 737NGs. AAVM is a Boeing, CFM International and Vibro-Meter venture and features advanced flight deck engine vibration signals, balancing power and pre-event bearing fault warning capabilities.

Turkish Airlines took delivery of two 737-800s, part of a 2004 order, lifting its fleet to 110 aircraft. THY now operates 55 737s.