IRNA – A group of experts from Iranian national flag-carrier airline ‘Iran Air’ left Tehran for France on Tuesday to test the ATR aircraft expected to join Iran’s passenger air fleet soon.

Iran Air Chairman Farhad Parvaresh had earlier told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that the first ATR 72-600 is scheduled to be delivered to Iran in two weeks.

The ATR72-600 passenger planes are suitable for short flights and they will be used to improve small airports and to making perfect use of the available airports, he added.

Since the delivery of the purchased ATR planes, based on the agreement, has been delayed the Iranian pilots have been sent to France to do the required tests, Parvaresh said.

Based on the agreement, Iran is to buy 20 ATR 72-600 valued at 400 million dollars to cover its short distance flights.

The ATR is co-owned by France’s Airbus and Italy’s Leonardo. The aircraft is capable of carrying 74 passengers.