United Airlines parent UAL Corp. named VP-Investor Relations Kathryn Mikells to succeed Executive VP and CFO Jake Brace when he retires on Nov. 1. Mikells, who joined UA in 1994 as a financial analyst and has held several leadership positions throughout the company, will be senior VP and CFO. Brace joined the company in 1988 and has been CFO since 2001. He will continue to serve in an advisory role, UA said. UAL also named former Northwest Airlines pilot and Air Line Pilots Assn. officer Howard Attarian as VP-flight operations, effective Sept.

Intersky, an Austrian LCC operating out of Friedrichshafen, is looking to replace its fleet of four Dash 8-300s. It is considering aircraft in the 76-seat segment, such as the ATR 72 and Q400, for an order for five firm and five options, CEO Claus Bernatzik told ATWOnline. A final decision should come by 2010. The carrier expects to transport around 235,000 passengers this year, up from 180,000 in 2007.

American Airlines firmed up commitments for 26 new 737-800s comprising 20 converted options and six new orders, Boeing announced yesterday. The six new aircraft will be part of the accelerated fleet plan and MD-80 replacement program announced earlier this week (ATWOnline, Aug. 14). AA now has ordered 36 -800s this year and is "accelerating deliveries of airplanes booked in prior years," according to the manufacturer.

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.