Asian Countries Aim to Establish Regional Aviation Regulations

TEHRAN (Iran News) Hossein Pourfarzaneh, speaking to IRNA, highlighted Iran’s growing ties with BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. He noted that for years, global aviation followed U.S. regulations, which significantly benefited Boeing, the American aerospace giant.

Pourfarzaneh, who is also Iran’s Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, explained that Europe took a similar step two decades ago by introducing EU aviation regulations, which helped expand Airbus. This move allowed many European nations to collaborate in manufacturing components for the aircraft, fostering broader cooperation.

He emphasized that Asia, with its robust economy and key players such as China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and Iran, is well-positioned to develop its own aviation framework.

“One of our goals is to lay the groundwork for establishing Asian aviation regulations,” he said. “If successful, we could even create a joint aircraft manufacturing company similar to Boeing and Airbus.”

Pourfarzaneh added that preliminary discussions with some Asian countries have been held, initial steps have been taken, and some agreements have already been drafted and signed. However, he stressed that the initiative requires further development and clarity regarding the roles and contributions of each participating nation. He also requested that this topic be discussed during BRICS and SCO meetings.

Iran has demonstrated strong capabilities in aircraft engine manufacturing, a fact acknowledged by both China and Russia. “We have been recognized as a significant player in this field,” Pourfarzaneh noted.

China recently unveiled its domestically developed passenger aircraft, the COMAC C919. Launched for commercial use in spring 2023, this aircraft meets international standards and is set to compete with Boeing and Airbus.

Currently, 14 C919 planes are operating across three domestic Chinese airlines, providing passenger services. COMAC has also opened an international office in Singapore to attract global customers and introduce the aircraft to reputable airlines worldwide.

The C919, capable of carrying 158 to 192 passengers over distances ranging from 4,000 to 5,500 kilometers, represents China’s first large passenger jet. Its prototype was developed in 2015, and the aircraft took its maiden flight in 2017.

This initiative marks a significant shift in the global aviation industry as Asia takes steps to challenge Western dominance and assert its role in aerospace innovation.