Iran plans to launch an international aircraft leasing company in the next fiscal year (starting March 20), to refurbish the country’s air fleet with 200 new airplanes, said Abbas Akhoundi, the minister of roads and urban development.
“The company will be established in cooperation with major foreign companies. Its main task will be to supply Iranian private airlines with modern aircraft and support services,” Mehr News Agency quoted him as saying.
Launching aircraft leasing companies has been on the agenda of athe Ministry of Roads for renovating the ageing air fleet according to the minister because such companies can guarantee Iranian airlines’ access to modern commercial aircraft.”
“We have been holding talks with some foreign companies,” he said without specifying the names of the companies or their nationality.
Akhoundi also noted that Iran is keen on launching a joint airline with Oman through partnership between the two countries’ private sectors.
Akhundi had earlier announced that Iran needs 400 aircraft for long and medium-haul intentional flights, and 100 planes for domestic short-haul flights.
Iran reached an agreement with French plane maker Airbus to purchase 114 passenger aircraft, during President Rouhani’s visit to the country.
