Tehran, Iran, January 14
By Mehdi Sepahvand –- Trend:
The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has authorized Eqtesad Novin Leasing, a subsidiary of Bank Eqtesad Novin, to lease purchase airplanes, IRNA news agency reported January 14.
This will open the way for Iran to buy high-quality airplanes and aviation equipment.
A few months ago the Aviation Companies Association certified seven new aviation companies, setting a condition that the companies should own a minimum of five airplanes.
Sanctions on Iran were lifted in early January, 2016, opening the way for Iranian airlines to refurbish their fleets. Iran has been banned from buying new airplanes, parts, or maintenance services since the revolution of 1979, with the result that its fleet now ages 25 in average.
However, this week the Islamic Republic imported its first brand new airplane, an Airbus A321 under a contract with the flag carrier Iran Air to buy 100 aircraft from the French manufacturer.
In 2016, Iran also signed a deal for 80 airplanes from Boeing and another deal for 20 from ATR.