Iran Purchases Four Airbus A340s

Authorities say four Airbus A340-300s initially bound for Uzbekistan after departing South Africa were diverted to Iran. The Civil Aviation Authority of Iran has confirmed it purchased the four-engined aircraft.

While details on the idea are scarce, it is confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Iran after their journey from South Africa.

Why would Iran be looking to add four Airbus A340s? First, sanctions. Iran can’t purchase the aircraft traditionally. This extends to even additional newly produced aircraft that’d help their fleet.

A fleet that, thanks to data, consists of relatively old aircraft.

Airlines in Iran aren’t the only airlines globally facing a similar fate. In Russia, there’s talk of stripping existing aircraft for parts and questions about the safety of planes flying there.

Turkish Airlines previously flew these Airbus A340-300s before retiring them and placing them in storage after a long service life.

The four units have been in storage for several years. This means the flight to Iran was their first flight in a long time.

Specifically, the four aircraft moved on the journey were MSN 115, 180, 270 and 331. While ferry flights exist, seeing four A340-300s travel simultaneously is uncommon.

While Iran Air initially planned to welcome new aircraft, manufacturers didn’t follow through.

Sanctions have left all carriers in Iran struggling to source additional new planes to replace aging aircraft.