25-Feb-2011 12:39 PM
Iran removes all 17 Tu-154s from service
Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation reportedly stated that Iran removed all Tu-154 aircraft from its fleet last week following a series of incidents involving the aircraft (FARS/Bloomberg, 24-Feb-2011). All 17 Tu-154s, which were in service with four Iranian airlines, were removed on 20-Feb-2011. Iran is seeking to renew its ageing fleet of foreign-built aircraft, which it operates amid political obstacles to the purchase of new aircraft and spare parts from suppliers such as Boeing and Airbus.