Iran selects Airbus for 118 new jetliners

Toulouse, France – Iran officials have signed two agreements with Airbus covering new aircraft orders and a comprehensive civil aviation cooperation package. The agreements were signed at the Élysée Palace, Paris, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s official visit to France with French President François Hollande.

 

Iran Air has signed an agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of the full range of new Airbus airliners (73 widebody and 45 single-aisle aircraft). This includes pilot and maintenance training and support services to help the entry into service and efficient operations of these new aircraft.

 

The agreement for 118 new aircraft signed by Iran Air Chairman and CEO Farhad Parvaresh, includes 21 A320ceo family, 24 A320neo family, 27 A330ceo family, 18 A330neo (-900), 16 A350-1000, and 12 A380. Deliveries could start as early as this year.

 

In parallel, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development Dr. Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi, has signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement as part of the country’s modernization of its civil aviation sector, to support the development of air navigation services (ATM), airport and aircraft operations, regulatory harmonization, technical and academic training, maintenance, repair, and industrial cooperation.

 

These two agreements took place as part of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Jan. 16, 2016, and its associated rules and guidance.

 

"Today’s announcement is the start of re-establishing our civil aviation sector into the envy of the region and along with partners like Airbus we’ll ensure the highest world standards,” said Parvaresh.

 

“The skies have cleared for Iran’s flying public and Airbus is proud to welcome Iran’s commercial aviation back into the international civil aviation community. Today is a significant step in the overhaul and modernization of Iran’s commercial aviation sector and Airbus stands ready to play its role in supporting it,” said Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier. “I am very proud of all the Airbus teams who quickly mobilized to propose the agreements and make them happen.”

 

While phasing in its major new inventory, Iran Air will be supported by Airbus’ resources in pilot and maintenance training, customer support, and services. Iran Air currently has a fleet of 19 total A320ceo, A300, and A310 jetliners.

 

Overall, Iran’s various airlines currently operate a combined 84 Airbus jetliners. In addition to those with Iran Air, the Iranian carriers are: ATA Airlines, Atrak Air, Iran Aseman Airlines, Mahan Air, Meraj Airlines, Qeshm Airlines, Taban Airline and Zagros Airlines.