Boeing Delegation May Visit Iran Soon

Iranian media is reporting that Boeing has been given permission by the U.S. government to talk directly with Iranian airlines.

The semi-official FARS news agency quoted Ali Abedzadeh, head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization as saying that "Boeing intends to launch its talks with Iranian companies with permission from the U.S. government," according to USA Today. He added that the planemaker has already provided one Iranian airline with some information to upgrade flight safety.

The official Iranian news agency IRNA said in a report last Friday that Boeing officials are planning a visit to Iran to look at "possible cooperation" with several airlines, including national carrier Iran Air. But Boeing officials have stressed that the trip is not intended to be a sales call.

However, Abedzadeh said last month that Iran will likely purchase some Boeing airliners in the future, following the lifting of trace sanctions in connection with last year's nuclear deal. Iran Air has already inked agreements to purchase 118 airplanes from Airbus, and 20 from ATR, according to the report.

FMI: www.boeing.com