Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Russia has offered its help to the Islamic Republic in renovating its ageing aviation fleet.

Russian officials said the country was in negotiations with Iran over the local production of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliner to replace the ageing Iranian fleet on regional routes.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said in Iran that Moscow may deliver a large batch of SSJ 100 planes – described as the country’s most modern commercial jets – to Iran before 2020.

Three Iranian airlines were reported to have held talks with Russian Sukhoi to buy twin-engine Superjet 100 aircraft. Iranian Kish Air, Zagros and Caspian companies are the three airlines interested in using the aircraft in their fleet, according to the Iranian media

The 100-seat Superjet is the symbol of Russia's bid to assert its share in the jet manufacturing business. The country has delivered over 60 aircraft since operating the first SSJ100 commercial flight in 2011.

Rogozin told the Russian media that the planes can be partly localized by Iranian producers if Tehran makes the political decision to purchase ready-made aircraft.

Iran has a shortage of modern aircraft due to the long running sanctions imposed by the West. Local airlines are looking for reliable regional jets to fly on domestic routes.

Iran seeks to deepen cooperation with Russia in the space sector after the removal of economic sanctions - Tehran is interested in communication satellites, meteorological satellites and remote sensing devices.

Rogozin announced during Iran visit that Iran and Russia have reached an agreement on expanding space research cooperation.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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