Boeing's Proposal to Sell Three New Aircraft Models to Iran

Maqsood Asadi Samani, the secretary of the Association of Airlines, stated that a two-day negotiation took place between a delegation from Boeing and Iranian airlines in Tehran. Boeing proposed to sell new models of the 737, 787, and 777 aircraft to Iran through financing from foreign sources. According to Mehr News Agency, this Iranian official mentioned that intensive negotiations were held over two days between Boeing representatives and the Islamic Republic of Iran Airlines (Homa) and other airlines to support existing aircraft in Iran's air fleet, including parts, publications, and other services related to flight safety. Following the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, former U.S. President Barack Obama issued a directive in January last year allowing the sale of passenger aircraft to Iran. Subsequently, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a 'general license' on March 25, allowing American companies to sell passenger aircraft to Iran after more than three decades. Following these licenses, Iranian officials announced last week the visit of the Boeing delegation to Tehran. Maqsood Asadi Samani noted that during the two-day negotiations, Boeing representatives presented their aircraft available for sale to Iranian airlines, which will certainly influence Boeing's cooperation with Iranian companies in supporting existing aircraft and adhering to commitments in airlines' decisions to purchase aircraft from Boeing. The secretary of the Association of Airlines also stated that Boeing proposed the new series of 737, 787, and 777 aircraft for sale to Iran, adding that Iranian airlines will review Boeing's proposals for selling their products to Iran and will make decisions based on the companies' interests and national interests. According to this report, the Boeing delegation to Iran consisted of the company's regional sales manager, Boeing's regional manager, service and support officials, and finance representatives. Maqsood Asadi Samani emphasized that the final results of negotiations for purchasing aircraft from Boeing will be directly related to how Boeing supports its existing aircraft in Iran and fulfills its commitments, and Iranian airlines will certainly make necessary decisions after examining Boeing's behavior following the lifting of sanctions and the country's need for a new fleet. The secretary of the Association of Airlines announced that the number of Boeing aircraft in the country is nearly 60, stating that currently, 48 Boeing MD, Boeing 747, Boeing 737, Boeing 727, and Boeing 757 aircraft are flying in various Iranian airlines, constituting 32% of the country's active air fleet. The U.S. banned the sale of passenger aircraft to Iran following the hostage crisis of its diplomats in Tehran in 1979. In this context, the Boeing aircraft manufacturing delegation is set to travel to Tehran next week, marking the final unlocking of aircraft exports to Iran.