Iran Air takes delivery of its first four ATR 72-600s

Iran enters an era of renewal and expansion of its regional network connectivity

 

Toulouse, May 16th, 2017 – Iran Air, Iran’s national flag carrier, today took delivery of its first four ATR 72-600s. ATR and Iran Air signed earlier this year a firm contract for 20 ATR 72-600s and options for a further 20. Deliveries of the 20 firm aircraft will extend until the end of 2018.
 
Following the relief on international sanctions on Iran, there is a major need to modernise and develop air transportation to boost local economies throughout the country and improve connectivity between the regions. Iran relies on a strong domestic infrastructure, that numbers 60 airports that the ATRs are fully capable of serving. The ATR 72-600 is ideal for operations in many types of challenging environments, including small airfields, unpaved runways and mountainous regions. The ATR 72-600 will form the core of the regional aircraft of the Iran Air fleet and will substantially contribute to the expansion and development of the services provided by the national airline across the country.
 
Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: "There are still historical moments in aviation, and this is one of them. We are proud and gratified that our ATR aircraft are providing the solution to Iran's significant needs in regional connectivity. As Iran's travelling public gains access to increased supply of air transportation, it will benefit from the highest standards of comfort, efficiency and reliability with the ATR´s we are delivering today and over the coming months. We salute Iran Air for their choice in our favour and the tremendous role they play in their country."
 
Farhad Parvaresh, Chief Executive Officer of Iran Air, commented: “Our new fleet of ATR 72-600s showcases our will to provide newest generation aircraft to our customers, therefore ensuring comfort, reliability and competitiveness. Strengthening the links between all our communities will encourage new business opportunities for everyone.”
 
Iran is also expected to be the Middle East’s next big tourism destination. This freshly open market, along with the currently existing significant religious traffic, will develop connectivity domestically as well as towards neighbouring countries in the years to come. The country’s air services will require the highest standards of comfort as well as operational flexibility.
 
About the ATR 72-600:
  • Passenger capacity: 68-78 seats
  • Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
  • Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
  • Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
  • Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
  • Maximum range with full passenger load: 900 nautical miles (1,665 Km)

About Iran Air:
Iran Air was created in 1961 from the merge of former Iranian Airways and Pars Airways, and commenced its activities in April 1962. Among the reasons of its creation, there was the need to answer to the demand of domestic air travel. At present, Iran Air flies to 35 international and 25 domestic destinations.
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About ATR

ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.