Iran May Be Looking to Replace Aging Planes With Airbus Purchase

Iran’s acquisition of Airbus Group NV jets from an undisclosed vendor may be the first move in a rush to rebuild the Islamic republic’s fleet as a thaw in relations with the U.S. begins to weaken the grip of trade sanctions.

The purchase by Mahan Air of nine used Airbus planes could herald a raft of deals extending to national carrier Iran Air and potentially including Boeing Co. planes and new Russian or Chinese models. Iran says it may need as many as 500 aircraft over the next decade, requiring $2 billion a year of investment.