Iranian plane | The best passenger aircraft in Iran
When it comes to air travel, various types of passenger aircraft exist, each differing from the others in many aspects, making flying with each of them a different experience for passengers. If you’re not familiar with the different types of passenger aircraft in Iran and their differences, join us in this article to introduce you to the best passenger aircraft in Iran and help you obtain an ideal flying experience when purchasing tickets for flights operated by airlines that operate these aircraft.
When discussing air travel, the types of aircraft greatly impact the quality of the journey. It’s common to wonder, before a flight, which aircraft model to choose, and what the differences are between Boeing and Airbus. Which Boeing models exist and how to select the best from among the various types of passenger aircraft.
Well, this article is precisely written for you. In this piece from Gulf City Pedia, we delve into the various types of passenger aircraft in Iran and examine them so that you can find the best and most suitable flight for your travels. Then, we discuss which of these aircraft each airline has in its fleet.
Introduction to Various Types of Passenger Aircraft in Iran
To make it easier for you to familiarize yourself with different aircraft models, let’s start with a list of airlines:
Types of Airbus
Types of Boeing
Fokker Aircraft
McDonnell Douglas
Types of Passenger Aircraft in Iran
To facilitate a better understanding of the various aircraft models, let’s first list the airlines:
Types of Airbus
Types of Boeing
Fokker Aircraft
McDonnell Douglas
Types of Airbus
Airbus A300
The Airbus A300 is one of the most recognizable and reputable brands among aircraft manufacturers worldwide. Its introduction in 1972 marked a significant breakthrough in the industry. The notable feature of this passenger aircraft is its wide body, providing ample capacity for passengers. Additionally, the interior space of the A300 is spacious and comfortable, enhancing the passengers’ comfort.
In terms of technical equipment, the A300 is more advanced than its predecessors, boasting desirable electronic tools and navigation instruments that ensure a high level of flight safety. It is also highly fuel-efficient, equipped with two turbofan engines. Currently, passengers can opt for flights with this passenger aircraft through airlines such as Mahan Air, Iran Air, and Meraj Airlines.
The Airbus A300 is one of the most famous types of passenger aircraft in Iran, utilized by almost all airlines. Let’s delve further into the Airbus family to become more acquainted with it. Airbus is one of the best-selling and highest-quality passenger aircraft in Iran.
Airbus A310
The Airbus A310 is a smaller version of the A300 wide-body aircraft, bearing a significant resemblance to the Boeing 767. Its notable feature is its operational radius, in which the A310 outperforms all models of the A300. Initially, Lufthansa German Airlines and Swissair placed orders for the A310, but until its production ceased in 1998, airlines from the United States, Canada, Iran, and Pakistan were among its primary buyers. Currently, there are 113 active Airbus A310 aircraft worldwide.
Airbus A319
The Airbus A319 belongs to the Airbus A320 family, characterized by narrow-body and medium-range aircraft. The maximum capacity of the A319 for passenger transport is approximately 160 passengers. This aircraft has been in service since 1995 and has served airlines such as EasyJet, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Airbus A320
The Airbus A320 is a prominent product of Airbus, belonging to the A320 family. These aircraft are narrow-body and medium-range, following the A300 series in Airbus’ lineup. Since the first flight of the A320 in 1987, numerous orders have been placed with the Airbus factory, making the A320 the best-selling aircraft after the Boeing 737.
Airbus A321
The Airbus A321 is the largest member of the A320 family. Among single-aisle aircraft, the A321 is arguably the best option for international airlines in terms of price. With a body length and wingspan of 44.51 and 34 meters respectively, the A321 can fly at speeds of up to 871 kilometers per hour.
Airbus A320neo Family
Currently, the Airbus A320neo family is recognized as the best-selling set among various types of aircraft. Since late 2010, Airbus has been working on the production and development of the A320neo to replace the A320 family. Changes in this series include not only new engines but also modernization programs, including aerodynamic enhancements, large curved wingtips (known as sharklets), transitioning from aluminum to carbon fiber fuselage, and an improved air purification system.
One of the most important features of the Airbus A320neo is its reduced fuel consumption compared to others. This fuel reduction is due to the addition of sharklets to this aircraft model.
With a length of 35.57 meters, the A320neo has a capacity of 195 passengers in a single-class configuration and 165 passengers in a two-class configuration.
Airbus A330neo
The A330neo is the newest member of the A330 family and is believed by the manufacturer to represent Airbus’ values of unparalleled efficiency for airlines and exceptional comfort for passengers.
This wide-body aircraft is equipped with the latest generation Trent 7000 engines from Rolls-Royce and aerodynamic improvements. Additionally, the A330neo benefits from the latest technologies used for the A350 XWB, including artistic innovations in the cabin such as full LED lighting, Wi-Fi connectivity, updated flight panels, and new catering. Airbus claims that, as a result of all the changes made to it, the A330neo will consume less fuel than previous A330 models. Airbus claims that this aircraft is the least expensive medium-range aircraft produced in the world.
The A330neo comes in two variants, each with a capacity of 257 and 287 passengers (which may vary slightly depending on the airline’s seating classes and configurations). The first flight of this new product is expected to take place in the summer of 2017.
Airbus A350
The A350-1000, which is the largest aircraft in the Airbus family, entered international airline service in 2017. This giant aircraft, with a length of 74 meters from nose to tail, is one of the most popular aircraft among various aircraft models. Iran Air has purchased 16 of these aircraft. The maximum capacity of the A350-1000 is 440 passengers, which may decrease depending on the classification of different flight classes and seat arrangements.
Airbus A350
The A350 engine series 1000 is of the Trent XWB type manufactured by Rolls-Royce of Britain, and it is due to this engine that the largest member of the A350 family can have the highest level of efficiency.
Airbus A380
The A380 is a wide-body and very large aircraft, a unique product of Airbus. Currently, many reputable airlines worldwide, including Emirates, Lufthansa, and Air France, utilize this four-engine, double-deck giant in their flights. Several countries in the European Union, including France, Germany, Spain, and Britain, contribute to the construction of this flying hotel, which includes unique facilities such as restaurants, shops, and entertainment lounges.
Airbus A340-600
The A340 is another type of Airbus passenger aircraft. One of its most important features is its significant passenger capacity for long-haul routes, making it a prominent aircraft for international travel. The Airbus A340-600 has achieved the highest passenger capacity among the A340 family. Iran Air has stated that the A340-600 has a seating capacity of 308 passengers based on its flight classes. Its length is 75.3 meters, and the distance between its wings is 63.4 meters. Its maximum range has also been registered at 14,600 kilometers.
Airbus A310-300
The Airbus A310 is a smaller version of the wide-body A300, sharing many similarities with the Boeing 767. One of the special features of the A310 is its operational radius, in which it outperforms all A300 models.
Airbus A300-600
The Airbus A300 is a wide-body aircraft from Airbus France that was manufactured from 1972 to 2007. During this period, the European aircraft manufacturer delivered 561 Airbus A300 aircraft to airlines worldwide, with airlines from the United States, Germany, and Iran currently making the most use of this Airbus model.
Airbus A340-300
The Airbus A340-300 has a seating capacity of 293 passengers. Its length is reported to be 63.69 meters, and the distance between its wings is 60.3 meters, categorizing it among wide-body aircraft. The Airbus A340 is equipped with four turbofan engines and can fly at a maximum speed of 914 kilometers per hour, although its average speed is recorded at 790 kilometers per hour.
2.Types of Boeing
Boeing 727
The Boeing 727 is a medium-sized narrow-body airliner, production of which began in the early 1960s and continued until 1984. This aircraft, with a capacity to carry 149 to 189 passengers, can cover 5000 kilometers without stopping. Designed for short and medium-haul flights, the Boeing 727 does not require long runways, making it suitable for smaller airports. Therefore, it is expected to be used more for regional and domestic travel.
Boeing 737
The Boeing 737, part of the Boeing family, has been in production since 1965. This single-aisle aircraft, designed for medium-haul distances, features two turbofan engines. The first official flight of the Boeing 737 took place in 1967, with Lufthansa being its first customer.
Boeing 737 NG
The new generation of Boeing 737, known as the 737 NG, includes models 600, 700, 800, and 900. This aircraft, compared to older models, benefits from the use of new LEAP-1B engines.
Boeing 737 MAX
The 737 MAX is developed for passenger transport. The first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are expected to be delivered to airlines in 2017, fifty years after the first 737 flight. Boeing has received 2326 orders for the production of 737 MAX until October 2014.
The seating pitch in this Boeing, which accommodates between 138 and 172 passengers, is very compact at 74 centimeters, 79 to 81 centimeters in economy class, and 91 centimeters in first class.
According to Boeing, the operational costs of this product are 8% lower compared to its competitors. Additionally, advanced wing technology has reduced fuel consumption by 1.8%, resulting in less environmental pollution. Boeing also claims that the 737 MAX is 40% quieter than other contemporary single-aisle aircraft.
Boeing 747
One of the most famous wide-body aircraft in the world is the Boeing 747, which has the highest passenger capacity after the Airbus A380. This model, also known as the Jumbo Jet, has been flying in Iran since 1977 (1356 in the Persian calendar). The four-engine Jumbo Jet, with a maximum capacity of 550 passengers, represented a significant revolution in the aviation industry at the time.
The distance between the two wings of the Boeing 747 varies depending on the type, ranging from 59.6 to 68.5 meters, and its speed is reported to be between 895 to 918 kilometers per hour. The range of different models of this American aircraft varies and can cover between 9800 to 14800 kilometers in a single flight.
Azarabadegan, as one of Iran Air’s oldest aircraft, is a Boeing 747.
Boeing 300-747
These types of Boeing aircraft have a capacity to carry more than 400 passengers per flight. Furthermore, the length of this aircraft is recorded at 70.66 meters, with a wingspan of 59.6 meters. The maximum distance that the Boeing 300-747 can cover in a flight is reported to be 9800 kilometers.
Boeing 757
The Boeing 757 is another product of Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing, classified in the narrow-body aircraft category. This twin-engine aircraft first entered service in 1982 and production continued until 2004. Among Boeing’s 757, 767, and 777 families, this aircraft is the largest single-aisle passenger aircraft.
The length of this aircraft is 47.32 meters, and the distance between its wings is recorded at 39 meters, capable of accommodating between 200 to 240 passengers.
Boeing 777
Another aircraft ordered by Iran Air is the Boeing 777. This aircraft, classified in the wide-body aircraft category, competes with the Airbus A330 and the Airbus A340 family.
This product, which was first registered for flight in 1995, has various models; the model ordered by Iran Air is the 300-777. The length of this model is 73.86 meters, with a wingspan of 60.93 meters. However, in the 777-300ER model, the wingspan has slightly increased to 64.80 meters.
The passenger capacity of these two models, if divided into three classes, will be approximately 370 passengers, and in two classes, it will accommodate 396 passengers. However, with an increased number of seats, this figure can reach up to 550 passengers. The speed of the Boeing 777 is reported to be between 892 to 945 kilometers per hour.
Sometimes, in some tickets or flight schedules, the 300-777 is referred to as 773, and the 777-300ER is referred to as 773B or 773ER.
3- Types of Fokker Aircraft
Fokker is another type of Dutch aircraft and is one of the most important types of this aircraft.
Fokker 100
The Fokker 100 is a medium-sized, twin-engine turbofan aircraft. This aircraft has very low operating costs, making it one of the most competitive products in the aviation industry in the 1980s.
Until four years ago, 156 Fokker 100s were active in 30 airlines worldwide; Jet Airways was the largest operator, introducing this aircraft into its fleet since 1996. Iran Air and Australian Airlines still use this product as one of their main aircraft.
The Fokker 100 aircraft has a maximum capacity of 122 passengers in one class. In a single class and standard conditions, this number decreases to 107, and in two classes, it becomes 97. The length of this aircraft is 35.53 meters, and the distance between its wings is 28.08 meters. The maximum reported speed for this aircraft is 845 kilometers per hour.
4- Types of McDonnell Douglas Aircraft
McDonnell Douglas is one of the American aerospace companies formed by the merger of McDonnell and Douglas Aircraft Company. This company is one of the most important manufacturers of military equipment in the United States. In 1977, Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas, and the two companies merged. Now let’s examine the most important models of this company’s aircraft.
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
The McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is a narrow-body, short- to medium-range aircraft. The first series of MD-80s entered service in October 1980 with Swissair for commercial and passenger purposes. To date, 1191 flights of this twin-engine aircraft have been built.
If designed based on a single class configuration, this aircraft can accommodate approximately 170 passengers. On average, the MD-80 can travel at speeds between 811 to 925 kilometers per hour. Its length is recorded at 42.1 meters, and the distance between its wings is 32.8 meters.
McDonnell Douglas MD-82
The MD-82 is a member of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family. This aircraft is classified in the narrow-body, short- to medium-range aircraft category.
In a single-class configuration, the MD-82 has a seating capacity of 172 passengers, while in two classes, it accommodates 155 passengers. Its length is 45.1 meters, and the distance between its wings is 32.82 meters. Compared to previous models, the MD-82 is slightly more powerful and has a higher fuel capacity. The maximum reported speed for this aircraft is 811 kilometers per hour. The MD-82 has a more powerful engine compared to other models.
McDonnell Douglas MD-83
The MD-83 is also a member of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family. This aircraft is classified as a narrow-body, short- to medium-range aircraft.
In a single-class configuration, the MD-83 has a seating capacity of 172 passengers, while in two classes, it accommodates 155 passengers. Its length is 45.1 meters, and the distance between its wings is 32.82 meters. Compared to previous models, the MD-83 is slightly more powerful and has a higher fuel capacity. The maximum reported speed for this aircraft is 811 kilometers per hour.
MD-88 is a member of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family. This aircraft is classified as a narrow-body, short- to medium-range aircraft. It is the latest model produced by this aircraft manufacturer. Therefore, most of its systems and features have been improved as much as possible.
MD-88 has a seating capacity of 172 passengers in one class and 155 passengers in two classes. Its length is recorded at 45.1 meters, and the distance between its wings is 32.82 meters. This model is slightly more powerful than previous models, and it also has a higher fuel capacity. The maximum reported speed for this aircraft is 811 kilometers per hour.
ATR 72
ATR 72 is a medium-range aircraft used for regional flights. All models of this aircraft, a joint product of France and Italy, have a passenger capacity of between 68 to 78 passengers.
The length of this aircraft and the distance between its wings are approximately equal, at 27.17 and 27.05 meters, respectively. Its speed is reported to be 509 kilometers per hour.
The European manufacturer has mentioned maritime patrol as one of the capabilities of the ATR 72, in addition to its passenger and commercial use.
BAE 146
British Aerospace 146 (BAE 146) is a four-engine, medium-sized passenger aircraft. This British aircraft first entered service in 1981, and more complete models were introduced to the market in subsequent years.
With a length of 30.99 meters and a wingspan of 26.34 meters, this aircraft has a seating capacity of 112 passengers.
According to aviation sources, the range of this aircraft is 2900 kilometers, and its maximum speed is recorded at 801 kilometers per hour.
This short-haul aircraft is mainly designated for city airports; in fact, its design requires a shorter runway and produces less noise during takeoff and landing.
Iranian Airlines
In the above, we introduced various types of aircraft in the fleet of Iranian airlines. A brief familiarity with these aircraft helps you make informed decisions when purchasing tickets. Below, we delve into the aircraft types and quantities owned by each domestic airline.
Iran Air
Iran Air, as one of the country’s main and most recognized airlines, transports passengers to their destinations daily, both domestically and internationally. Iran Air, in addition to the aircraft it previously owned, has ordered more aircraft from major aircraft manufacturers since the lifting of sanctions. As a result, Iran Air currently operates with 10 Airbus A300, 2 Airbus A310, 6 Airbus A320, 4 Airbus A300-600, 5 Boeing 747, and 16 Fokker aircraft.
Mahan Air
Another major and reputable airline in the country is Mahan Air. Mahan Air operates numerous domestic and international flights daily. According to Mahan’s website, the airline operates with 54 aircraft. Its fleet consists of 2 Boeing 747-300, 7 Airbus A340-600, 4 Airbus A340-300, 14 Airbus A300-600, 10 Airbus A310-300, and 17 BAE146-300 aircraft.
Meraj Airlines
Meraj Airlines is the youngest airline in the country but has received satisfactory ratings from passengers in this short time of operation. Meraj Airlines operates with 2 A300-600, 2 Airbus A320, and 1 modern Airbus A321.
Kish Air
Kish Air is another domestic airline that plays an important role in transporting passengers to various destinations. This airline completes its flights with 2 Airbus A320, 3 Fokker 100, and 7 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 and MD-82 aircraft.
Qeshm Air
Qeshm Air, which began operations in 1993, covers various destinations inside and outside the country. The fleet of Qeshm Air consists of 4 Fokker 100, 2 Airbus A320, 3 Airbus A300-600, and 4 RJ 100 (or BAE 146) aircraft.
Aseman Airlines
Aseman Airlines is the only airline that flies to all provincial centers. Therefore, it has a well-equipped and advanced fleet. This airline operates with 3 Airbus A320, 1 A340-300, 6 ATR 72, 6 Boeing 200-727, 2 Boeing 400-737, and 109 Fokker 100 aircraft.
Iran Airtour
Iran Airtour is another old airline in the country. Its fleet consists of 6 McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft.
Taban Air
Taban Air, with its well-equipped fleet, covers numerous domestic and international destinations daily. The fleet includes 5 McDonnell Douglas MD-88, 1 Boeing 757, 1 RJ 85 (advanced version of the BAE 146), 1 Boeing 400-737, and 1 Airbus A310 aircraft.
Caspian Airlines
Another well-known domestic airline is Caspian Airlines. Its fleet consists of 5 Boeing 400-737 and 5 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft.
Naft Airlines
Naft Airlines, or Karun Airlines, is Iran’s first airline. This company, which started its activities in 1926 under the name of Aviation Services, currently operates with 1 Boeing 737, 4 Fokker 100, and 5 Fokker 50 aircraft.
ATA Airlines
ATA Airlines started its operations in 2008 in Tabriz. The fleet of this airline includes 3 Airbus A320, 3 Boeing 300-737, 500-737, and 6 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft.
Zagros Airlines
Zagros Airlines has nearly 13 years of activity. This airline has various domestic destinations such as Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Yazd, etc., in its flight schedule. Its fleet includes 7 Airbus 320, 2 Airbus 321, 1 Airbus 319, 5 McDonnell Douglas MD-82, and 3 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft.
Ata Airlines
Ata Airlines is one of the private aviation companies in the aviation industry, and its flight hub is declared to be Bijar Airport. 3 Airbus 320 aircraft have been considered for flights operated by this airline.
By reading this text, you will gain general knowledge about the types of aircraft used by domestic airlines. This information is general, and some airlines may make slight changes to the appearance of the aircraft. If you are a precise and sensitive person, knowing the type of aircraft can help improve the quality of your flight.
Conclusion
Ensuring safety and comfort during flights is crucial when booking airplane tickets. Different airlines utilize various types of aircraft and always strive to consider these two aspects. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to secure a better and safer flying experience by knowing the best and safest aircraft in the fleet of the country’s airlines.
