Airplane maker ATR signs $536M, 20-aircraft deal with Iran
TEHRAN, Iran — European airplane manufacturer ATR said Thursday it sealed a $536-million sale with Iran Air for at least 20 aircraft, the latest aviation firm to strike a deal following Iran’s nuclear accord with world powers.
ATR spokesman David Vargas confirmed the finalized deal for the 20 ATR 72-600s, a twin-propeller aircraft, and said Iran Air had an option to purchase another 20.
“They will definitely help Iran Air to modernize and develop regional connectivity across the country,” Vargas told The Associated Press.
Home to 80 million people, Iran represents one of the last untapped aviation markets in the world. However, Western analysts are skeptical that there is demand for so many jets or available financing for deals worth billions of dollars.