US regulators have approved the export of spare components and technical data to repair engines on Airbus aircraft operated by Iran Air, despite US sanctions against the Iranian government.
Iran Air has grounded its six Airbus A310s owing to difficulties in maintaining them. The carrier has said it will not use the aircraft unless they are safe, but the US Department of State cites concerns from the US Federal Aviation Administration that their operation could be hazardous.
The FAA, it says, has called for "immediate overhaul" of the fleet's General Electric CF6s. "The concerns associated with the FAA warning and the air safety threat posed by the operation of these aircraft, absent these vital repairs, are grounds to recommend these actions," says the Department of State.
Source: Flight International
