Iran 'in negotiations' with Boeing for aircraft purchase

Farhad Parvaresh, the CEO of Iran Air, has indicated that negotiations are ongoing with the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing for a potential purchase of 100 passenger planes, noting that there are obstacles and issues that need to be resolved. Parvaresh told Reuters: 'Negotiations and discussions are currently underway. I hope we can reach an agreement in this regard in the future.' He added that discussions regarding the number and type of aircraft will take place in the future, but the first step must be to reach a mutual understanding. Iran previously signed a contract to purchase 118 aircraft from Airbus worth $27 billion. However, this contract is conditional on the issuance of a license from the U.S. government due to the fact that some parts are made in the U.S., and the implementation of this contract is currently facing delays. The CEO of Iran Air stated that there are issues that must be resolved within the framework of the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA, between the U.S. and Airbus for the finalization of the contract with Airbus. When asked if the contract with Boeing would be as large as the contract with Airbus, Parvaresh clarified: 'No, it will be larger than Airbus; it may be close to it, but it depends on the conditions. In any case, Iran needs 300 aircraft in the next 10 years.' He also emphasized that such a contract would require approval from the Iranian government. Meanwhile, some aerospace industry sources have told Reuters that a contract for the purchase of 100 aircraft between Iran Air and Boeing is likely to be concluded soon. Fakhre Dagestani, a spokesperson for Boeing in the Middle East, stated: 'We will act based on the U.S. government's guidelines for issuing licenses in this regard.' Earlier, a delegation from Boeing visited Tehran in April of this year. An Iranian official regarding negotiations with the Boeing delegation in Tehran said: 'This aircraft manufacturer proposed the new series of 737, 787, and 777 aircraft for sale to Iran through financing from foreign sources.' Barack Obama, the President of the United States, issued a license for the sale of passenger aircraft to Iran following the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers last year. Subsequently, the U.S. Treasury Department also issued a 'general license' for the sale of passenger aircraft to Iran on April 5, allowing American companies to sell aircraft to Iran after more than three decades. Following these licenses, Iranian officials announced last week the visit of the Boeing delegation to Tehran. In this context, negotiations with Boeing for servicing aircraft in Iran and Boeing's proposal to sell three new aircraft models to Iran are ongoing. There is also a possibility of the newest Brazilian-made aircraft flying to Iran, and the American company is 'reviewing' the sale of commercial helicopters to Iran.