Russia in talks to manufacture Sukhoi passenger planes in Iran
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Russia is in talks with Iran to produce the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100), as Moscow negotiates to sell some 100 jets to an Iranian airliner over the next five years, Iran’s official Press TV reported Thursday.
"Last night, one of the largest Iranian airlines held negotiations with UAC (United Aircraft Corporation) on the possible delivery of ready planes within five years,” the TV’s website quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin as saying.
“Different digits have been mentioned and I can mention them too -- approximately 100 planes," he said.
The Russian official, who described the planes as the country’s most modern commercial jets, said the deal might be implemented – if negotiations succeed -- by the end of 2020.
He also added that partial production could take place in Iran if Tehran agreed to buy the aircraft.
Iranian Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi has said his country is ready to spend about $20 billion for some 400 aircraft over the coming decade.
For decades, since the 1979 Iranian revolution soured Tehran’s relations with the United States and the West, sanctions have barred Iran from buying Western-built airliners, despite tremendously rising demand for air travel from a young and growing population.
Washington has agreed to lift sanctions on Iran, following a nuclear deal that Tehran signed in July with the United States and five other countries, which is expected to result in huge growth in its aviation industry.
Airlines in Iran have been operating for decades on an ageing fleet of Boeing and Airbus airliners, plus some Russian planes bought or leased since the revolution.
"Last night, one of the largest Iranian airlines held negotiations with UAC (United Aircraft Corporation) on the possible delivery of ready planes within five years,” the TV’s website quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin as saying.
“Different digits have been mentioned and I can mention them too -- approximately 100 planes," he said.
The Russian official, who described the planes as the country’s most modern commercial jets, said the deal might be implemented – if negotiations succeed -- by the end of 2020.
He also added that partial production could take place in Iran if Tehran agreed to buy the aircraft.
Iranian Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi has said his country is ready to spend about $20 billion for some 400 aircraft over the coming decade.
For decades, since the 1979 Iranian revolution soured Tehran’s relations with the United States and the West, sanctions have barred Iran from buying Western-built airliners, despite tremendously rising demand for air travel from a young and growing population.
Washington has agreed to lift sanctions on Iran, following a nuclear deal that Tehran signed in July with the United States and five other countries, which is expected to result in huge growth in its aviation industry.
Airlines in Iran have been operating for decades on an ageing fleet of Boeing and Airbus airliners, plus some Russian planes bought or leased since the revolution.