Iran to Become A Heavyweight of Civil Aviation: President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani unveiled plans for turning the country into a big power in the civil aviation industry in light of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a final nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
“Homa (Iran’s national airline) and the aviation fleet should turn into a big power in the field of transportation of passengers and cargo, and it will come true soon,” the president said in a Wednesday ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary of foundation of Iran Air.
“Iran is not only the shortest route which connects the West to the East and can be the best air traffic hub for travels between them, but also is the best way for disseminating culture and politics,” he added.
The president also unveiled plans for reviving the country’s air fleet by creating a 1.5-fold increase in the total number of the passenger seats.
He further hailed the JCPOA as an agreement that enabled Iran to renovate its fleet of passenger aircraft.
The nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) took effect on January 16, terminating all nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran.
Thereafter, during President Rouhani’s trip to France, Iran and Airbus clinched a deal on a major order, which includes dozens of Airbus’s biggest-selling jets.
Iran has agreed to buy 118 Airbus jets, including 45 A320 single-aisle aircraft, 45 A330 wide-bodies, 16 A350 twin-aisle aircraft, and 12 A380’s.
Iran Air later finalized another contract with ATR aircraft manufacturer to purchase 20 turboprops.