Iran Air and Airbus have signed a firm contract for 100 aircraft, building on an initial commitment signed in January 2016 in Paris. The agreement signed by Farhad Parvaresh, Iran Air Chairman and CEO, and Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO, on 22nd December covers 46 A320 Family (neo and ceo), 38 A330 Family (neo and ceo) and 16 A350 XWB aircraft. As expected, the final deal does not include any A380s. Deliveries will begin in early 2017.

Airbus notes that the agreement is subject to US government Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) export licences which were granted in September and November 2016. These licenses are required for products containing 10% or more US technology content. Airbus says it coordinated closely with regulators in the EU, US and elsewhere to ensure understanding and full compliance with the JCPOA. The company declares that it will continue to act in full compliance with the conditions of the OFAC licences.

The agreement follows the implementation of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action), its associated rules and guidance and included new commercial aircraft orders as well as a comprehensive civil aviation package. The package includes pilot and maintenance training, supporting the development of air navigation services (ATM), airport and aircraft operations and regulatory harmonization.

Earlier in December, Boeing and Iran Air announced an agreement for 80 aircraft — 50 737 MAX 8s, 15 777-300ERs and 15 777-9s — valued at $16.6bn at list prices.

In February, Iran Air also signed an agreement covering firm orders for 20 ATR 72-600 turboprops plus 20 options — a deal valued at €1bn. That deal is expected to be finalized soon.