Iran, Airbus signed deal to buy 118 Airbus planes

Iran and Airbus on 28 January 2016 signed two agreements covering new aircraft orders and a comprehensive civil aviation co-operation package. The agreement includes purchase of 118 new Airbus aircrafts.  

The agreement for 118 new aircraft includes 21 A320ceo family, 24 A320neo family, 27 A330ceo family, 18 A330neo (-900), 16 A350-1000 and 12 A380.

The agreements were signed at the Elysee Palace, Paris, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s official visit to France with French President Francois Hollande.

Details of the two agreements
• Iran Air and Airbus signed an agreement for the acquisition of the full range of new Airbus airliners (73 wide-bodied and 45 single aisles). This includes pilot and maintenance training and support services to help the entry into service and efficient operations of these new aircraft.
• A comprehensive co-operation agreement to modernize the civil aviation sector of Iran was inked. The agreement was signed to support the development of Air Navigation Services (ATM), airport and aircraft operations, regulatory harmonization, technical and academic training, maintenance, repair and industrial cooperation.

Rouhani's five-day visit to Italy and France is the first by an Iranian president in nearly two decades.

Background
The two agreements were inked as part of the implementation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) on 16 January 2016, and its associated rules and guidance.

About Airbus
Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, and subsidiaries in the US, China, India, Japan and in the Middle East. In addition, it provides the highest standard of customer support and training through an expanding international network.

Comment
The deal to buy 118 Airbus planes is one of the biggest deals signed since western sanctions against Tehran were lifted. The sanctions were over Iran's nuclear programme.

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