Design of light passenger planes initiated to amplify domestic air links: CAO
Iran is moving into the design phase for two new light passenger aircraft, a senior aviation official said, as the country seeks to expand short-haul connectivity between its many small airports following the rollout and initial test authorization of its domestically built cargo plane, Simorgh.
Hossein Pourfarzaneh, head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), said Iranian technical teams have begun designing regional passenger aircraft intended for short-distance routes, IRNA reported.
The deputy roads and urban development minister said the country’s geographic size and large number of small airports require 20-seat aircraft to link smaller cities to the national network while maintaining the option for international flights.
Pourfarzaneh said the initiative is part of the government’s Seventh Development Plan, which identifies aerospace as one of its strategic “driver industries.” The plan centers on two parallel efforts: expanding air transport capabilities and developing a fully domestic aircraft manufacturing base.
He said improving the air transport sector requires simultaneous development of fleet capacity, airport infrastructure, support and maintenance industries, and skilled human resources. Moreover, domestic aircraft production is being advanced to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
In recent years, Iranian institutions including the Defense Ministry have carried out programs to produce civilian aircraft. One earlier effort was the Iran-140, launched in cooperation with Ukraine’s Antonov. After the partnership ended, Iranian engineers continued the project using domestic expertise.
Pourfarzaneh said Iran now ranks among advanced countries in aerospace technologies across both civilian and military domains. The Simorgh cargo aircraft, designed for transport missions, is one outcome of these efforts.
Simorgh has completed factory-level testing and recently received a permit for flight testing. During its flight test campaign, engineers will compare actual performance with earlier simulation data and make any necessary design adjustments. After that phase, the aircraft will enter type certification procedures before moving to commercial production.
Iran entered the aviation sector in 1937, at a time when aviation was still in early development in many countries, he added.