Iran Air's fleet order signals serious intent for the Iranian aviation industry

The initial lifting of sanctions on Iran occurred on 16-Jan-2016 ("Implementation Day"), and major changes are already under way for the country's aviation industry. The first new Iranian aircraft orders for over three decades have been announced and foreign carriers, most notably European airlines, are hastening to add new routes.

These are just the start of what promises to be a seismic shift for aviation in Iran. During the sanctions period, the country's aviation authorities, its airlines and even airports adopted a survival mentality.

Now that the sanctions are being rolled back, attitudes are switching to new opportunities for growth and the sector is planning for a brighter future.