Iran to buy 118 Airbus aircraft

Iran has signed an agreement with Airbus to buy 118 Airbus aircraft, Airbus said on Thursday.

The agreement was signed at the Elysee Palace during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's official visit to France.

"Iran Air has signed an agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of the full range of new Airbus airliners (73 widebodies and 45 single aisle)," Airbus said.

The agreement also included pilot and maintenance training and support services to help the entry into service and efficient operations of these new aircraft.

According to Airbus, the 118 new aircraft include 21 A320ceo family, 24 A320neo family, 27 A330ceo family, 18 A330neo (-900), 16 A350-1000 and 12 A380.

Moreover, Iran and Airbus also signed a comprehensive civil aviation co-operation agreement to support Iran's "development of air navigation services (ATM), airport and aircraft operations, regulatory harmonization, technical and academic training, maintenance, repair and industrial cooperation," Airbus said.

The average age of Iran's aviation fleet stands at 22 years, and Iran needs to purchase new planes, according to Iranian officials earlier.