Iranair

[RUDAS]

I heard recently that Iranair plans to replace its SP's sometime soon.

Since they're the last ones in Airline service (i think?),it makes sense,but what are they getting in their place?

Anyone know if this rumour is true? if so,when will the SP's be gone?


thanks,R:{

[aeulad]

Syrian Arab also fly the SP, as do several VIP and governmental bodies.

Regards

Mike

[Mark Lewis]

Iran Air still have a very much airworthy fleet of 5 I think?

[akerosid]

Yes, they still operate 747SPs and a few -200s and a single -100B. They'll have to get used to continuing with them for a good while to come because although funding is available for the planned acquisition of A330s, Iran's continuing pariah status (particularly as a result of its nuclear plans) is going to ensure that sanctions remain in place for some time to come.

I understand that plans are well advanced for Tu204s to be acquired to replace some of the airline's short haul fleet.

[Kelas]

Replacing the aircraft is not going to be easy! Sanctions are still in place and look to be for some time yet. Iranair would be very limited in choice, if any.

[RUDAS]

yeah,thats what i thought.what about stage 4 though?

[WHBM]

I understand that plans are well advanced for Tu204s to be acquired to replace some of the airline's short haul fleet.
Are the export Tu204s not fitted with Rolls Royce engines ? Also western avionics etc. In which case the high-tech sanctions will still apply.

[mini]

SAA were operating Sp's, anyone knoe their status?

[RUDAS]

yeah,SAA retired their SP's (in fact all their 200 and 300's as well).the last -300 flew in April.The last SP went in January:{

[Boss Raptor]

Well Iran Air have purchased/or in process of purchasing A330's - however due to US embargo the Lessor concerned will not sell them the engines which are embargoed items...they are in the market for a batch of RR Trents but doubt they will get them!?

My source well let's just say within Iran Air and very high up...and yes I did laugh when I was asked :E

[Stan Woolley]

I thought two of SAA's 747SP's were sold to an operator in W Africa.

Anyone know different?

[sunbird123]

Iranair A320,b727,b747 banned from EU airspace.

[Tom the Tenor]

Why is the A320 banned?

[No_Speed_Restriction]

Banned? I was under the impression that companies like BP would prefer not to do business with them as per the new sanctions.

[akerosid]

It's just not their week, is it!

However, bear in mind that the banning of the 747s and A320s is an EU decision and is independent of the fuel issue, which arose yesterday.

Latest EU blacklist bans Iran Air A320s and 747s (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/06/344095/latest-eu-blacklist-bans-iran-air-a320s-and-747s.html)

As to why the A320s were selected, it is hard to know; it may well have been that IR has been unable to maintain the A320's avionics to a satisfactory level, due to lack of spares/equipment/expertise. However, I think the A320 issue is minor, in that having looked through the flight schedules, only a small number of IR A320 flights operate to the EU (MXP, VIE and one of two others); most are operated by A310s, A300s and (until today) 747s.

For obvious reasons, IR's 747s are among the oldest operating to LHR and have the unenviable distinction of having operated there during each of the past five decades - from '70s to '10s:

JetPhotos.Net Photo » EP-IAM (CN: 21759) Iran Air Boeing 747-186B by John Fitzpatrick (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6864991)

[Tom the Tenor]

Seems a little unfair - how many 747s or A320s have IR lost in the last ten years?

[niknak]

Seems a little unfair - how many 747s or A320s have IR lost in the last ten years?

Surely it's better to ground them if there's any chance that requisite standards aren't being complied with rather than wait for the worst to happen?:uhoh:

[EGNT]

Suppose this means no more -200's or SP's into LHR?

[Civagiarn]

:uhoh: thats very sad, those were probably the last noisy planes operating at LHR, plane spotting won't be the same.

[On the Straight and Level]

How will this affect passenger bookings for LHR?

Presumably if the 747 SP's are banned, Iran Air will continue using their older Airbuses but....

1. Are there enough of the widebody Airbuses to serve the European destinations?
2. Will they have to offload pax through utilising the old Airbuses?
3. By doing this does this mean the cabin classes change e.g. was there 1st class on the 747 which there isn't on the A3xx series?
4. Is it likely that Iran will try a tit-for-tat with the European carriers and ban them? Think this is very unlikely as they probably will want to keep as much traffic operating through their airports (along with duty free sales), especially with all the new shops at Theran Iman Khomanei (sp.) airport.