Iran “Steals” Two Aircraft Out Of Europe — The Thrilling Story Of Iran’s Strategy To Evade Western Sanctions

The EruAsian Times-July 11th2024

Reports reveal that the two planes departed from Šiauliai Airport in Lithuania earlier this year, originally slated to fly to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. However, both aircraft mysteriously diverted off course, disconnected from all means of detection by air traffic control, and ultimately landed in Iran.

The two Airbus A340s were intended to head to South Asia in February but ended up at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran and Chabahar Konarak Airport, respectively. During their flights from Lithuania, the transponders on each plane, which enable aircraft to appear on radar systems, were switched off as soon as they entered Iranian airspace.

These planes belonged to the Gambian leasing company Macka Invest. A third A340 owned by the same Gambian company was stopped from departing Lithuania over fears it might follow the same route as the other two and is currently held at Šiauliai.

Aurelija Kuezada, director of Šiauliai Airport, commented on the incident: “The plane was due to fly to the Philippines, but we assume that it could have landed in Iran as well. Nothing could have prevented that. So we just didn’t let it go when we found out that the first plane had landed in Iran.”

Iran effectively smuggled the planes into the country, with Mahan Air claiming ownership of both aircraft. This maneuver was driven by the economic sanctions imposed by the US over Iran’s nuclear program, which prevented the nation from purchasing new planes.

Oro Navigacija, Lithuania’s state-owned navigation service provider, stated that none of the three planes had previously raised any suspicions. Their movement outside Lithuanian airspace was in compliance with the rules of air navigation service providers in other countries. However, the incident has caused significant concern among Lithuanian authorities.

Iran Unable To Buy New Aircraft

Iran’s aviation sector has long been hampered by outdated equipment and international sanctions, which have restricted its ability to acquire new aircraft. As a result, the country operates one of the oldest fleets globally, with airlines still relying on models such as the Airbus A300 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80.

The average age of Iran’s passenger planes is nearly 28 years, more than double the global average. Iran Air, the national carrier, continues to operate an Airbus A300 that is approaching 40 years of service.

Sanctions have specifically targeted the Iranian aviation industry by prohibiting the purchase of aircraft that include at least 10% US-manufactured parts.

This ban not only affects the acquisition of new Boeing jets but also impacts Airbus planes, which use American components and technology.