Iran to purchase Russia's Sukhoi Superjet 100

Iran has expressed an interest in purchasing 12 Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) airliners, Russia's Minister of Energy, Alexander Novak, said.

"Iran is interested in acquiring 12 Sukhoi Superjet 100 planes soon," Novak told Rossiya 24 broadcaster.

A source in the civil aviation [regulator] of the Islamic Republic of Iran familiar with the ongoing negotiations confirmed to Sputnik that one of the Iranian air carriers has expressed an intention to purchase or lease Russian airliners.

According to the energy minister, Moscow is interested in setting up production facilities in Iran which will manufacture components for Russian airliners.

In addition, Russia has offered Iranian partners to establish joint production of turboprop upgraded Ilyushin Il-114 aircraft.