Airbus is in pole position for a $500 million contract to supply flag carrier Syrian Arab Airlines with seven new aircraft following the first round of a tendering process from which Boeing was excluded by US sanctions. The airline wants four 200-seaters and three 300-seaters to replace its Boeing 727s over the next two years. Under Syrian law, the contract must now be retendered. If, again, only one company bids, the sole offer can then be accepted.

Source: Flight International