IRNA � An Iranian official said here on Wednesday that Iran's national flag carrier, Iran Air, contract with ATR to buy 20 light passenger planes, each capable of carrying 70 passengers, from the France-based company would be finalized in near future.

Talking to IRNA, Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan, Iran's deputy minister of roads and urban development put the value of the Iran Air-ATR at $400 million.

Fakhrieh Kashan also put the value of the contracts for the purchase of 200 aircraft from Airbus, Boeing and ATR less than $18 billion.

The landing of Iran's first purchased Airbus (A321) in the capital's international airport has paved the way for Iran Air to resume cooperation with the Airbus Company after 38 years.

On Jan 11, the A321 was delivered to Iran in Toulouse , France.

The aircraft was officially delivered to Iran Air by Airbus in a ceremony held for the purpose.