Iran refurbishes Boeing 747 as it prepares for end of arms embargo
According to the report, the plane will fly to the UAE and then back to Iran but it is not clear what will be the plane’s overall future.
By SETH J. FRANTZMANAN IRAN AIR Boeing 747(photo credit: REUTERS)
Iran has refurbished a Boeing 747 in a complete overhaul using local engineers, Tehran-based Mehr News Agency reported. This is part of its overall indigenous attempts to become self-sufficient.The plane will fly to the UAE and then back to Payam Karaj in Iran, according to the report, but it is not clear what its overall future is. It comes as Tehran is preparing for the end of an arms embargo and seeks to circumvent US sanctions.The origins of this particular aircraft being in Iran are relatively recent, in contrast to Iran’s fleet of other 747s. It is a 747-200 variant. According to reports, Iran has operated some 28 of this and other 747 variants over the years, an aging fleet that dates back to the 1970s.Aircraft enthusiasts consider the aging fleet to be unique and exotic with rare 747 versions. Many countries have retired these planes. Overall, Iranian carriers operate up to 156 aircraft, some of which are under sanctions by the US. For instance, Western intelligence sources have been suspicious of flights by the Fars Air Qeshm Boeing 747 between Tehran and Damascus in the past.According to the report of the 747-200’s refurbishing, the engineers said it was the first time in six years they had completed these repairs. It is also part of Iran’s “only-cargo fleet.” Tehran says the aircraft has aided in bringing goods during floods and to help with the COVID-19 outbreak. It has also imported sheep after an earthquake in Kermanshah.This particular aircraft entered Iranian service in 2008. Iranian officials said this was one of the “most important aircraft repairs in the Islamic Republic.” The report indicated that Iran Air – called “Homa,” which was involved in refurbishing the airline – was under US sanctions, “but nevertheless, with the efforts of Iranian engineers, we have been able to carry out all repairs.”
