Page 17 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2016 Online Magazine

FEATURE IRAN AVIATION

commemorating the 55th anniversary of as he said, “Now it is Iran that will link today world that it is back in business.
foundation of Iran Air in February declared, and yesterday’s economy with each other by During Iranian President Dr Rouhani’s
“Homa (symbol of Iran Air) and the aviation establishing a secure climate and aviation official visit to France in January, Iran officials
fleet should turn into a big power in the field industry.” signed agreements with Airbus that cover
of transportation of passengers and cargo, And he had his agenda set. new aircraft orders and a comprehensive
and it will come true soon.” “We need a fresh air fleet and therefore civil aviation cooperation package.
Unveiling the government’s plan, the to do so, increasing existing seats by half With the deals, Iran Air will acquire a full
president said, “Iran is not only the shortest times is in the agenda.” range of Airbus’ market-leading commercial
route which connects the West to the East With Iran signalling its intentions to make jetliners – including 21 A320ceo Family, 24
and can be the best air traffic hub for travels up for lost time, the government and the A320neo Family, 27 A330ceo Family, 18 A330-
between them, but also is the best way for airlines companies have started negotiations 900neo, 16 A350-1000 and 12 A380 aircraft.
disseminating culture and politics.” with airframers. The airlines have been eager Iran Air’s agreement to acquire aircraft from
Mentioning wholesomeness and ethics to do deals with Airbus and Boeing and other all of Airbus’ in-production jetliner families will
as two characteristics of major airlines in aircraft makers to replace their ageing fleets provide the Iranian flag carrier with a modern,
Iran, Dr Rouhani also said: “Strengthening and to also generate new growth, clawing highly efficient fleet capable of meeting its full
the aviation industry will bring authority and back at the gains foreign carriers have made air transport needs – from regional routes to
honour for the country...How long should we in the Iranian market. Iranian airlines will high-density, long-haul operations.
wait to see Iranians getting humiliated by be competing primarily with Gulf network “The agreement for 118 new aircraft spans
those airlines which have emerged in the carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar from Airbus’ single-aisle A320 product line
past two decades?” as well as Turkish Airlines. – involving both current engine option (CEO)
The president’s intentions were clear Iran Air is wasting little time showing the and new engine option versions (NEO) – to the
widebody A330ceo and A330neo, the A350
XWB and A380,” an Airbus official said.
The deliveries of the 118 new aircraft--
21 A320ceo Family and 24 A320neo Family
jetliners, 27 from the A330ceo Family, 18
A330-900neo aircraft, 16 A350-1000s and
12 A380s, could start as early as this year,
he added. According to the delivery schedule
provided by the Iranian government, Airbus
will rapidly deliver all 118 jets between 2016
and 2022.
While phasing in this major new inventory,
Iran Air will be supported by Airbus’ extensive
resources in pilot and maintenance training,
customer support and services. Iran Air also
can benefit from its long experience with
Airbus aircraft – and all the advantages of
Airbus’ product line commonality – based
on the carrier’s current fleet of 19 total
A320ceo, A300 and A310 jetliners.
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,
harmonisation 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
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