Iran Air finalizes aircraft purchase deal with Airbus

TEHRAN, Dec. 19 (MNA) – Iran Air CEO Farhad Parvaresh said the deal to buy 100 airplanes from Airbus has become finalized and the aerospace company will deliver seven or eight aircraft to Iran by 2017. Managing Director of Iran's national carrier, Iran Air (Homa), Farhad Parvaresh told the reporters on Sunday that on the basis of earlier planning, Toulouse, Southern France based turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR will deliver eight aircraft to Iran. Referring to the signing of a contract with Boeing for purchase of 80 airplanes, the official highlighted that the deal was sealed in the previous week though the American manufacturer will make its first delivery in April, 2018. The accord to buy 100 aircraft from Airbus is being finalized, noted Parvaresh saying “Airbus representatives have been present in Iran since last week and we intend to consider all aspects of the issue.” Airline of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran Air) managing director went on to stressed that “although the nominal value of the contract for buying 118 airplanes from Airbus was announced to be 25 billion dollars and Airbus 380 models were removed from the contract, the real value of the deal will not exceed 10 billion dollars.” Farhad Parvaresh, while pointing to Iran Air’s 55 years of experience, expressed hope that renovation and development of the company’s aviation fleet will help eliminate certain existing barriers like the plunge in investment. On negotiations with Italy’s ATR Aircraft manufacturer, the official said talks were underway expressing hope that they will reach conclusions by the end of the current year.