TU-334
Iran Air, the national airline of Iran, had under way a massive fleet renewal and expansion plan and had been expected to expend an estimated $7 Billion on aircraft purchases. Local manufacturers, by capitalizing upon technological incentives offered by international manufacturers to win sales, were able to formulate production outsourcing and joint partnering ventures. This led to the commencement of steps for the launch of the state of the art Tupolov 334-100, a contract that was unique as the manufacture of this aircraft in Iran would take place concurrently with its production launch at the Tupolov works.
According to Eng. Mehrdad Amiri, Deputy Operations Director of Iran Aircraft Industries, the first Tu-334 would be manufactured in Iran following the completion of preliminary steps. The selection of the Tu-334 came following comparative proposals from other manufacturers. The Tu-334, having completed design and trial phases, was shortly due to be entered into production at the Tupolov works. Production in Iran would be launched concurrently with that of its technology partner in Russia, thus reflecting the latest available aircraft technology.
The Tu-334 was said by the manufacturer to stand out for its passenger comfort, low fuel consumption, easy repair and maintenance. It can carry up to 138 passengers and provides the option of either mounting Russian or Western engines. Production was foreseen to take place in four stages commencing with CKD (Complete Knock Down Manufacture) with the manufacture in Iran of engines and avionies.
