TEHRAN (Tasnim) Head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) said plans in the civil aviation industry should aim for a fourfold increase in the number of air passengers, given the countrys potential.
While Iranian airlines currently offer service to around 26 million passengers every year, that number should hit 100 million, Ali Abedzadeh told Tasnim.
He said Iran does have the potential for that growth in the number of air passengers, noting that tapping into the potential will generate revenue that would account for a considerable share of the national budget.
Abedi then highlighted the perfect opportunities available in neighboring Afghanistan or in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, stressing that Iran has both money and power to seize those opportunities.
Afghanistan needs Iran. We should be able to carry all Afghan passengers around the world We want to provide air transportation in the region; these capacities are available in the region, and we must revive them, he added.
The comments came after President Hassan Rouhani unveiled plans in February for turning the country into a big power in the civil aviation industry in light of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a final nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
Homa (Irans national airline) and the aviation fleet should turn into a big power in the field of transportation of passengers and cargo, and it will come true soon, the president said in a ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary of foundation of Iran Air.
Iran is not only the shortest route which connects the West to the East and can be the best air traffic hub for travels between them, but also is the best way for disseminating culture and politics, he added.
After taking effect on January 16, the JCPOA, the nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany), terminated all nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran.
During President Rouhanis trip to France later in January, Iran and Airbus clinched a deal on a major order, which includes dozens of Airbuss biggest-selling jets.
Iran has agreed to buy 118 Airbus jets, including 45 A320 single-aisle aircraft, 45 A330 wide-bodies, 16 A350 twin-aisle aircraft, and 12 A380s.
Iran Air later finalized another contract with ATR aircraft manufacturer to purchase 20 turboprops.
By Tasnim News Agency
