Image credit: Dmitry Pichugin [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
The boss of Iran Air has voiced confidence that the carrier’s suspension from Iata will be lifted following the removal of international sanctions.
The remarks by chairman and managing director, Farhad Parvaresh, came as the airline confirmed plans to add more 50 to 100-seat aircraft to its fleet and expand its network.
Iran was suspended from the Iata payment systems in 2010 due to sanctions.
The airline is being tipped to acquire at least 20 regional jets worth between $2 billion-$5 billion as it seeks to establish a commuter airline subsidiary to improve its domestic network with an “air taxi” type operation.
A previously announced purchase of 114 Airbus aircraft is to be signed during president Hassan Rouhani’s visit to France from Tehran this week. The first delivery is expected by late March.
Parvaresh said that prior to the lifting of sanctions last week, his primary challenge at Iran Air was to “keep the company alive” and deal with all the day-to-day “problems, issues and sufferings” that the carrier was faced with.
However, he is optimistic that the airline’s suspension from Iata is to be lifted and the carrier re-admitted to the Billing and Settlement Plan and international clearing house.
This would simplify Iran Air’s payments for tickets, transfers and other areas.
The airline is now moving to expand its network of 27 domestic and 29 international destinations.
A 10-year plan has been discussed internally, with a three to four-year first stage, according to Parvaresh, who was speaking at an aviation summit in Iran.
Iran Air plans to establish a commuter airline subsidiary and is examining the possibility of adding more 50-100 seat aircraft to its fleet.