"We have reached a deal with the global aviation giant Boeing over the purchase of new planes that could set a new milestone in the country’s efforts to revamp its aging air fleet," Akhoundi said.
The Iranian minister reiterated that the deal with Boeing has been finalized, and said, "Its details will be announced within next few days."
Akhoundi reiterated that Iran has been able to save at least $5 million in its last negotiations over the finalization of the purchase.
Last Monday, Iran's national flag airline carrier, Iran Air announced that it is discussing what is seen as a “historic aircraft purchase deal” with global aviation giant Boeing.
"Serious talks with Boeing are underway, hoping that these would lead to an agreement sometime soon," Reuters quoted Iran Air CEO Farhad Parvaresh as saying.
He said that the meetings are currently underway with Boeing, adding, "We hope that in the future we can reach an understanding with each other."
"The number and type of aircraft have to be discussed in the future, but the first step is to have a mutual understanding," Iran Air chief said.
Parvaresh reiterated that the volume of the purchase deal with Boeing could be as big as the one that Iran Air sealed with Airbus earlier this year.
"No, not bigger than Airbus; maybe close, but this also depends on the situation,” he underlined.
He said that Iran will need at least 300 aircraft for the next decade.
"Iran has a fleet of 250 aircraft, of which 90 are grounded due to the economy or missing parts," Parvaresh said.
Iran signed a major deal worth $27 billion with Airbus in January to purchase 118 planes from the company. The deal with Airbus was sealed during a state visit to Paris by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.
Apart from Airbus and Boeing, Iran is also negotiating with several other global aviation giants over the purchases of planes, including Bombardier and Embraer.
