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| Iran Air A300. Photo: Wikimedia |
[Avionics Today 01-29-2016] Iran Air has signed an agreement with Airbus to acquire aircraft from all of Airbus’ in-production jetliner families in an effort to modernize the Iranian flag carrier’s fleet from regional routes to long-haul operations.
Signed Jan. 28 in Paris, the agreement for 118 new aircraft spans from Airbus’ single-aisle A320 product line and includes: 21 A320ceo aircraft, 24 A320neo jetliners, 27 aircraft from the A330ceo family, 18 A330-900neo aircraft, 16 A350-1000s and 12 A380s. Deliveries could start as early as this year.
Airbus will also provide support to Iran Air in the form of pilot and maintenance training, customer support and services while phasing in its major new aircraft.
Additionally, the Iranian air transportation infrastructure will be enhanced through a separate agreement for development of the country’s air navigation services with assistance in airport and aircraft operations, harmonization of its air regulations, training on the technical and academic levels, guidance in maintenance and repair operations, as well as industrial cooperation.
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.