U.S.-sanctioned Mahan Air jetliners operate regular flights to Europe

Amateur imagery has been posted from Athens International Airport (see below), depicting Mahan Air Airbus A340-642 aircraft registrations EP-MMH and EP-MMR operating regularly scheduled Flight W558 (IKA to ATH), and Flight W559 (ATH to IKA).

U.S. Treasury department on 21MAY15 stated  Mahan Air had a "blockable interest" in the planes, meaning they could be subject to an asset freeze, raising the possibility that Washington may attempt to have them seized at airports outside Iran.

Iran is currently flying regular routes with these sanctioned aircraft, to destinations Dubai, Ankara and Athens. Iran's aviation authority stated on 08JUN15 the country would take legal action if Washington tries to stop newly acquired Iranian passenger planes flying international routes.

Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMH (cn 391), Flight W559 ATH to IKA

Photographed 21JUN15 by Alex Filippopoulos

Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMH at Athens International Airport

Photographed 21JUN15 by Alex Filippopoulos

 

Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMH at Athens International Airport

Photographed 21JUN15 by Alex Filippopoulos

Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMR (cn 416), Flight W558 IKA to ATH

Photographed 23JUN15 by Alex Filippopoulos

Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMR at Athens International Airport

Photographed 23JUN15 by Alex Filippopoulos

Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMR at Athens International Airport

Photographed 23JUN15 by Alex Filippopoulos

Flights W558 and W559 info for Mahan Air Airbus A340-642 registration EP-MMH (click to enlarge):
[source: Flightradar24]

Flights W558 and W559 info for Mahan Air Airbus A340-642 registration EP-MMR (click to enlarge):
[source: Flightradar24]

Two Mahan Air A346 planes now flying international routes, defying U.S. sanctions

Two Mahan Air aircraft obtained 08MAY15 with Iraqi assistance are now flying international routes, in defiance of U.S. sanctions related to the airline's past IRGC-related logistical activities in support of Syrian Arab Republic, Lebanese Hezbollah, MODAFL and ICAO. The two aircraft are:

- Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMH (cn 391)

- Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMR (cn 416)

International flights for these U.S.-sanctioned aircraft now include the following destinations:

- Athens International Airport (ATH / LGAV), since 19JUN15

- Ankara - Esenboğa International Airport (ESB / LTAC), since 07JUN15

- Dubai International Airport (DXB / OMDB), since 03JUN15

Above: Mahan Air Airbus A340-642, reg. EP-MMH (cn 391) at Athens International Airport

Mahan Air Flight W558 photographed 19JUN15 by Antoni Sanagno

Table of recent flights for Mahan Air EP-MMH (cn 391)  [source: Flightradar24]

Table of recent flights for Mahan Air EP-MMR (cn 416)  [source: Flightradar24]

Also of interest, Mahan Air on 17JUN15 inaugurated flights to Milan – Malpensa Airport (MXP / LIMC). Inaugural flight undertaken by Airbus A343 aircraft reg. EP-MMB, obtained by Mahan Air on 23DEC12.

Mahan Air Airbus A340-311, reg. EP-MMB (cn 7335A2) undergoing water salute ceremony at Malpensa Airport

Mahan Air Flight W5110 photographed 17JUN15 by MXphotos