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

New ‘Dolphin Park’ livery for Zagros Airlines A322

New "Dolphin Park" livery observed on Zagros Airlines Airbus A320-214, reg. EP-ZAT (cn 999)

[photo: Ata Tavanaei]

 

View of entire livery on EP-ZAT, as photographed 09OCT15 at Mashhad - Shahid Hashemi Nejad International (MHD / OIMM)

[photo: Ata Tavanaei]

Operator history for EP-ZAT, source: Planespotters.net (click to enlarge)

This aircraft's new livery reference of "Dolphin Park" is an interesting one. According to UntoldIran.com:

Dolphin Park or Dolphinarium located in Kish island is the first dolphin park in Iran.

The huge recreational and tourist complex with 100 hectares area is located in the southeast of the island. The complex includes green space with a variety of different species of plants, bird garden, and the first and the only Dolphinarium in Iran. In this complex, different species of marine mammals, including dolphins, northern sea lion, southern sea lion, northern sea cat, dolphin and penguin are kept and tourists can watch their master strokes of those trained by Iranian instructors. A total of 21 marine mammals are kept in pools with a volume of 18,000 cubic meters filled with sea water.

The green space of Dolphin Park has more than one hundred plant species including thousands of palm trees, very large Benjamins, Hornbeam (Lur) trees (banyan), Eucalyptus, Acacia, Myrtle, Prosopis cineraria, Marshmallow, Callistemon, Tecoma ,Conocarpus, Junipers and more than 25 species of cactus and other plants that is unique in its kind considering the climatic conditions of the island and its coral soil.

In the bird garden more than 50 species of various birds like pelicans, ostriches, parrots of Macau, peacocks, various types of stork, toucan, tauraco, swan and other types of aquatic animals like crocodile are kept from all around the world. Due to the proper environment these animals can breed and live naturally.

COMMENTARY: Zagros Airline, based at ABD with main hub at THR, lists two flights to Kish, weekly.

Dolphin performance with touchscreen at Dolphin Park on Kish Island

Dolphin ball trick performance at Dolphin Park on Kish Island

Dolphin ball trick performance at Dolphin Park on Kish Island (as referenced on Zagros Airlines EP-ZAT livery)

Spectator interaction with dolphins at Dolphin Park on Kish Island

Sea lion performance at Dolphin Park on Kish Island

Trained sea lion at Dolphin Park on Kish Island

Photos: UntoldIran.com

First Iran Hajj Stampede Dead Flown Home (2)

Iran media imagery of remains of Iranian victims of the 2015 Mina stampede, returned to Iran on 03OCT15:

Aircraft transporting victims to Tehran - Mehrabad International Airport (THR) is IRIG Boeing 707-3J9C, reg. EP-AJD / 1002 (cn 21124/910). This venerable VIP aircraft went through overhaul and four-engine replacement in 2013, with updated livery also applied.

What appears to be IRIAF aircrew of EP-AJD, veteran captains and first lieutenants, and an IRGC first lieutenant

Artesh presidential honor guard serve as pallbearers during solemn transport procession

Looking upon the transport procession, left to right:
- First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri Kouhshahi
- Speaker of Parliament Ali Ardashir Amoli Larijani
- President Hassan Rouhani
- Chief Justice Ayatollah Sadeq Ardeshir Amoli Larijani
- Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi-Golpayegani, Leader of Islamic Revolution chief of staff

In attendance: Basij Commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi

COMMENTARY: According to Wikipedia, on 24SEP15 an overcrowding situation caused the death of at least over 1,223 people who suffocated or were crushed to death during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Mecca. The incident happened at the intersection of streets 204 and 223 leading up to Jamaraat Bridge. The death toll is expected to rise since there are about 1,200 people still missing, and over 900 injured. Some of the injured were placed in induced comas. The official Saudi figures say that at least 769 were killed and 934 others injured due to the stampede, though other sources have estimated the death toll to be much higher. It was the deadliest accident to occur in the Hajj since the 1990 disaster that killed 1,426 people.

Of the victims of the 2015 Mina Stampede incident, more than 450 were Iranian.

On 29SEP15, it was reported King Salman of Saudi Arabia congratulated Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, on the “success of the Hajj.”

Rouhani flown to JFK for UNGA session in newly acquired A343

Above: President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif aboard newly acquired IRIG (Meraj Air) Airbus A340-313, reg. EP-AJA (cn 257) on 24SEP15, departing THR on RWY 29L, bound for JFK.  [photo: Mehrad Watson]

Livery painting complete, EP-AJA takes the Iranian delegation to New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly session.

Flight details below, click to enlarge [source: Flightradar24]:

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrives at New York - John F. Kennedy International (Idlewild) (JFK / KJFK)

President Rouhani transfers to vehicle transport with assistance rendered by United States diplomatic security detail

At the United Nations General Assembly on 25SEP15: President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and UN Representative Gholamali Khoshroo.

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, on 25SEP15 at the United Nations

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, on 25SEP15 at the United Nations.

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency

Newly acquired A343 to serve as Iran Government VIP aircraft

Newly acquired Meraj Airlines A340-313, reg. EP-AJA (cn 257) as photographed by "shahram16216" at Instagram on 18SEP15 at Tehran - Mehrabad International Airport (THR).

According to CH-Aviation:

Meraj Air (JI, Tehran Mehrabad) has taken delivery of its maiden A340-300, ex-AirBlue (PA, Karachi Int'l) machine EP-AJA (cn 257), that was originally reported as being destined for Asian Express Airline (Tajikistan) (KV, Dushanbe). Originally listed as heading for Singapore Changi, the quadjet was seen arriving at Tehran Mehrabad on Tuesday, September 15.

Reports out of Iran indicate the aircraft has already been reconfigured for VIP operations for the Iranian government and is sporting "Islamic Republic of Iran" titles.

COMMENTARY: First flight for this aircraft was Jan. 1999, making its age 16.9 years. Even so, this four-engine jetliner represents a more suitable VIP aircraft than far older Boeing 707-3J9C aircraft serving IRIG. It's also the first four-engine jetliner delivery to Iran since the signing of JCPOA. Successful implementation of the nuclear agreement accords Iran access to aviation purchases and deliveries previously barred by sanctions.

Meraj Airlines A340-313, reg. EP-AJA in partially applied IRIG livery; photographed by Mehrad Watson during 15SEP15 delivery flight to THR.

Operator history for EP-AJA (click table to enlarge):

Iran's F-4 Phantoms become operational, 47 years ago

Historical imagery from 18 September 1968 published by Islamic Republic News Agency, commemorating the operational ceremony at Mehrabad Airbase (TFB-1) for initial batch of McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II fighter-bombers delivered to the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF).

Three IIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II fighter-bombers at Tehran/Mehrabad TFB-1

IIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II, 14873 / 3-604

Aviation ground equipment beside IIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantoms

Foreground: IIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II, 14873 / 3-604

Flypast of newly operational IIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II aircraft at Mehrabad Airbase. Note in-flight, lowered landing gear.

Speaking at the ceremony: General Mohammad Amir Khatami, Chief of Staff for the Imperial Iranian Air Force

 

Background, left: IIAF General Mohammad Amir Khatami. Khatami was married to Princess Fatimeh Pahlavi . The general was killed in a kiting accident on 12 September 1975.

While serving as an officer of Imperial Iranian Air Force, a declassified  CIA report claims that Khatami accumulated a personal fortune of $442 million in today's money. Fortunes such as these amassed by family members and close associates of the shah factored into popular outrage, culminating in the 1979 revolution and subsequent establishment of the Islamic Republic.

Iranian F-4D aircraft as it appears today remaining in service with Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

[photo: Shahram Sharifi]

Austrian president in Tehran, eager for economic ties with Iran

Austrian President Heinz Fischer arrives at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on the afternoon of 07SEP15. Flight details provided below (source: Flightradar24):

Austrian President Fischer and his delegation flew to Tehran aboard chartered Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-214, reg. OE-LBO (cn 776).

This particular Airbus aircraft named "Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen" for the region in the Alps of southern Upper Austria.

A 240-member delegation accompanying President Fischer, seeking economic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran following the signing of JCPOA and the prospect of sanctions being rescinded.

Austrian President Heinz Fischer accompanied by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, for review of the Artesh honor guard.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, on 08SEP15 at the Sa'dabad Palace in Iran.

Speaking from Tehran, according to Reuters:

The West should involve Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the fight against Islamic State, Austria's foreign minister said on Tuesday, breaking with the view of most Western powers that say Assad is the source of the problem.

Sebastian Kurz's comments, during a state visit to Iran, reflect what some European diplomats have said privately for months, but they also expose a divide among Western countries on how to deal with Assad and the rise of hardline fighters four years into a war that has killed a quarter of a million and driven 11 million from their homes.

According to PressTV:

"We need a pragmatic common approach in this respect including the involvement of Assad in the fight against ISIL," said Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz on Tuesday during a state visit to Tehran.

"In my opinion the priority is the fight against terror. This will not be possible without powers such as Russia and Iran," noted Kurz.

Austrian Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, on 08SEP15 at the Sa'dabad Palace in Iran.

Austria's Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner is among the delegation in Tehran, engaged in talks for drafting the 2020 cooperation plan which covers areas such as energy, industries, transportation, science, and culture. [source: Trend]

According to Reuters:

Austrian companies signed a series of deals with Iranian partners on Tuesday, becoming the first Western firms to put down concrete stakes in the Islamic Republic since it reached a landmark nuclear deal with big powers in July.

Austrian businesses in industries including car parts, information technology and engineering sealed agreements worth 80 million euros ($89 million) at an economic forum in Tehran, Austrian Chamber of Commerce chief Christoph Leitl said.

[T]he partly state-owned Austrian energy group OMV was… making contacts as part of the delegation.

The WKO's Leitl said seven more Austrian trade missions to Iran were scheduled for the second half of the year.

 

Austrian Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner speaking before the Iranian Parliament, on 08SEP15 in Tehran. To Mitterlehner's left is Christoph Leitl, president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich - WKO).

Note the Iranian Parliament slogan for the event: "Advantage Austria, Iran: Unparalleled Potential".

Austrian President Heinz Fischer with Major General Gregor Keller, Military Adjutant of the Austrian President, on 08SEP15 at the Iranian Parliament building.

Austrian President Heinz Fischer with Sadeq Ardeshir Amoli Larijani, Chief Justice of Iran on 08SEP15 in Tehran

Austrian President Heinz Fischer with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, on 08SEP15 in Tehran.

It is rare for a Western head of state to be received by Khamenei.

According to PressTV:

During the meeting [with Khamenei], which was also attended by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, the Austrian president assessed as good his negotiations with Iranian officials.

Fischer said the two countries should hold more dialogue on the issues of mutual interest to finalize agreements.

The Austrian president added that he had held good talks with the Iranian president and expressed optimism about the prospect of mutual relations between Tehran and Vienna.

First Lady of Austria Margit Fischer among the delegation, seen here touring the Carpet Museum of Tehran

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency and Meghdad Madadi at Tasnim News Agency

Caspian Airlines commences flights with Boeing 737

Caspian Airlines Boeing 737-4H6, reg. EP-CAP (cn 26466/2372) photographed by Shahram Sharifi 31AUG15 at Tehran - Mehrabad International (THR / OIII).

This aircraft commences Caspian Airlines flights operating Boeing 737-4H6 type aircraft. Photographer states initial flight route: THR-MHD-THR.

See table below for past and present operators of aircraft:

On 15DEC14, CH Aviation reported Caspian Airlines (IV, Tehran Mehrabad) had added its first B737-400s to its fleet of two B747 Classic freighters, one MD-82, and four MD-83s. According to the ch-aviation aircraft database, the Iranian carrier recently took delivery of three ex-Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur Int'l) aircraft - T7-AWA (msn 26467), T7-AWB (msn 26466), and T7-AWC (msn 26451) - sourced via a Romanian intermediary.

See table below for roster and status, prior to 31AUG15 flight by EP-CAP:

Caspian Airlines (Persian: هواپیمایی کاسپین‎) is an airline headquartered in Tehran. Established in 1993, it operates services between Tehran and other major cities in Iran and international flights to Armenia, Syria, Turkey, UAE and Ukraine. Its main base is Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran. [source: Wikipedia]

Credits:
General information and Operators tables: Airfleets Aviation
Roster and status table: CH Aviation