Aircraft
Eager Airliner Makers Set To Vie for Iranian Business
Lifting of sanctions could open a market for $20 billion worth of airliners
A Sukhoi Superjet 100 participates in a flying display at August's MAKS air show in Moscow. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
A Sukhoi Superjet 100 participates in a flying display at August's MAKS air show in Moscow. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

The possibility of an end to international sanctions against Iran has piqued the interest of aircraft manufacturers from around the world with the promise of a lucrative new market for airliners. But an apparent division between Iran’s ruling elite and air transport industry along with mixed signals from Iranian government officials over sourcing has led to ambiguity over which airframers stand in a position benefit. To fully modernize its fleets, Iran would have to spend some $20 billion on about 400 passenger airplanes, about 100 of which it needs immediately, according to the officials.