Iran Air has signed agreements for a total of 118 new Airbus aircraft, as part of the country’s civil aviation renewal programme.
The order includes 73 widebodied and 45 single aircraft, and will also cover pilot training, airport operations and ATM (air traffic movement) support.
It will see the Iran Air fleet renewed with 21 A320ceo aircraft, 24 A320neos, 27 A330ceos, 18 A330neos, 16 A350-1000s and 12 A380s.
The agreement was signed during Iranian president Hassan Rouhani’s official visit to France this week.
Iran Air’s chairman and CEO said that the announcement was “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”.
The agreement is a boost to Airbus’ A380 superjumbo programme, which has seen new orders stall in recent years.
Japanese carrier ANA has also confirmed it will also order A380s for its fleet (see news January 29).
British Airways is also understood to be considering leasing or buying more A380 aircraft as part of its fleet expansion plans (see news January 19).
Mark Caswell
