Local aviation media published on Saturday the picture of a new ATR-72 600 painted in the airline’s livery, saying the plane will soon be delivered.
According to deputy minister of roads and urban development, Asghar Fakhrieh-Kashan, Iran expects three to four deliveries by March.
"Representatives of Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR are due to arrive in Tehran today to discuss a $400 million order with Iran Air," he said.
The flag carrier has been in talks with ATR for over a year to purchase 20 short-haul aircraft, with the option of adding 20 more in future.
“The contract will be finalized if we reach an agreement over the Canadian engines of the plane,” the official was quoted as saying by IRNA on Saturday.
Reuters reported earlier that the deal has been held up due to uncertainty over licenses for engines made by a Canadian subsidiary of Pratt & Whitney, America's top military engine maker and supplier to the colossal F-35 fighter project. Pratt & Whitney is seen to be wary of the political risks of dealing with Iran, especially with the F-35 project at the center of Trump's criticism of aerospace firms for going over budget, Reuters reported.
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