Iran eyes Boeing planes to modernise aging fleet

Boeing could benefit from a potential bonanza of plane orders from Iran, the country's transport minister said Sunday, as the Islamic Republic seeks to upgrade its aging aircraft fleet with deals that could also include Airbus A380 superjumbos. Iran is eager to re-establish ties with Western companies following the lifting of sanctions as part of a wider accord to significantly constrain the country's nuclear activities. It has already said it agreed to buy Airbus jetliners, though the plane maker hasn't confirmed an order beyond saying it could enter into business with Iranian airlines in compliance with international laws. Years of sanctions have left Iran with one of the world's oldest aircraft fleets, which it is eager to modernise. "We need short-, middle-range and longer-range airplanes," Iranian transport minister Abbas Akhoundi said. Aviation would be key to reviving the country's tourism industry, he said. <br/>