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Iran Air has revealed plans to bring seven stored aircraft back into service thanks to the country's new-found domestic maintenance capabilities. The airline hopes to have the aircraft in the skies once more within six months.

Iran Air's CEO, Shamseddin Farzadipour, was quoted by the ILNA news agency as saying, "Our priority is domestic repair, and seven planes will become airworthy in the next six months," before adding that the aircraft would likely be used on busy routes to Iraq, catering for the large market of Iranian pilgrims visiting holy sites in the neighboring country.

As a result of sanctions that make carrying out repair work and sourcing spare parts more challenging, Iran Air has struggled to maintain its fleet of primarily Airbus aircraft. Thanks to a greater focus on domestic maintenance services over recent months, the airline now hopes to be in a position to return seven of its preciously-grounded aircraft to the skies.

Photo: Rebius | Shutterstock

The airline did not state exactly which aircraft would be returning to service, however, data from ch-aviation shows that nearly two-thirds of Iran Air's passenger fleet is currently grounded, including:

Iran Air's active fleet of 11 passenger aircraft is left to operate the airline's route network across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. At the end of July, the carrier will increase the frequency of its longest route, Tehran (IKA) to London Heathrow (LHR), from three to four per week. Iran Air's other intercontinental destinations include Milan (MXP), Paris (CDG), and Hamburg (HAM).

Photo:Mehdi Photos | Shutterstock

Recognizing the need for investment in its aviation infrastructure, the Iranian Government has put aside funds to support the country's airlines in their efforts to get their aircraft back in the skies. A number of other Iranian carriers have reportedly already managed to return aircraft to service in this way, with Qeshm Air and Aseman Airlines bringing back an Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, respectively, in February this year.

In addition, the program has been expanded to offer maintenance and repair services to foreign airlines also struggling with sanctions. Unconfirmed reports last year suggested that a number of Russian aircraft had already been in Iran for maintenance work.

As well as bringing back older aircraft, Iran Air also intends to modernize its aging fleet - something that is much needed, given the average age of the carrier's fleet currently stands at 25.7 years old.

Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis | Shutterstock

Iran Air has a number of outstanding orders with Airbus, including 32 A320neos, 28 A330neos, and 16 A350s. The orders date back to 2016, but only a handful of aircraft were delivered before the US imposed sanctions on Iran in 2018.

What do you think of Iran Air's plans to bring seven of its stored aircraft back into service? Have you flown on the airline? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

Source: ch-aviation.com, Tasnim News Agency

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Iran Air Looks To Unground 7 Aircraft - Simple Flying