Toulouse, France, 16 May 2017 – Iran Air, Iran’s national flag carrier, today took delivery of its first four ATR 72-600s. ATR and Iran Air signed earlier this year a firm contract for 20 ATR 72-600s and options for a further 20. Deliveries of the 20 firm aircraft will extend until the end of next year. Able to carry 68-78 passengers, the ATR 72-600 900 has a range of 1,665 km.
Following the relief on international sanctions on Iran, there is a major need to modernise and develop air transportation to boost local economies throughout the country and improve connectivity between the regions. Iran relies on a strong domestic infrastructure, that numbers 60 airports that the ATRs are fully capable of serving. The ATR 72-600 will form the core of the regional aircraft of the Iran Air fleet and will substantially contribute to the expansion and development of the services provided by the national airline across the country.
Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “There are still historical moments in aviation, and this is one of them. We are proud and gratified that our ATR aircraft are providing the solution to Iran’s significant needs in regional connectivity. As Iran’s travelling public gains access to increased supply of air transportation, it will benefit from the highest standards of comfort, efficiency and reliability with the ATR´s we are delivering today and over the coming months. We salute Iran Air for their choice in our favour and the tremendous role they play in their country.”
Farhad Parvaresh, Chief Executive Officer of Iran Air, commented: “Our new fleet of ATR 72-600s showcases our will to provide newest generation aircraft to our customers, therefore ensuring comfort, reliability and competitiveness. Strengthening the links between all our communities will encourage new business opportunities for everyone.”
Iran is also expected to be the Middle East’s next big tourism destination with seaside shores on the Caspian and Arabian seas. This freshly open market, along with the currently existing significant religious traffic, will develop connectivity domestically as well as towards neighbouring countries in the years to come. The country’s air services will require the highest standards of comfort as well as operational flexibility.
Iran Air was created in 1961 from the merge of former Iranian Airways and Pars Airways, and commenced its activities in April 1962. Among the reasons of its creation, there was the need to answer to the demand of domestic air travel. At present, Iran Air flies to 35 international and 25 domestic destinations. Iran is about the size of France+Germany, and the induction of the new ATRs will provide Iran Air with better passenger services, meanwhile allowing the company to save more money on kerosene and maintenance costs. //
