8 new aircraft for Syrian Airlines. Archive photo: Shutterstock Syria has taken a significant step toward strengthening its civil aviation: the national carrier, Syrian Airlines, has received the first two of eight Airbus A320 aircraft scheduled to join the fleet as part of a broad renewal and development program.
According to an official report by the state news agency SANA, this move falls under the commitments related to the Damascus International Airport development project.
The Syrian Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority says both aircraft have already been registered in the country's national aircraft registry. The first aircraft is an Airbus A320-214 with 156 seats: 12 in business class and 144 in economy class. The second aircraft is an Airbus A320-232, also in the same configuration of 156 seats.
The Syrian authorities stated that the aircraft were purchased on the international market after being selected based on their technical condition, maintenance history, operational background, and level of service readiness. It was also stated that both aircraft previously operated on the European market, under a regulatory and operational framework subject to European safety and airworthiness requirements and in accordance with the EASA framework.
Before delivery, the planes underwent comprehensive inspections, maintenance work and technical assessments, with the participation of Syrian engineers and technicians alongside international companies specializing in aircraft maintenance and inspection. The Authority emphasized that the first plane has already arrived at Damascus International Airport, ahead of its entry into service on the company's route network.
At the same time, technical, financial and legal procedures are continuing to absorb the additional six planes. According to the official announcement, completing the absorption of all eight planes is expected to significantly increase Syrian Airlines' operating capacity, support the opening of new destinations, add frequencies on existing routes, improve flight regularity and expand travel options to and from Syria.
The chairman of the Syrian Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority, Omar Hisham al-Hosari, described receiving the first two aircraft as "a new practical step" in the plan to restore the national carrier.
Syrian Airlines CEO Captain Anwar Akkad also said the new aircraft will give the company greater operational flexibility and help it cope with growing demand for flights to and from Syria.