Sanctions hit Iranian aviation industry
By Sara Rajabova
Iranian official has said the country's aviation industry heavily hit by to the international sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program.
Head of Iran Civil Aviation Organization Alireza Jahangirian has said the Iran's aviation fleet needs 300 new planes, noting that aviation industry has suffered losses as a result of the international sanctions, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
Jahangirian said currently, 150 persons are working in the country's aviation industry for a single plane, adding that Iran will need to recruit 15,000 employees for 100 new planes.
He earlier said Iran needs to import 50 airplanes annually at a cost of $2.5 million. He informed that the national aviation fleet is comprised of 250 airplanes, but 100 of the airplanes are grounded due to the shortage of spare parts.
A while ago, Iran rejected to import spare parts manufactured by the Boeing, saying it's offered price for spare parts are three times more than current market prices.
Jahangirian added that some 600 new airplanes should be added to the national aviation fleet by the next 11 years.
He went on to add that, if international sanctions are lifted, the national aviation industry will burgeon in all production, maintenance, and international affairs.
Under the Geneva nuclear agreement, which eases sanctions against Iran, Tehran is allowed to purchase plane parts.
Iran is currently cooperating with Ukraine and Russia in the production and operation of the Antonov An-140 aircrafts which can carry 52 passengers.
After purchasing the production license for the An-140 from Ukraine in 2000, Iran built its first Iran-140 passenger plane in 2003.
Iran has several private and public airline companies in operation, the oldest one being the state-run Iran Air.