The key facts

  • According to the head of Iran Air, 20–30 aircraft were destroyed in the war with the US and Israel, with 70–80 aircraft attacked.
  • Iran needs about 1,000 passenger aircraft, has around 300, of which 130–140 were operational before the war.
  • Abdolhai opposes privatization of the national carrier and cites difficulties with spare parts, finances and personnel due to sanctions.

Fleet losses in the war

Between 20 and 30 aircraft were destroyed during Iran's war with the US and Israel, said Taher Abdolhai, head of the state airline Iran Air (HOMA), at a press conference on Monday, the semi-official Tasnim agency reports. According to him, a total of 70 to 80 aircraft were attacked during the conflict.

Assessment of the fleet's condition

Abdolhai noted that Iran needs approximately 1,000 passenger aircraft, but currently has only about 300. Before the war, 130–140 aircraft were operational. He claimed that Israeli strikes dealt Iran Air particularly serious damage: while aircraft of other operators were hit by single missiles, one of his airline's aircraft was completely destroyed.

Impact of sanctions and management's position

The airline's head said that international sanctions and restrictions have gradually weakened Iran Air's operations, shrinking the operational fleet and limiting access to profitable routes. Among the main problems he cited difficulties in obtaining spare parts, financial restrictions and a personnel shortage. More than 9,000 people work at the company, and, according to Abdolhai, efficiency must be increased as the number of operational aircraft declines. He spoke against privatization of the national carrier, arguing that Iran Air serves strategic national interests beyond commercial aviation.

Context

The statements came amid the ongoing consequences of the US and Israel's war against Iran, which reportedly caused extensive damage to the country's military and civilian infrastructure. American sanctions restrict Iran's access to new aircraft, spare parts, maintenance and international financing. Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and the reimposition of sanctions derailed aircraft purchases from Boeing and Airbus, causing some aircraft to sit idle and maintenance costs to rise.