Iran Air is planning to restore seven of its grounded planes within the next six months. Speaking to ILNA news agency, Shamseddin Farzadipour, Chief Executive, Iran Air said: “The planes will be restored to the airline’s fleet as part of a comprehensive domestic repair program. Our priority is domestic repair and seven planes will become airworthy in the next six months.”
Iran Air will use the planes to cater to busy travel routes to Iraq mostly flying Iranian pilgrims.
Due to the strict sanctions by the west, it was difficult for Iran Air to carry out the repair work and spare parts sourcing for the existing fleet. Hence the airline has developed in-house maintenance capabilities over the course of last few months and is now in a position to restore the grounded fleet.
This in-house maintenance program also supports other foreign carriers that have suffered due to western sanctions, Press TV reported. As per its September reports, nine Russian passenger planes were in Iran to receive maintenance.
Besides, many Iranian airlines have already added repaired aircraft to their active fleet
Qeshm Air announced recently restored an Airbus A320 after 11 years of grounding.
A Boeing 737 returned to the fleet of Iran’s third largest carrier Aseman Airlines later that month after a successful test flight. Aseman had earlier restored a Fokker 100 by replacing its engine.
The Iranian government has earmarked funding to support domestic airlines in their efforts to restore some 100 jetliners that have remained grounded because of parts shortages as a result of US sanctions.