Mohammad Mohammadi Bakhsh, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, who previously pledged to modernize the country’s air fleet and ensure that active aircraft are under 20 years old, now intends to utilize foreign airlines to address the shortage of domestic air fleet and alleviate the soaring prices in the air ticket market.
The utilization of foreign airlines for domestic flights is a proposal previously advocated by Mehrdad Bazrpash, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development in the regime. Although this plan was presented to the parliament as part of the 7th development plan, it faced opposition from parliamentary members. The head of the Civil Aviation Organization has acknowledged that resorting to foreign airlines is necessitated by the deficiency in the domestic air fleet.
Despite the numerous challenges associated with relying on foreign airlines, it appears that the 13th government perceives no alternative solution to address Iran’s aging and limited air fleet, particularly in light of recent escalations in domestic flight ticket prices, which pose a dual challenge to the regime.
Bazrpash expressed his full endorsement of employing foreign carriers’ aircraft for domestic flights during the inauguration of Mehrabad airport projects on February 6.
While the ministry asserts that the pursuit of foreign airlines aims to stabilize the ticket sales market, evidence suggests that the primary motive stems from the shortage of aircraft and the severe aging of the existing fleet.
International sanctions have rendered the regime incapable of procuring aircraft and spare parts, resulting in the grounding of numerous planes. Despite occasional claims by regime authorities regarding aircraft purchases and domestic spare parts production, the reality remains bleak.
Mohammadi Bakhsh previously asserted by December 2023 that over 70 airplanes and helicopters had been procured, with 30 already integrated into the national air fleet. He also claimed an active fleet of 190 planes, comprising cargo and business jets, emphasizing the country’s purported capability in maintaining new aircraft and producing spare parts.
However, he also conceded that 139 planes have been grounded for more than two years, with some unable to return to service and requiring permanent storage in Hamedan.
Regime officials attempt to downplay the impact of international sanctions by asserting the feasibility of repairing planes domestically, while simultaneously seeking assistance from foreign airlines to resolve domestic challenges.
Citizens highlight the grave concerns surrounding air transportation in Iran, citing technical issues, exorbitant ticket prices, flight delays, and emergency landings of domestic aircraft as serious issues affecting their safety and travel experience.
A report published by Shargh newspaper in the summer of 2022 titled ‘The Worn-out Fleet: An Alarm for Future Flights’ detailed the state of Iran’s passenger planes, noting that a quarter are completely non-operational, half face parts shortages, and all could potentially be grounded if stricter safety measures are enforced by the Civil Aviation Organization.
