TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Head of Iran�s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) Ali Abedzadeh on Monday said the country needs to purchase 160 planes to renovate its fleet of passenger aircraft.





�Iran needs 160 aircraft with a capacity of 100 seats and leasing companies can cooperate with banks in our country to meet Iran�s needs in the area of air transport,� Abedzadeh said, addressing a conference on development of aviation industry in Tehran.

He further pointed to the recent cooperation agreements between CAO and major international companies, saying that Iran seeks to develop its aviation industry infrastructures.

Earlier this month, Iran�s national airline, Iran Air, finalized a contract with ATR aircraft manufacturer to purchase 20 turboprops.

The planes can accommodate 70 passengers and will be flown in short routes, according to Managing Director of Iran Air Farhad Parvaresh.

The deal followed a contract between Iran and Airbus on a major order, which includes dozens of Airbus�s biggest-selling jets.

Iran has agreed to buy 118 Airbus jets, including 45 A320 single-aisle aircraft, 45 A330 wide-bodies, 16 A350 twin-aisle aircraft, and 12 A380�s.

By Tasnim News Agency