Iran and Ireland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) early on Wednesday morning, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO.IRI) announced. The agreement, signed by CAO.IRI’s Mohammad Javad Taghvaei and the Irish Aviation Authority’s Ralph James is reportedly the first ever aviation agreement between the two countries.

The agreement includes the implementation of ICAO’s Article 83 from the Convention on International Civil Aviation for Irish aircraft in Iran. It is intended to “provide better regulation and oversight of air safety in the case of international lease, charter or interchange of aircraft” as ICAO describes it and consequently eases the aircraft lease procedures. Ireland will as the aircraft registrar be able to lease aircraft to Iran and the responsibility of observing its flight operations, flight eligibility, technical aid and maintenance will thereby be handed over to Iran. In addition, Iran will be allowed to train personnel for the aircraft operations and maintenance.

Reza Jafarzadeh, CAO.IRI’s director of public relations said that in the framework of this agreement, Iran will be able to easier lease and operate Irish registered aircraft.

Accordingly, Iran Aseman Airlines is now cleared to complete a lease-purchase contract with an Irish firm to acquire a total of 7 Airbus A320neo.

Photo: Iran Civil Aviation Organization