Airbus poised to re-enter Iranian passenger jet market

Airbus is poised to re-enter the Iranian aircraft market as the international community prepares to lift sanctions that have paralysed the country’s economy. Fabrice Brégier, head of Airbus’s passenger jet unit, said the company had an understanding of future aircraft needs from Iranian airlines and officials, thanks to its existing business supplying certain parts and safety services. “We have made some contacts, yes,” he said. “This is potentially a huge market for Airbus and our competitors.” However, he stressed that commercial discussions had not yet begun as western companies were banned from such talks until a landmark nuclear agreement between big powers and Iran was implemented. This was expected in the next few weeks, paving the way to a lifting of Iranian sanctions. “We are dependent on the resolution of the international negotiations,” said Brégier. “[After that] we would have no reason not to consider Iranian airlines as a normal customer like the rest of the world. We are very strict at applying all the international rules and regulations.”<br/>