Iran reportedly in talks with Airbus to buy 48 helicopters

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Iran
 
 
Iran reportedly in talks with Airbus to buy 48 helicopters
 
According to local medias, Iran is reportedly in negotiation with the European rotoracraft maker Airbus Helicopters to purchase 48 helicopters for civilian use. "The Health Ministry is planning to order 45 HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) helicopters and the purchase is being negotiated by the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development," Iran's Financial Tribune daily quoted Deputy Minister Asghar Fakhrieh-Kashan as saying.
     
Iran reportedly in talks with Airbus to buy 48 helicopte 640 001Airbus Helicopters' H145 in HEMS configuration
(Credit: Airbus Helicopters)
     
"Ports and Maritime Organization is also planning to hold a tender to purchase three search-and-rescue helicopters," he added.

The France-based helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters declined to comment on possible discussions it may have with potential customers.

Fakhrieh-Kashan however emphasized that Iran was holding negotiations to merge the helicopter order into the Iran Air-Airbus contract signed in December.

In February 2016, Iran’s media quoted the head of the country’s top medical emergency service as saying that the Islamic Republic was interested in purchasing helicopters from Airbus.

Iran has signed deals to purchase above 200 planes since international sanctions against the country were lifted last year.