An Iran Air 747 on the tarmac at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport. Some of the airline's planes have been in service since before the country's 1979 revolution.
Aging fleet —
An Iran Air 747 on the tarmac at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport. Some of the airline's planes have been in service since before the country's 1979 revolution.
Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images
Iran Air was once at the forefront of aviation. It was among the earliest airlines to bid for the British-French Concorde supersonic jet.
High hopes —
Iran Air was once at the forefront of aviation. It was among the earliest airlines to bid for the British-French Concorde supersonic jet.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Under Western sanctions imposed after the revolution, Iranian airlines have struggled to maintain their fleets to high international standards. Iran Air is currently restricted in the aircraft it is allowed to operate in European airspace.
Sanctions and safety —
Under Western sanctions imposed after the revolution, Iranian airlines have struggled to maintain their fleets to high international standards. Iran Air is currently restricted in the aircraft it is allowed to operate in European airspace.
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images
Now, with the prospect of sanctions being lifted, Iran's air fleets could get a dramatic upgrade, and could include US aircraft such as Boeing's advanced 747-8 model.
Boeing 747-8 —
Now, with the prospect of sanctions being lifted, Iran's air fleets could get a dramatic upgrade, and could include US aircraft such as Boeing's advanced 747-8 model.
Stephen Brashear/Getty Images
Iranian officials say the country's aviation market is healthy with emerging carriers like Mahan Air now competing with Iran Air, creating a huge potential for growth.
Aviation market —
Iranian officials say the country's aviation market is healthy with emerging carriers like Mahan Air now competing with Iran Air, creating a huge potential for growth.
MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP/Getty Images
Western businesses in fields such as energy and finance are expected to flood into Iran if sanctions are lifted. Business travelers are already making tracks there to investigate the potential.
Open doors —
Western businesses in fields such as energy and finance are expected to flood into Iran if sanctions are lifted. Business travelers are already making tracks there to investigate the potential.
Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images