Mahan Air Boeing 747 sustains air emergency, all passengers safe

Above: Damaged No. 3 engine of Mahan Air Boeing 747, upon safe return to Mehrabad International Airport

According to Sky News:

An Iranian plane has made an emergency landing after part of its engine fell apart two minutes after take-off.

The Boeing 747, which had 426 passengers on board, had just departed from Tehran's Mehrabad airport when "a piece of engine number three came off and hit the body of the plane".

Iranian journalists have claimed the engine part fell into an urban area, but no one on the ground is thought to have been injured.

Pilots of the Mahan Air plane decided to immediately return to the airport, and landed it safely just after 7.15am local time on Thursday morning.

According to the private airline, the aircraft had undergone all necessary safety checks and inspections prior to departure.

Affected passengers were being taken to their destination, the southern city of Bandar Abbas, on a different plane.

COMMENTARY: Aircraft was Mahan Air Boeing 747-383, reg. EP-MNE (cn 23480/641). Aircraft air emergency occurred during initial climb, returned to THR after lost part to No.3 engine. The rear, low pressure turbine, section of General Electric CF6-50E2 engine broke away and fell to the ground in the Eslamshahr country area of Tehran Province.

Fortunately there were no casualties aboard the aircraft or on the ground.

It's possible this air emergency was the result of sanctions, with passenger carrier not provided relevant service bulletin and access to replacement parts.

In May 2010, four uncontained failures of CF6-45/50 engines in the preceding two years prompted the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board to issue an "urgent" recommendation to increase inspections of the engines on U.S. aircraft. None of the four incidents of rotor disk imbalance and subsequent failure resulted in an accident, but parts of the engine did penetrate the engine housing in each case. [source: Wikipedia]

Detail of affected General Electric CF6-50E2 engine

At a field in the Eslamshahr country area of Tehran Province, a  NAJA first sergeant looks over fallen section of General Electric CF6-50E2 engine.

Iranian firemen beside collected engine parts debris from stricken Mahan Air Boeing 747-383 aircraft

Photos: Sky News

Boeing reps to visit Iran: Minister Akhondi

Pair of Mahan Air Boeing 747s parked at Fars Co. MRO facility on 03JUL15 at Mehrabad International Airport

[Photo: M. Khodaei]

According to Tasnim News Agency:

Iran's Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhondi announced that representatives of Boeing aircraft manufacturing company will come to Iran in the near future.

"We are in contact with Boeing and their representatives will soon arrive in Iran," Akhondi said in his talks with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius last Wednesday, the content of which was disclosed on Monday.

He also said that during his recent trip to France, he has negotiated with Airbus, whose airplanes currently account for 50 percent of Iran's air fleet, and demanded its executive manager to provide a plan for the renovation of the country's commercial air fleet.

[…]

Earlier on Saturday, Mohammad Khodakarami, deputy head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) told the Tasnim News Agency that the country plans to purchase 80 to 90 Boeing and Airbus airplanes every year to renovate its commercial air fleet.

He added that the text of the final nuclear deal recently reached between Iran and six world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), explicitly states that bans on Iran over the purchase of airplanes have been lifted.

"We need to add 80 to 90 airplanes (to the fleet) each year in order to have 300 young and active airliners by the next five years," Khodakarami noted.

COMMENTARY: The Iranians appear already to be leveraging Airbus and Boeing against one another for the better deal in obtaining new civilian jetliner aircraft.

Similarly, Minister Akhondi commented on projected purchases for its railroad infrastructure, claiming "100 locomotives have been purchased from France’s Alstom" and "at the same time the ministry has started its negotiations with Germany’s Siemens Company for the renovation of the country’s railroad system".

Sepehran Airways' recently acquired Boeing 737

New Iranian startup Sepehran Airways Boeing 737-5L9 as photographed by MohammadReza Izadi  on 15MAY15, at the airline's base of operations Shiraz -Shahid Dastghaib International (SYZ / OISS).

Aircraft registration PK-TXG (cn 25066/2038) delivered to Sepehran Airways on 18APR15. Previous operator: Indonesia's Xpressair.

First flight was on 25APR91, making this aircraft 24 years old.

Prime Minister Abadi's trip to Washington DC aboard Boeing 777

Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi departs Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA / KDCA) at approx. 02:35 on 17APR15. Destination: Baghdad International Airport (BGW / ORBI)

Aircraft is Iraqi Airways Boeing 777-29M/LR, reg. YI-AQZ (cn 40993/1006). Aircraft is three years old, with original delivery taking place on 14DEC12.

New livery for Iran Government Boeing 737 VIP aircraft

Thirty-eight years of EP-AGA service with Iran government 

Islamic Republic of Iran Boeing 737-286/Adv VIP aircraft, reg. EP-AGA (cn 21317/483) appearing  as it does now in new, updated livery with D check nearly complete. [click HERE]

Aircraft photographed by Shahram Sharifi in March 2015 at Tehran - Mehrabad International (THR / OIII).

EP-AGA first flight on 25FEB77, being delivered to Imperial State of Iran on 10MAR77.

EP-AGA as it appeared prepared for paintwork on 03SEP14.

[photo: Mehrad Watson]

EP-AGA as it appeared with painwork removed during D check in June 2014

[photo: Shahram Sharifi]

EP-AGA as it appeared in previous livery, at official visit to Moscow, Russian Federation on 02JUL13

[photo: Oleg Revin]

EP-AGA front cabin, aft-facing interior as it appeared on 13FEB12

[photo: A. Mahgoli]

EP-AGA front cabin, forward-facing interior as it appeared on 23AUG10

[photo: A. Mahgoli] 

EP-AGA with initial livery and Islamic Republic markings, on official visit to Czech Republic in 1993

[photo: Petr Popelář]

EP-AGA as it originally appeared on a 1978 postcard, in Persepolis markings with Imperial flag on vertical stabilizer.

New livery for Iran Aseman Boeing 727 airliner

Above: Iran Aseman Airlines Boeing 727-228/Adv, reg. EP-ASD (cn 22085/1665)

This aircraft photographed by S.M.J.Tabib on 03MAR15 at Tehran - Mehrabad International (THR / OIII), displaying updated Iran Aseman Airlines livery.

Aircraft originally constructed in 1980 and operated by Air France, reg. F-GCDE.

Iran Aseman Airlines currently operates four Boeing 727-200 series passenger jets.

Another aviation observer has pointed out this aircraft's Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines are not fitted with hush kits; likely unavailable to Iranian carriers due to sanctions.

Boeing sales figures to Iran, third quarter 2014

Above: Iran Air Boeing 747-286BM undergoing D Check in 2010 without manufacturer support

According to Reuters:

Boeing said on Wednesday it had sold aircraft-related goods to Iran Air in the third quarter, marking the first acknowledged dealings between U.S. aerospace companies and Iran since 1979.

The Chicago-based aerospace and defense company said in a filing that it sold aircraft manuals, drawings, navigation charts and data to Iran Air to help improve the safety of Iran's civil aviation industry.

The sales did not include spare parts for aircraft, which were thought to be likely since Iran Air's fleet of planes includes vintage Boeing and Airbus jetliners delivered as long ago as 1978.

Boeing and General Electric (GE.N) said in April that they had received export licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control allowing them to sell parts for commercial aircraft to Iran under a temporary sanctions relief deal that began in January.

Boeing said it may sell parts in the future but declined further comment. The sales generated about $120,000 in revenue and about $12,000 in net profit in the quarter, miniscule amounts for a company that reported $23.7 billion in sales in the latest quarter.

COMMENTARY: It is amazing Iranian carriers have for decades managed maintenance and overhaul operations without manufacturer support. Few nations are capable of such pluck and improvisation.

Specified technical and navigation materials will certainly be helpful.

This writer would be interested to know the number of cycles these vintage aircraft have seen.

One can't but wonder about the diplomatic undertones of providing these materials to Iran, as a means of indicating potential future rewards for forgoing their indigenous, industrial-scale nuclear power program, as well as accept subordination within the American-led regional security order. This writer would wager some of those maintenance crew members at Mehrabad may be wishing for just such an outcome.

Likewise Boeing (and Airbus) executives would also be delighted given the opportunity of selling new commercial aircraft to Iran, were relations to improve to the point where this is possible. This would represent potential American job growth in the high tech manufacturing sector, as well.

General Electric CF6-50C2 on Iran Air Airbus A300B2-203, undergoing maintenance in 2008 without manufacturer support

File photos: Majid Khodaei 

Iraqi prime minister’s newish B737 in Tehran

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi arrives 20OCT14 at Mehrabad International Airport (THR) aboard Iraqi Airways Boeing 737-81Z(WL), reg. YI-ASF (cn 40105/4719).

Seen in background, YI-ASF is a recent build having been delivered by Boeing to Iraqi Airways on 17DEC13. Aircraft utilizes a VIP configuration of 75 seats.

Aircraft used by the previous prime minister: Iraqi Government Airbus A300B4-203, reg. YI-APX (cn 239). This ex-Mahan Air jet was provided as a gift from Iran to the Iraqi Government on 21JUL07.

Interestingly enough, Iraqi 8th-Day News on 13OCT14 cite unnamed sources close to the current prime minister's office in alleging that former Prime Minister Maliki (now a vice president) is refusing to transfer this aircraft over to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Sources go on to state the aircraft remains at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) "with a crew dedicated to the leadership of the Iranian plane."

The 8th-Day News report remains unverified. However, YI-APX is identified by ch-aviation as currently being stored at BGW.

Photos: Petr Volek, Islamic Republic News Agency and Mohammad Ali Marizad at Tasnim News Agency

Boeing Reaches Agreement with Iran on Parts, Services

Boeing announced today that it has reached a deal with Iran’s state carrier Iran Air to supply airplane parts, manuals, drawings, service bulletins, navigation charts and data. Boeing has also opened discussions with Iran Air Tour, a subsidiary of Iran Air, for similar goods and services. (Reuters, 24 July)

The agreement marks the first dealings between U.S. aerospace giant and Iran since the 1979 hostage taking by the Iranians led to the original sanctions against Iran. Iran Air’s fleet still includes vintage Boeing jetliners delivered before 1979.

The sanctions relief by the U.S. that allowed Boeing’s deal was part of the interim nuclear agreement, JPOA, that was signed last year and is now extended until November.

File photo: The Boeing logo is seen at their headquarters in Chicago (JIM YOUNG/ REUTERS/Chicago Tribune, 24 July, 2014)

Rouhani trip to Ankara aboard IRIG Airbus A321

IRI President Rouhani departs Tehran aboard IRIG aircraft bound for Ankara, bringing with him a delegation of ministers to visit President Abdullah Gül, his Turkish counterpart. They discussed bilateral, regional and international developments. [Source: Mehr News Agency]

                                                   Aircraft: Airbus A321-231
                                                   Operator: Islamic Republic of Iran Government
                                                   Reg: EP-AGB (cn 1202)
                                                   Location: Tehran - Mehrabad International (THR / OIII)
                                                   Date: 9 June 2014
                                                   Photographer: Mahmood Hosseini
                                                   Notes: Aircraft visible in background, right

Visible in background, right: Islamic Republic of Iran Government Boeing 707-386C, registration EP-AJE / 1001 (cn 21396/928).

Iran may buy up to 400 airliners in next decade if sanctions lifted

The head of Iran's Civilian Aviation Organization, Reza Jahangirian, has recently stated that, "Iranian airlines will be ready to buy 40 passenger planes every year for 10 years if sanctions are lifted." (Reuters, May 1 2014)

Jahangirian also said that out of Iran's present fleet of 250 commercial planes about 150 are flying whilst the rest are "not functional" owing to their ages and the ban on the import of spare parts Iran as part of the broader economic sanctions imposed on the country.

He also said that, "We have got very positive signals from Western companies, including Boeing Co. and General Electric Co. (GE) about getting new spare parts for our planes."

Amongst the few restrictions which have been lifted, as part of the temporary interim nuclear deal made last November, are the strict restrictions which prevent Iran from buying spare parts needed to maintain its commercial air fleet.


GE has already gotten approval from the U.S. Treasury to service 18 engines whcih were sold to Iran back in the late 1970's before the revolution.

Jahangirian also said that Iran has undergone "technical" steps in the preparation of the resumption of direct flights from the United States to Iran. (AP, April 30 2014)

Boeing to Sell Aircraft Parts to Iran; GE to Overhaul Engines for Iran Air

The U.S. Treasury Department today issued a license for Boeing to sell aircraft parts to Iran. Meanwhile, General Electric announced today that it too has received license to overhaul 18 engines sold to Iran Air in late 1970s.

The licenses were issued under the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) signed in Geneva last November between Iran and the world powers.

The Boeing license allows the giant aerospace company to provide “spare parts that are for safety purposes.” Boeing will still not be allowed to sell new planes to Iran. (AFP, 4 April)

Meanwhile, GE spokesman Rick Kennedy said the Treasury’s approval will allow the company to service 18 engines at facilities owned by GE or Germany's MTU Aero Engines, which is licensed to do the work. GE officials will meet with Iran Air and MTU in Istanbul next week to discuss the project. (Reuters, 4 April)

File photo: An Iran Air Boeing 747 (Getty)

Boeing, GE Move to Sell Aircraft Parts to Iran

Reuters reported today that American aerospace giant Boeing and engine maker GE have applied for export licenses to Iran to sell airliner parts during the six month window allowed under the Joint Plant of Action (JPOA) agreement signed in November by Iran and world powers. The sales, if they go through, would be the first for the two leading manufacturers since 1979.

A GE spokesman told Reuters that the company’s request to provide Iran with parts and maintenance for engines is for safety reasons only.

“We don't want to make a penny on it. It's entirely for flight safety," said Rick Kenned, the GE spokesman, adding that GE would donate any proceeds to charity. (Reuters, 21 February)

A senior Iranian official told Reuters in November that Iran could require between 250 and 400 jets if and when sanctions are lifted completely.

Iran says the sanctions have prevented it from renewing its fleet, forcing it to use sub-standard Russian aircraft and to patch up jets that have long since exceeded their normal years of service.

File Photo: Boeing logo is seen at their headquarters in Chicago, April 2013. (Jim Young/Reuters)

UAE, Qatar Airlines Order 526 New Passenger Planes

Dubai - The Dubai Airshow is under way this week and the announcements by Gulf airlines are wild. Following is the list of new airplanes that were put on order today by UAE and Qatari airlines:

Emirates: 150 Boeing 777Xs and 50 Airbus A380s, with the staggering price tag of $100 billion for Emirates alone!

Qatar and Etihad: 109 Boeing 777Xs, 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 87 Airbus A380s.

Flydubai: 100 Boeing 737MAX

This is 526 newest aircraft ordered in one day by the four airlines in the UAE and Qatar!

Photo credit: Boeing Chairman James McNerney at a news conference at Dubai Airshow to officially launch the new 777X, in front of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. (Reuters)

Iran Air Crash - UPDATE

An Iran Air Boeing 727 crashed minutes prior to landing at Orumiyeh airport in northwestern Iran. 70 passengers were killed in the crash with 32 hospitalized. The flight, Iran Air 227, had taken off from Tehran earlier today. This is the fourth crash of a commercial aircraft in the country in the past 18 months.

Photos: Mehr News Agency

UPDATE: Fars News Agency reports that 73 passengers have lost their lives and many are in critical conditions [Fars, 10 January]. Uskowi on Iran extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy and to the Iran Air family.

UPDATE: The Boeing 727 that crashed in Orumiyeh on Sunday was involved in another mishap ten years ago. Then the plane nose-landed at Shiraz airport when its front landing gear could not open. This aircraft was first put in service by Iran Air in 1974 and has been banned to enter European airspace along with other older planes due to safety concerns.