According to CAPA research, the size of Iran's economy, on a PPP basis, sits somewhere between that of Turkey and Australia whose commercial airline fleets range between 500-600 aircraft.
TEHRAN – The CAPA Iran Aviation Summit – the first international business event in Iran in any sector of the economy since the lifting of international sanctions – was held in Tehran 24 and 25 January, with 400 delegates and media in attendance. The Summit was inaugurated by the Minister of Roads & Urban Development, Dr. Abbas Akhoundi, Government of Iran.
The summit brought together senior Iranian government and aviation officials and international guests from leading aviation and travel organisations to explore the prospects for market development in the post-sanctions environment in Iran.
Peter Harbison, CAPA’s Executive Chairman, said, “The aviation market potential in Iran is immense due to the pent-up demand after decades of sanctions. We are delighted to have been part of this landmark international event and wish to thank Iran Airports Company and the Iran Civil Aviation Organization for their invaluable support”.
According to CAPA research, the size of Iran’s economy, on a PPP basis, sits somewhere between that of Turkey and Australia whose commercial airline fleets range between 500-600 aircraft. In sharp contrast, Iran’s airline industry is understood to have an operational commercial fleet of just 135 aircraft, with one of the highest average ages in the world. A further 80 aircraft are grounded due to the impact of sanctions on the ability to maintain their airworthiness.
In theory the economic fundamentals in Iran should support the ability to absorb 300 aircraft over the next five years, but it is another question as to whether that is feasible in practice will depend on Iran’s vision and ability to achieve it. Such a rate of growth would place immense pressure on airport and airspace infrastructure as well as management and technical skills, even in mature markets.
“Rapid growth will not come without challenges”, said Mr Harbison. “This is especially the case as Iran’s aviation eco-system will need to adapt to a generational leap forward in aircraft technology and develop aviation skills and competencies. The opportunities for the people of Iran, its aviation sector and for global suppliers however are very exciting”, he concluded.
CAPA Iran Aviation Summit Attendees by country (%)
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