Damascus, Aug. 30(SANA) Syrian Airlines received on Saturday the first two of eight Airbus A320-family aircraft under a programme to modernise and develop its fleet.
The programme forms part of commitments linked to the Damascus International Airport development project with Urbacon Holding, which includes support for and modernisation of the Syrian national carrier’s fleet.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport said in a statement that the two aircraft had officially entered Syria’s national aircraft register.
The first, registered as YK-AKI, is an Airbus A320-214 configured with 156 seats—12 in business class and 144 in economy class. The second, registered as YK-AKJ, is an Airbus A320-232 with the same seating capacity.
The authority said the aircraft were acquired on the international market after being selected on the basis of their technical condition, maintenance records, operational history and readiness for service.
Both had previously operated in the European market under an operational and regulatory environment governed by European safety and airworthiness requirements and aligned with the regulatory framework of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), it added.
Aircraft Underwent Comprehensive Technical Assessments
Before delivery, the two aircraft underwent comprehensive inspections, maintenance work and technical assessments involving specialised Syrian engineers and technicians, as well as two international aircraft maintenance and inspection companies.
The process included reviews of the aircraft’s technical condition, maintenance records and operational history to verify their technical and operational readiness and compliance with airworthiness and safety requirements before entering service.
The authority said YK-AKI arrived at Damascus International Airport on Saturday to join the Syrian Airlines fleet ahead of its entry into service across the national carrier’s network.
Work Underway to Receive Remaining Six Aircraft
The authority said technical, financial and legal procedures were being completed for the six remaining aircraft, which will be delivered and entered into Syria’s national aircraft register in stages before joining the fleet.
The delivery of all eight aircraft will significantly increase the national carrier’s operational capacity, supporting the launch of new destinations, additional frequencies on existing routes, improved schedule reliability and a wider range of travel options to and from Syria.
The fleet modernisation is part of an integrated plan to develop Syrian Airlines and improve its efficiency and operational capabilities, alongside the development of Syrian airports, expansion of the route network and strengthening of Syria’s regional and international air connectivity.
The plan is intended to help Syria’s civil aviation sector regain its role in serving passengers and supporting economic activity, trade, tourism and investment, the authority said.
Delivery Marks Step Towards Rebuilding National Carrier
Omar al-Hosari, head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, told SANA that the delivery of the first two aircraft represented a new practical step in an integrated plan to rebuild the national carrier and increase its operational capacity.
“Our goal is not limited to increasing the number of aircraft, but to building a more efficient and competitive national carrier,” al-Hosari said.
He added that the plan was proceeding alongside airport development and expansion of the air transport network, strengthening Syria’s presence on the regional and international aviation map while supporting economic activity, tourism and investment.
New Aircraft Provide Greater Operational Flexibility
Captain Anwar Akkad, chief executive of the Syrian Aviation Holding Company and director general of Syrian Airlines, said the new aircraft would provide the airline with greater operational flexibility and help it meet growing demand for travel to and from Syria.
Akkad said the airline was completing the operational preparations needed to bring YK-AKI into service, including requirements related to operations, crews, maintenance and ground handling, to ensure its efficient use from the start of commercial operations.
He said the fleet expansion was accompanied by internal efforts to develop operational systems and services.
On Dec. 25, the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport signed final contracts with an international consortium led by Urbacon Holding to invest in the development, expansion and operation of Damascus International Airport.
MHD
