Airbus in Syrian jet sale discussions

Posted on 18 Sep 2008 by The Manufacturer

A delegation from Airbus is set to arrive in Damascus to enter into talks with Syria, which is hoping to buy 50 of the aerospace firm’s passenger jets for its Syrianair airline.

The suggested order list includes 320 and 330 models, as well as two 350 jets, and would be based on a “strategic co-operation agreement” between Airbus and the Syrian government.

If agreed, any deal between the two parties would, however, require Washington approval due to US sanctions preventing the export of products to Syria which have a US content of 10 per cent or more.

Airbus officials declined to comment on the specific nature of the visit to Damascus, saying: “We will act only in full compliance with the law and no decision about any deal has been taken.”