Iran Press/ Iran news: The Iranian flag carrier has 13 of the Franco-Italian ATR 72-600s in its fleet. The ATR development occurred earlier this year but received little or no media coverage.
“In April 2019, ATR was granted a license for the support of the Iran Air fleet (13 aircraft) from the OFAC,” an ATR spokesman told ATW Website on Aug. 13.
“This license authorizes ATR, in compliance with its terms, to export parts, components and tools, update software and provide the technology necessary to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. The license expires on 30 April 2021.”
Iranian Ministry of Road and Urban Development in February 2016 signed a contract to buy 20 ATR airplanes from the Italian-French company in post-Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action era.
The company delivered only 13 planes and the remaining seven planes encountered new US sanctions against Iran and were not delivered.
On 18 February 2018, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 3704, an ATR 72-212, crashed into Mount Dena in the Zagros Mountains near Noqol village in Semirom county, Isfahan Province. All 6 crew and 60 passengers on board were killed.
The aircraft involved was an ATR 72-212 with MSN 391. It was registered EP-ATS and was delivered to Iran Aseman Airlines in 1993. No serious incidents were recorded during the 24 years of the aircraft's service in the airline. 101/211/205
