Iran Air to use ATRs to develop point-to-point international network

Iran Air is planning to develop more point-to-point international flight operations as a means of stimulating the broader Iranian economy. Iranian minister of Roads and Urban Development, Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi, said that the carrier would use its growing fleet of ATR72-600s to start short haul flights from Iran's border provinces to neighbouring countries. At present, the bulk of Iran Air's international connectivity is channelled through its Tehran Imam Khomeini hub. Airports at Ahwaz, Bandar Abbas, Isfahan Int'l, Lar, Mashad, and Shiraz play a lesser role with flights primarily to Kuwait, Dubai Int'l, and Beirut. Service is primarily undertaken by Iran Air's fleet of A320 Family of aircraft. In terms of the 20 ATR72-600s it has on order, Iran Air currently operates 4 with a further 2 due this month. <br/>