A total of 27 out-of-service planes are being removed from airports to free much-needed space for new jets as Iran renews its ageing fleet hurt by years of international sanctions.
The grounded aircraft include Boeing 747 and 727, Fokker 100, Airbus A300 and BAE models, which are being be removed from Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport as well as airports in Mashhad and Zahedan, Mehr news Agency reported citing Reza Jafarzadeh, an official with Iran Civil Aviation Organization.
Out of the 27 planes, 10 are owned by the national flag carrier Iran Air, 11 by Mahan Airlines, five belong to Iran Aseman Airlines and one to Pouya Cargo Air.
The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development set a four-month deadline in mid-May for airlines to get rid of the unusable planes as airports grapple with a shortage of parking space.
Mehrabad International Airport, which has space for 40-42 planes, currently accommodates up to 47 aircraft. According to director general of the airport, the airport needs parking space for 75 planes within five years.
