Iran-linked Airbus A340 in service with Syrian Air

Syrian Air Airbus 340-313X, reg. YK-AZA (cn 381) as it now appears in freshly applied livery. Photo acquired 12APR2017 at Dubai International Airport (DBX).

This aircraft was ferried on 10FEB2017 from Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (THR)  to Damascus International Airport (DAM), suggesting Iranian acquisition assistance for regional ally Syrian Arab Republic.

YK-AZA apparently operated 12APR2017 as Flight SYR514 from DAM to DBX. Aircraft returned to DAM, same-day.

Syrian Air officials stand before newly operational A340. Note pan-Arab emblem applied to nose of aircraft; ironic, given this aircraft may have been acquired by way of Iranian assistance.

Interior detail of Syrian Air Airbus 340-313X, reg. YK-AZA (cn 381)

Top photo credit: Skyliner Aviation News

EP-MNM returns to Mahan Air after wartime wet-lease by SyrianAir

Airbus A300-605R Reg. EP-MNM (cn 773) returns to Mahan Air, resuming domestic route service on 18MAR2017. Since 13AUG2016 aircraft had been wet-leased to SyrianAir, effecting assistance to Iran's regional ally during a critical phase of the Syrian conflict. Meantime, Syria has received Airbus A340 aircraft indirectly through Mahan Air; believed relieving SyrianAir of requirement for this aircraft.

[File photo by Ata Tavanaei taken on 30NOV2015 at MHD]

EP-MNM as it appeared days before delivery to SyrianAir. While in Syrian service, aircraft flew regular international routes to destinations in Iran and particularly Iraq. Aircraft may have rendered logistical support to the war effort of Syrian Arab Republic during the time of Battle of Aleppo.

[File photo by Hasan Fereydoon taken on 03AUG2016 at THR]

Iran’s Mahan Air operating as commercial aircraft provider to Syria

While Iran Air has recently been making headlines with new aircraft purchases and a hand full of deliveries, Mahan Air has been acquiring commercial aircraft on behalf of Iran with which to provide Syria. These include a number of Airbus aircraft, including an Airbus A300 and what appears to be three Airbus A343. (Aviation writer Babak Taghvaee lists an additional A310 previously delivered from Iran to Syria but apparently not operational.)

Below are photos of known identified aircraft with comments:

Aircraft: Airbus A300B4-605R

Reg: EP-MNM (MSN: 773)

Photo Date: 03AUG2016

Location: Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran

Photographer: Hassan Fereydoun

Comment: This Mahan Air aircraft was delivered to SyrianAir on 13AUG2016 and is currently operated by the former through a wet lease agreement. Photo above depicts aircraft with Mahan Air livery removed not long before delivery to current operator. Interesting that many of SyrianAir current flights with this aircraft service routes from Baghdad and Najaf, Iraq.

Aircraft: Airbus A340-313

Reg: UP-A4001 / YK-AZA (MSN: 381)

Photo Date: JAN2017

Location: Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran

Photographer: ---

Comment: Aircraft flown 10FEB2017 from Tehran (THR) to Damascus (DAM). Registration used for flight was TT-WAG. New registration YK-AZA. Unlike A300 above, this aircraft is not ex-Mahan and not a wet lease; said being indirectly granted to Syria through Mahan Air at behest of Iran.

Aircraft: Airbus A340-313

Reg: UP-A4003 (MSN: 0292)

Photo Date: 30JAN2017

Location: Athens International Airport

Photographer: Alex Filippopoulos

Comment: Stored eight years in Athens, this aircraft has been slated for service with Bek Air of Kazakhstan. However 15FEB2017 flight from ATH to THR suggests this is another aircraft indirectly granted to Syria through Mahan Air at behest of Iran.

Aircraft: Airbus A340-313

Reg: UP-A4002, shown previously as SX-DFC (MSN: 0280)

Photo Date: 29DEC2007

Location: Franz Josef Strauss International Airport

Photographer: Björn Düwel

Comment: 14FEB2017 flight from ATH to THR suggests this is another aircraft indirectly granted to Syria through Mahan Air at behest of Iran.

Additional comments:
- Mahan Air is subject to U.S. sanctions, while SyrianAir is subject to both U.S. and EU sanctions.
- Before this recent intervention by Iran, SyrianAir may havebeen reduced to operating a single commercial airliner.
- This is not the first time Iran has granted aircraft to a regional ally. Previously, an ex-Mahan Air Airbus A300 aircraft was provided to the Republic of Iraq Government, replete with Iranian aircrew. Interesting, this aircraft continues to be listed in service with the Iraqi government. Photo and details provided below:

Aircraft: Airbus A300B4-203

Reg: YI-APX (MSN: 239)

Photo Date: 18Mar2011

Location: Baghdad International Airport

Photographer: Pete Volek

Comment: This ex-Mahan Air aircraft presented as a gift from Iran to the Iraqi government on 21JUL2007.