Boeing inks deal with Iranian airline

The commercial aircraft manufacturer signed a memorandum of agreement with Iran Aseman Airlines for 30 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes valued at $3 billion, with deliveries slated to begin in early 2022.    Boeing has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Iran Aseman Airlines for 30 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes valued at $3 billion, the commercial aircraft manufacturer said Tuesday.
   The agreement also provides Iran Aseman Airlines with purchase rights for an additional 30 737 MAXs.
   The U.S. Department of Commerce estimated the contract will create or sustain approximately 18,000 jobs in the United States alone, with deliveries slated to begin in early 2022.
   Boeing negotiated the MOA under U.S. government authorizations as Iran had to meet certain obligations under the nuclear accord signed in 2015. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control will monitor the Iran Aseman Airlines transaction with the U.S. government being a key factor in any and all ongoing and future contracts with Iran’s airlines.
   Back in December, Boeing negotiated a $16.6 billion agreement with Iran Air, authorizing the purchase of 80 aircraft, including 50 737 MAX 8s, 15 777-300ERs and 15 777-9s. An estimated 100,000 U.S. jobs will be supported through this agreement, with the first deliveries slated for 2018, according to Boeing.
   Both agreements were coordinated closely with U.S. government requirements but are facing headwinds from members of Congress. However, should the deals proceed without further incident, Boeing will be the first to export U.S. aircraft to Iran since the 1970’s.