A Guide to the Mahan Air Fleet in 2025

Mahan Air is Iran’s largest private airline, headquartered in Tehran. Established in 1992, it operates both domestic and international flights, with its main hubs at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport. The airline is owned by the Mol-Al-Movahedin Charity Institute.

Mahan Air’s History

Founded in 1991 and commencing operations in 1992, Mahan Air began with two Tupolev Tu-154M aircraft on domestic routes. By 1994, it expanded into cargo services using Ilyushin Il-76TD freighters. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the airline incorporated Western aircraft like the Airbus A300 and A310 into its fleet, acquiring them through secondary markets due to international sanctions.

Despite facing sanctions from the U.S. and restrictions from several European countries over the years, Mahan Air has continued to expand its operations, serving various destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Where Does Mahan Air Fly?

As of April 2025, Mahan Air operates flights to 26 domestic destinations within Iran and 16 international destinations across 9 countries.

If you’re not able (or willing) to travel to Iran, it’s good to know you can still see some of Mahan Air’s fleet outside the country.

Domestic Destinations Include:

• Tehran
• Mashhad
• Shiraz
• Isfahan
• Kerman
• Kish Island

International Destinations Include:

• Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen (China)
• New Delhi (India)
• Moscow (Russia)
• Istanbul (Turkey)
• Dubai (UAE)
• Erbil (Iraq)
• Phuket (Thailand)

The airline’s route network reflects its strategic focus on connecting Iran with key cities in Asia and the Middle East.

Why is Mahan Air Interesting to Spotters?

Photo (c) Anna Zvereva

Mahan Air’s fleet is a unique blend of aircraft that are rare sights in many parts of the world, making it a point of interest for aviation enthusiasts:

• Airbus A340 Series: Mahan Air operates several variants of the Airbus A340, including the -200, -300, and -600 models. These long-haul aircraft have been retired by many airlines, making them a rare find.
• British Aerospace BAe 146 and Avro RJ Series: The airline maintains a fleet of BAe 146-200/300 and Avro RJ85/100 aircraft. These regional jets, known for their high-wing design and quiet operation, are increasingly uncommon.
• Fokker 50: Mahan Air operates the Fokker 50, a turboprop aircraft that has become a rarity in commercial service.

Mahan Air also still flies one Boeing 747-400 in passenger service. Until recently it also had an active 747-300 variant, which was the last example in the world still flying passengers.

Mahan Air’s Fleet

Shahram Sharifi (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons

At the time of writing, Mahan Air has a fleet of 24 active aircraft, with another 12 parked or stored. The fleet comprises:

EP-MJA – Airbus A340-200

EP-MJC – Airbus A340-300

EP-MJE – Airbus A340-300 (stored)

EP-MJF – Airbus A340-300

EP-MJG – Airbus A340-300 (stored)

EP-MMA – Airbus A340-300 (stored)

EP-MMB – Airbus A340-300 (stored)

EP-MMC – Airbus A340-300

EP-MMD – Airbus A340-300 (stored)

EP-MMT – Airbus A340-300

EP-MME – Airbus A340-600

EP-MMG – Airbus A340-600

EP-MMQ – Airbus A340-600

EP-MMR – Airbus A340-600

EP-MMU – Airbus A340-600

EP-MNE – Boeing 747-300 (stored)

EP-MEE – Boeing 747-400

EP-MNB – Boeing 747-400 (stored)

EP-MMV – BAe 146-200

EP-MOB – BAe 146-300 (stored)

EP-MOC – BAe 146-300

EP-MOE – BAe 146-300 (stored)

EP-MEA – Avro RJ85

EP-MEB – Avro RJ85

EP-MEI – Avro RJ85

EP-MEU – Avro RJ85

EP-MOQ – Avro RJ85

EP-MOR – Avro RJ85

EP-MOS – Avro RJ85

EP-MOG – Avro RJ100 (stored)

EP-MOH – Avro RJ100 (stored)

EP-MOI – Avro RJ100

EP-MON – Avro RJ100

EP-MEH – Fokker 50

EP-TFT – Fokker 50