Russian TU airplanes might become part of Iranian air fleet once again

Russian Tupolev planes might once again become part of the Iranian
air fleet if the manufacturers improve the aircraft engines, deputy
minister of Roads and Urban Development, head of civil
aviation Hamid Reza Pahlavani said.

In Iran there are 31 functioning TU planes. In addition, there are 45
new engines for these aircraft.

Pahlavani stressed that if the engine of the airplanes is not
improved they cannot operate.

It was decided to stop operating Tupolev aircraft after a plane
crash which took place on July 15, 2009, 12 km south of Tabriz.