Iran buys 118 Airbus jets

Iran has embarked on a new era of modern aviation with the placement of a huge aircraft order with Airbus.

Signed during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s official visit to France, national carrier Iran Air has purchased a total of 118 commercial aircraft, including 12 double-decker A380s. The deal was signed at the Élysée Palace in Paris in the presence of French President François Hollande.“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 modernisation of Iran’s commercial aviation sector and Airbus stands ready to play its role in supporting it,” said Fabrice Brégier, president & CEO of Airbus.

The total deal, which is worth more than US$25 billion at list prices, comprises 45 single-aisle aircraft – 21 A320s and 24 A320neos – plus 73 twin-aisle jets, including 27 A330s, 18 A330-900neos, 16 A350-1000s and 12 A380s. The agreement also includes pilot and maintenance training and support services.

These new jets will replace Iran Air’s existing fleet of 43 aging Airbus A300, A310, A320 and Boeing 747 aircraft.

“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 Farhad Parvaresh, Iran Air’s chairman & CEO.

And the Airbus deal could be just the beginning for Iran. The country’s Tasnim news agency recently reported Abbas Akhondi, Iran’s Minister of Road & Urban Development, as saying that the country will need up to 500 new aircraft in the coming years, and that it is in discussions with Boeing as well as Airbus.“We have held negotiations with Boeing in this regard,” the minister was quoted saying.