Sanction-ridden Iran has announced plans to develop its own passenger aircraft which will be capable of flying domestic segments between the country’s airports.
Currently Iranian carriers are banned from purchasing new aircraft or spare parts from Western manufacturers, and are often forced to keep ageing airliners flying long past their years, or source them through various unofficial channels.
However, now Manouchehr Manteghi, the head of Iran’s aviation organization has said the country will develop the 150-seat “Iran 141” aircraft, which it aims to have in service by 2017. The aircraft will be designed to operate sectors of around one hour, and will be operated by the country’s various airlines.
Iran is not new to aircraft manufacturing, having purchased rights to license-build Antonov AN-140 aircraft (named Iran-140), with the first example being completed in 2003.
