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18-Jul-2016 5:25 PM

CAPA Iran Aviation Finance Summit, Tehran, 17-18 September 2016

Analysis

Following the success of the historic CAPA Iran Aviation Summit shortly after sanctions were lifted in Jan-2016, Iran's aviation authorities have invited CAPA back to hold a unique follow-up event on 17-18 Sep-2016, combining an Aviation Finance Summit and small onsite exhibition.

The CAPA Iran Finance Summit brings together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, lessors, banks, export credit agencies, regulators and law firms, along with airport operators and investors, and infrastructure developers for panel discussions and networking sessions to identify financing solutions for transactions related to aircraft acquisition, leasing and infrastructure development.

This a seminal event, opening Iran's marketplace to the world for the first time in four decades. The Summit will be held at the Novotel Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Summary
  • CAPA Iran Finance Summit to be held on 17-18 Sep-2016, focusing on financing solutions for aircraft acquisition, leasing, and infrastructure development in Iran's aviation industry.
  • The event aims to bring together influential executives in Iranian aviation and travel, along with international delegates, to facilitate business opportunities and partnerships.
  • Iran's aviation market has reopened to the world following the lifting of sanctions in Jan-2016, with significant orders placed by Iran Air for Airbus, ATR, and Boeing aircraft.
  • Limited progress has been made in executing transactions due to uncertainty surrounding the impact of US sanctions on financial institutions involved in transactions with Iran.
  • Major upgrade and expansion plans are underway for Iran's largest airports, including Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, with interest from several countries to assist in these plans.
  • Key Iranian executives and government officials will be present at the summit, providing an opportunity for global aviation businesses to engage with the Iranian market.

CAPA's Iran Aviation Summit, Tehran, 17/18-Sep, supported by national authorities

The first CAPA Iran Aviation Summit in Jan-2016 provided a valuable opportunity for the Iranian and international aviation communities to reintroduce themselves to each other after almost 40 years. This second event seeks to move the industry forward - from the initial familiarisation to creating a foundation to move ahead.

With the strong cooperation of the Iran Civil Aviation Organization, the Iran Airports Company and Imam Khomeini Airport City Company, the event will bring together more than 200 of the most influential executives in Iranian aviation and travel, with an expected gathering of 300 international delegates.

In addition to the Finance Summit, this occasion will also incorporate a small exhibition, offering a unique opportunity for best-in-class international suppliers from across the aviation and travel sectors to exhibit their products and services to the most influential decision makers and buyers from across Iran's aviation industry.

The heads of all the Iranian airlines and starts-up will be present, along with key government officials. CAPA will also invite airlines and key players from neighbouring countries including Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and nations of Central Asia.

Iran: a massive new aviation market opens for business

Following the lifting of sanctions in Jan-2016 a potentially major global aviation market was once again reopened to the world. Shortly after sanctions were removed Iran Air placed firm orders for 118 Airbus and 20 ATR aircraft. More recently it was confirmed that Iran Air has concluded a deal with Boeing for more than 100 aircraft. These orders are awaiting approval by the Office of Foreign Assets Control under the US Treasury Department.

In addition, delegations from Bombardier, Comac, Embraer and Sukhoi have all reportedly had varying levels of engagement with Iranian airlines in recent months.

However, despite the strong interest from both Iranian and foreign companies to re-engage with each other, there has been limited progress in terms of execution of transactions. A key hurdle has been continuing uncertainty about the impact of US sanctions on financial institutions that engage in transactions involving Iran. The CAPA Iran Aviation Finance Summit is intended as a forum to address these issues, among others.

Investment in airport and airspace upgrades are a key priority

At the same time, there is a major upgrade and expansion programme planned across the country's four largest airports, including Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA), Tehran Mehrabad Airport, Mashhad and Isfahan, as well as at other regional facilities.

Imam Khomeini Airport City Company has been established as an independent governmental company responsible for transforming IKIA into an Airport City. IKIA has a 1500 hectare Free Trade Zone and a 2500 hectare Special Economic Zone, which have the potential to attract significant foreign and Iranian investment in diverse commercial, industrial, leisure and residential ventures.

Delegations from several countries - including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and South Korea - have expressed interest in assisting Iran with these plans. Airspace redesign and equipment modernisation are other key priorities.

A must-attend event for any global aviation business with an interest in the Iran market

Information for sponsors and exhibitors, along with delegate registration details will be released shortly. To register your interest please email events@centreforaviation.com

Key Iranian executives at these events summit who participated in the CAPA Iran Aviation Summit in Jan-2016 and will be reconvening in Sep-2016 include:

Sanctions

Please note: while nuclear-related sanctions were lifted as of 16-Jan-2016, some other sanctions remain in force.

Delegates and sponsors should seek their own legal advice on the nature of activities in which they may or may not engage. The defined activities vary from country to country. CAPA can take no responsibility for the status or actions of participants, nor their consequences, should they breach national or international regulations.

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