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

17th May 2017

Iran Air, Iran’s national flag carrier, took delivery of its first four ATR 72-600s. ATR and Iran Air signed earlier this year a contract for 20 ATR 72-600s and overviewed options for a further 20. Deliveries of the first 20 aircraft will extend until the end of 2018.

Following the relief of 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.

“There are still historical moments in aviation, and this is one of them,” declares Christian Scherer, CEO of ATR. “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 favor and the tremendous role they play in their country.”

“Our new fleet of ATR 72-600s showcases our will to provide newest generation aircraft to our customers, therefore ensuring comfort, reliability and competitiveness,” said Farhad Parvaresh, CEO of Iran Air. “Strengthening the links between all our communities will encourage new business opportunities for everyone.”

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)

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.