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Vintage Airbus A300-600 continues service with Iran Airtour for over 38 years

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Vintage Airbus A300-600 continues service with Iran Airtour for over 38 years
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Airbus A300-600 | Wikipedia

As of early 2025, Iran Airtour continues operating a rare Airbus A300-600, registered as EP-MDJ. Delivered in 1987, this aircraft remains active in commercial service, marking over 38 years of operation. The plane, among the oldest passenger-configured A300 jets still in use, is managed by Iran Airtour, a subsidiary of Iran Air, and is based at Mashhad Airport.

This vintage Airbus started its journey after being ordered by Iberia in 1972, although it first flew on December 31, 1986. Lufthansa received the aircraft in March 1987. "EP-MDJ was built as an Airbus A300B4-603, to be exact," serving Lufthansa under the registration D-AIAH for nearly 23 years before being retired in July 2009.

The Airbus A300, introduced by Airbus in 1972, was the first twin-engine widebody, enhancing passenger capacity and efficiency. The A300-600 variant offered a longer fuselage and digital cockpit technology. The A300-600 incorporated several advances, including increased cargo and passenger capacities and simplified systems to improve range and payload.

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After its tenure with Lufthansa, the aircraft was acquired by Mahan Air in 2010, rebranded EP-MNJ. "With its headquarters in Tehran, Mahan Air is a privately held Iranian airline," operating both domestic and international flights. The aircraft regularly served Mahan Air until its retirement in 2023.

In late 2023, Iran Airtour purchased the veteran A300, assigning it the current registration of EP-MDJ. Since its establishment in 1973, Iran Airtour has provided internal flights and international services, becoming privatized in 2010. The airline has been working to start regular flights to Europe using the A300-600 model.

The Airbus A300-600 was known for several attributes such as fuel efficiency, range, and a redesigned cockpit. Typical specifications included a range of 4,050 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.82, with the capacity to carry up to 266 passengers.

Older aircraft like the A300-600 have attracted airlines for strategic reasons, offering economic and reliable service. Lower acquisition and leasing costs make them financially appealing. Additionally, these aircraft can be repurposed for cargo to extend their service life further.

"Keeping older airliner jets in service is a balanced approach that balances affordability, dependability, flexibility, and sustainability, bringing operational efficacy and economic viability into line." These benefits are continually weighed by airlines keen to maximize their fleet's potential.

Organizations Included in this History
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