Iran makes history with first new aircraft
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The long-overdue modernisation of Iran’s commercial air fleet is now underway, following the delivery of a brand new Airbus aircraft to national carrier, Iran Air.
Iran has moved quickly following the easing of economic sanctions, ordering 100 Airbus and 80 Boeing aircraft. Decades in the diplomatic wilderness have left Iran with an aging air fleet, and the country is now estimated to require up to 500 new aircraft in the coming years, to bring its fleet into line with international standards.
This process has now officially begun with the arrival of a modern A321 aircraft. The new single-aisle jet comes equipped with 194 seats in two classes, all featuring seat-back in-flight entertainment systems.
“This significant milestone marks the first practical step in Iran Air’s ambitious passenger aircraft fleet renewal and its stronger presence in international civil aviation. Iranian travellers can be proud with our selection of the world’s most modern single-aisle aircraft,” said Farhad Parvaresh, Iran Air’s chairman & CEO.
“Today signals that with international collaboration and co-operation, we can achieve mutually beneficial commercial goals.”
Airbus stressed that the delivery “complies with all relevant international laws”, and was coordinated with regulators in the EU and US.
“Today is a momentous occasion,” said Airbus’ commercial president, Fabrice Bregier. “As we take these first steps together, we stand ready to support the development and modernisation of Iran Air. Clearly in a country of 80 million people, there is a need for the latest passenger aircraft to meet domestic as well as international demand.”
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