Revealed – A New Way to Fly the A300 in Europe

by Matt Falcus
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For aviation enthusiasts and fans of classic jetliners, the Airbus A300 has become increasingly rare in our skies over the past ten years.

Once a staple of global airline fleets, it has become uncommon to see in service—especially in Europe. But exciting news from Iran Airtour has given a fresh opportunity for fans of the A300 to see, or even fly on, this iconic aircraft type.

Iran Airtour’s Ambitious European Launch

Iran Airtour, a private Iranian airline, has announced the launch of direct flights between Tehran and Paris, beginning January 31, 2025.

Flights will depart twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, bridging the gap for travelers between Iran and France. This route is the first of several planned European destinations, with flights to Germany, Spain, and Italy expected to commence by late March. These routes aim to fill the void left by other Iranian airlines, such as Iran Air and Mahan Air, which are currently restricted from flying into the European Union (EU) due to sanctions.

 

A Rare Chance to Experience the Airbus A300

Iran Air Tours A306 EP-MDJ

The Airbus A300, the world’s first twin-engine widebody jet, debuted in 1974 and revolutionized the industry with its innovative design. While it once served the fleets of major airlines worldwide, the A300 has been largely retired from passenger service in favor of more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. Today, the A300 is primarily found in cargo operations, making Iran Airtour’s use of the aircraft for passenger flights a true rarity.

For aviation enthusiasts, this presents a unique opportunity. Flying on an A300 offers a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of aviation.

 

How to Spot or Fly on Iran Airtour’s A300

Iran Airtour’s twice-weekly flights between Tehran and Paris will operate from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airline’s schedule aligns with high-demand periods, ensuring good visibility for enthusiasts.

For those looking to fly on the A300, tickets can be booked directly through Iran Airtour’s website or affiliated travel agencies. Keep in mind that the airline’s expansion plans include routes to Germany, Spain, and Italy, so there may soon be additional options to experience this historic jetliner.

Keep in mind also that Iran is currently on the list of countries to be avoided by nationals of many countries.

 

A Look Back at Iran Airtour’s History

Photo (c)

Established in 1973 as a subsidiary of Iran Air, Iran Airtour originally operated domestic and regional flights. Over the decades, the airline carved out a niche by focusing on leisure destinations and affordable travel. Following privatization in 2011, Iran Airtour expanded its operations, transitioning to an independent airline with a growing network.

Despite its ambitions, the airline has faced significant challenges, including sanctions that restrict its access to modern aircraft and parts. As a result, Iran Airtour has relied on older aircraft like the A300, which it maintains to meet international safety standards. The airline’s recent certification under the EU’s Third Country Operator (TCO) regulations underscores its compliance with stringent aviation requirements, enabling it to operate within European airspace.

 

Sanctions and Their Impact on Iranian Airlines

The geopolitical landscape has heavily influenced the operations of Iranian airlines. Recent sanctions imposed by the EU and the UK have specifically targeted carriers accused of facilitating military activities. Airlines such as Iran Air and Mahan Air have been banned from flying into Europe, leaving a significant gap in connectivity for Iranian travelers.

Iran Airtour’s ability to secure TCO authorization is a notable achievement in this context. It demonstrates the airline’s commitment to meeting international standards, despite the broader challenges faced by Iran’s aviation sector. However, the reliance on aging fleets like the A300 reflects the difficulties Iranian airlines encounter in upgrading their aircraft due to trade restrictions and limited access to new planes.

 

The Future of Iran Airtour and Its European Expansion

Iran Airtour’s launch of flights to Europe is a bold step that highlights its resilience and ambition. The airline’s planned routes to Germany, Spain, and Italy will further establish its presence in Europe, offering increased travel options for passengers. These flights also have the potential to attract aviation enthusiasts eager to experience the A300 before it disappears from passenger service entirely.

Seyyed Reza Mousavi, CEO of Iran Airtour, has expressed confidence in the airline’s ability to fill these flights, citing strong demand among Iranian citizens, business travelers, and expatriates. With competitive pricing and convenient schedules, Iran Airtour aims to bridge the gap left by sanctioned carriers while positioning itself as a key player in the region.

 

Iran Airtour’s Fleet

Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Iran Airtour’s fleet comprises some 16 aircraft at the time of writing. However, a handful of these are thought to be stored or parked permanently.

The active fleet includes:

  • EP-MDJ, Airbus A300B4-600
  • EP-MDN, Airbus A300B4-600
  • EP-MDH, Airbus A310-300
  • EP-MDK, Airbus A310-300
  • EP-MDL, Airbus A310-300
  • EP-MDP, Airbus A310-300
  • EP-MDC, McDonnell Douglas MD-82
  • EP-MDD, McDonnell Douglas MD-82
  • EP-MDE, McDonnell Douglas MD-82
  • EP-MDG, McDonnell Douglas MD-82
  • EP-MDZ, McDonnell Douglas MD-82
  • EP-MDF, McDonnell Douglas MD-83
  • EP-MDV, McDonnell Douglas MD-83

 

Last Chance to Fly

If you’re looking for a reliable guide to the airlines still flying classic airliner types, like the Airbus A300, Douglas DC-3, Antonov An-24, Boeing 737-200 and many other types, you need Last Chance to Fly.

This guide is updated regularly with all the known operators of rare and historic airliners, and is available to download for Airport Spotting Premium Members.

To find out more and join, visit this link.

 

What do you think? Would you fly to Iran in order to fly on this classic aircraft type? Leave a comment below!

 

Title image: Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

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1 comment

MERV CROWE January 24, 2025 - 4:23 am

Certainly would not be flying on any IRAN AIR aircraft….fortunately have had 4 A300 flights, so no need to do it again.

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