Commercial Aviation
Mahan Air Expands Fleet with Boeing 777s Despite Sanctions Enforcement Gaps
Mahan Air acquires five Boeing 777s via complex transfers, revealing weaknesses in international sanctions enforcement and aviation oversight.
In a world where international sanctions are designed to isolate and deter, Iran’s Mahan Air has demonstrated a persistent ability to adapt and navigate around restrictions. The recent acquisition of five Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, previously operated by Singapore Airlines and NokScoot, highlights a complex and opaque process often used to maintain and modernize Iran’s commercial aviation fleet despite heavy sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
These aircraft transfers are not merely about fleet expansion, they represent a broader geopolitical strategy. Mahan Air, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2011 for alleged ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), continues to operate internationally, often through indirect and covert means. The airline’s actions raise critical questions about the effectiveness of sanctions enforcement and the global mechanisms that allow such transfers to occur.
This article delves into the background of Mahan Air’s sanctions, the detailed pathway through which the Boeing 777s were acquired, expert insights on the implications of such transactions, and the broader context of Iran’s aviation strategy under sanctions pressure.
Mahan Air is Iran’s largest private airline, founded in 1991 and based in Tehran. It has been on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list since 2011, accused of transporting weapons, personnel, and funds on behalf of the IRGC-Qods Force. These allegations have led to strict prohibitions on the airline’s access to Western-manufactured aircraft, parts, and services.
Despite these restrictions, Mahan Air has developed a reputation for circumventing sanctions through a network of third-party intermediaries and shell companies. Previous acquisitions of aircraft like the Airbus A340s and older Boeing jets often involved re-registration in countries with limited sanctions enforcement, such as Cambodia or Madagascar.
This pattern of evasion is not new. Aviation analysts have documented several instances where Iranian carriers have used complex transfer routes, ownership structures, and technical workarounds to maintain operational fleets. The Boeing 777 case represents the latest and perhaps most sophisticated example of this ongoing strategy.
The five Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in question were originally delivered to Singapore Airlines in the late 1990s and later transferred to NokScoot, a now-defunct Thai low-cost carrier. After NokScoot ceased operations in 2020, the aircraft were stored in Alice Springs, Australia, a common site for long-term aircraft storage due to its dry climate.
In 2023, a U.S.-based company named Ion Aviation acquired the aircraft and registered them under U.S. tail numbers. This move initially raised few red flags, as the aircraft were ostensibly being repositioned for resale or refurbishment. However, the subsequent movements of the aircraft suggest a different intent. From Australia, the aircraft were flown to Lanzhou, China, and then to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Maintenance work was reportedly conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia. On July 15, 2025, the aircraft departed Cambodia, disabled their transponders over Afghanistan, a known tactic to avoid radar detection, and later reappeared in Iranian airspace with new registrations issued by Madagascar.
“Tracking secondary market transactions often reveals these deals early, but enforcement remains weak.” — Sean M. Diamond, Aviation Analyst
The Boeing 777-200ERs, though over two decades old, still offer operational advantages over Mahan Air’s older Airbus A340s. The aircraft are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 884 engines, which share maintenance compatibility with Iran Air’s Airbus A330s, easing integration into existing infrastructure.
Financially, the acquisition of used 777s is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing new aircraft. Estimates suggest these aircraft were acquired for between $7 million and $20 million each, compared to the $410–442 million price tag for a new Boeing 777X. While refurbishment costs can reach up to $20 million per aircraft, the overall investment remains substantially lower.
This cost-conscious strategy aligns with Iran’s broader approach to aviation under sanctions: prioritize second-hand aircraft that are easier to acquire through indirect channels, and invest in domestic maintenance and refurbishment capabilities to keep them operational.
The international community, particularly the U.S. and EU, has expressed concern over Mahan Air’s continued ability to expand its fleet despite existing sanctions. The U.S. Treasury has reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanctions, but experts argue that enforcement mechanisms remain porous, especially when aircraft are funneled through multiple jurisdictions.
Countries like Madagascar and Cambodia have been identified as weak links in the sanctions chain. Their aviation authorities have issued registrations and facilitated transits without thorough scrutiny, enabling sanctioned entities to operate with a veneer of legality. These gaps are further exploited through the use of shell companies and complex ownership structures.
The EU recently imposed additional sanctions on Mahan Air, citing its role in transporting military equipment to Russia. These developments underscore the dual-use nature of Mahan Air’s operations, where civilian aircraft may also serve military or paramilitary functions.
Experts highlight the need for more proactive monitoring of secondary aircraft markets. Sean M. Diamond notes that while transactions are traceable, the lack of timely enforcement allows aircraft to change hands and jurisdictions before authorities can intervene. The use of U.S.-based entities like Ion Aviation further complicates the picture, revealing systemic vulnerabilities in compliance frameworks. EU officials have called for tighter coordination between aviation authorities and sanctions enforcement bodies. They argue that without a unified global approach, sanctioned entities will continue to exploit regulatory discrepancies to maintain and expand their fleets.
The broader implication is a weakening of the deterrent effect of sanctions. If entities like Mahan Air can consistently bypass restrictions, it may embolden other actors to adopt similar tactics, undermining the credibility of international sanctions regimes.
The case of Mahan Air’s acquisition of former Singapore Airlines Boeing 777s illustrates the complex interplay between aviation commerce, international sanctions, and geopolitical strategy. Despite being under stringent U.S. and EU sanctions, Mahan Air has managed to expand its fleet through a carefully orchestrated network of intermediaries, jurisdictions, and technical maneuvers.
This development not only raises questions about the effectiveness of current sanctions enforcement but also highlights the need for greater international collaboration to close loopholes. As Iran continues to modernize its aviation sector under constraints, the global community must reassess its tools and strategies to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of sanctions frameworks.
How did Mahan Air acquire the Boeing 777s despite sanctions? What are the implications of this acquisition? Why are older aircraft like the 777-200ER attractive to Mahan Air? What is the global response to such actions?
Introduction: Sanctions, Aviation, and Strategic Maneuvers
Background: Sanctions and Mahan Air’s History of Evasion
Aircraft Origin and Ownership Trail
Technical and Financial Considerations
Global Reactions and Enforcement Gaps
Expert Analysis and Policy Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
Through a series of indirect transactions involving U.S.-based and international intermediaries, and by re-registering the aircraft in countries with limited enforcement of sanctions.
It demonstrates weaknesses in international sanctions enforcement and suggests that sanctioned entities can still access Western aircraft through complex channels.
They offer a cost-effective solution for long-haul operations and are easier to integrate into existing infrastructure compared to newer, more expensive models.
The U.S. and EU have reiterated their sanctions, but experts argue that enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing such transfers to occur.Sources
Photo Credit: Montage
Route Development
SAS and TAROM Codeshare Connects Scandinavia and Romania in 2026
SAS and TAROM announce a codeshare agreement effective February 2026, enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania with SkyTeam benefits.
This article is based on an official press release from SAS Group.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and TAROM, the flag carrier of Romania, have announced a comprehensive codeshare agreement set to commence on February 9, 2026. The partnership aims to restore and enhance connectivity between Northern Europe and Romania following SAS’s strategic shift to the SkyTeam alliance.
According to the official announcement from SAS Group, the agreement will allow passengers to book single-ticket journeys between the two regions by utilizing major European transit hubs. This move integrates TAROM, a long-standing SkyTeam member, more deeply with SAS, which officially joined the alliance on September 1, 2024.
The collaboration addresses a significant gap in network connectivity, offering business and leisure travelers seamless baggage check-through and reciprocal loyalty benefits. Paul Verhagen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, emphasized the strategic value of the deal in a statement:
“This new partnership with TAROM marks an important step in enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania. By combining our networks and offering smooth transfers via key European hubs, we are giving our customers more choice, flexibility, and convenience.”
Rather than launching direct flights immediately, the airlines are leveraging a “virtual hub” strategy. According to the press release, the codeshare will route traffic through four key intermediate airports: Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), and Prague (PRG).
Under the terms of the agreement:
This structure allows the airlines to offer competitive travel times and frequency without dedicating aircraft to direct point-to-point routes, which are currently dominated by low-cost carriers.
This agreement is a direct consequence of the major airline alliance realignment that occurred in late 2024. When SAS departed Star Alliance to join SkyTeam, it lost its traditional connectivity to Eastern Europe provided by partners like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Partnering with TAROM allows SAS to rebuild its footprint in the region using SkyTeam infrastructure.
For TAROM, the deal unlocks access to the high-yield Scandinavian market. The Romanian carrier is currently in the midst of a fleet modernization program, transitioning from aging aircraft to new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets expected to arrive in late 2025 and 2026. By utilizing SAS for the northern leg of the journey, TAROM can expand its network reach while conserving its own metal for other high-demand routes. Narcis Obeadă, Commercial Director at TAROM, hinted at further expansion in the company’s statement:
“In the coming period, TAROM will announce new commercial agreements, in line with the company’s mission to safely and efficiently connect Romania and Romanian culture to the international air transport network.”
Travelers utilizing the codeshare will benefit from the full suite of SkyTeam alliance perks. Members of SAS EuroBonus and TAROM’s loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem points on these codeshare flights. Additionally, premium passengers will gain access to SkyTeam lounges at transit hubs.
The passenger experience on the SAS leg of these journeys is also set for an upgrade. SAS is currently rolling out free high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, a project the airline states will be widely available by late 2025.
The “Prague” Anomaly and Market Positioning
The inclusion of Prague (PRG) as a connection hub is a notable operational detail. Following the cessation of operations by Czech Airlines (CSA) as a standalone SkyTeam member in October 2024, Prague is no longer a primary alliance hub. The decision to route traffic through PRG suggests a strong bilateral interline capability between SAS and TAROM that functions independently of major alliance hub infrastructure.
Furthermore, this deal clearly targets the premium business segment. While low-cost carrier Wizz Air operates direct flights between Bucharest and Copenhagen, legacy carriers cannot compete purely on price. Instead, SAS and TAROM are competing on schedule flexibility (multiple daily frequencies via hubs) and corporate perks (lounge access, baggage interlining). With tourism to Romania rising, foreign arrivals were up 13.4% year-on-year as of August 2024, the demand for reliable, full-service connectivity is likely to grow.
When can I book these codeshare flights? Will my bags be checked through to the final destination? Do these flights count toward SkyTeam Elite status?
SAS and TAROM Launch Strategic Codeshare to Connect Scandinavia and Romania
Operational Details: The Virtual Hub Strategy
RO marketing code on SAS flights connecting Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to these intermediate hubs.SK marketing code on TAROM flights connecting Bucharest to the same hubs.Strategic Context: The SkyTeam Realignment
Passenger Experience and Loyalty
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The codeshare agreement is effective starting February 9, 2026. Tickets should be available through both airlines’ booking channels prior to this date.
Yes. Because this is a full codeshare agreement, passengers traveling on a single ticket (e.g., Bucharest to Stockholm via Amsterdam) will have their baggage checked through to the final destination.
Yes. Flights marketed and operated by SkyTeam members (SAS and TAROM) count toward tier status and accrue redeemable miles/points according to the rules of your specific loyalty program.
Sources
Photo Credit: SAS Group
Route Development
Starlux Airlines Launches Taipei to Prague Flights in 2026
Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop service between Taipei and Prague in August 2026, featuring its exclusive First Class on the Airbus A350-900.
This article summarizes reporting by One Mile at a Time and Ben Schlappig.
Starlux Airlines, the Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has officially announced its expansion into the European market. According to reporting by One Mile at a Time, the airline will launch nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Prague (PRG) beginning August 1, 2026. This development marks a major milestone for the “boutique” airline, representing its first long-haul destination outside of North America.
The new route signals a strategic shift for Starlux, which has previously focused its long-haul efforts exclusively on transpacific flights to the United States. By deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this sector, the airline intends to compete directly with legacy carriers by offering a premium-heavy configuration, including its exclusive First Class cabin.
Based on schedule data cited by One Mile at a Time and confirmed by Prague Airport, the service will initially operate three times weekly. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to increase frequency to four times weekly by adding Mondays starting in October 2026.
The operational schedule is as follows:
Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport, welcomed the new connection in a statement regarding the launch.
“We estimate that the route will be used by approximately 95,000 passengers in the first year of operation.”
, Jiří Pos, Chairman of Prague Airport
Travelers on this route will experience Starlux’s most premium hardware. One Mile at a Time notes that the Airbus A350-900 is the only aircraft type in the Starlux fleet equipped with a First Class cabin. The aircraft features a total of 306 seats across four distinct classes:
This deployment is significant because it brings a true First Class product to the Taipei-Prague market, distinguishing Starlux from competitors that may only offer Business Class on similar routes.
While major European hubs like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle are often the first ports of call for Asian carriers expanding westward, Starlux’s choice of Prague is driven by specific economic factors rather than traditional tourism volume alone. The Semiconductor Connection “Prague is a long-favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, and growing semiconductor industry ties are expected to further drive demand…”
, Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines
Competitive Landscape According to the reporting by Ben Schlappig, this route is likely just the beginning of Starlux’s European ambitions. The airline has indicated plans to launch a second European destination later in 2026. While not officially confirmed, industry reports suggest Milan (MXP) is a strong contender, which would align with the carrier’s Strategy of connecting high-value fashion and business hubs.
Starlux Airlines Selects Prague for First European Route
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
Onboard Experience: The Airbus A350-900
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Market Positioning
We observe that the economic ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic have deepened significantly due to the semiconductor industry. With major investments from Taiwanese tech giants in Central Europe, business travel demand is high. Starlux CEO Glenn Chai highlighted this synergy in his remarks regarding the Launch.
Starlux will face direct competition from China Airlines, which launched the same route in July 2023. However, Starlux appears to be betting on its “luxury boutique” brand identity to capture high-yield business travelers and premium leisure tourists who prioritize cabin comfort and newer aircraft hardware.
Future European Expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Starlux Airlines
Commercial Aviation
Airnorth Extends Fleet Support Agreement with Embraer
Airnorth renews its multi-year Embraer Pool Program contract to maintain fleet reliability and component support for E170 and E190 jets in remote regions.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Airnorth, Australia’s premier regional airline, has officially reaffirmed its long-standing relationship with Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. On February 6, 2026, the companies announced a multi-year extension of a comprehensive fleet support agreement covering Airnorth’s operation of E170 and E190 jet aircraft.
According to the announcement, the renewed contract falls under the “Embraer Pool Program,” a service solution designed to streamline maintenance and component availability. This extension ensures that Airnorth’s fleet, which serves some of the most remote and challenging routes in Northern Australia and Timor-Leste, retains direct access to Embraer’s global technical support and component exchange network.
The primary focus of the agreement is to guarantee operational reliability for Airnorth’s jet fleet. Operating out of Darwin, the airline connects remote communities across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia, as well as international services to Dili, Timor-Leste. In these isolated environments, supply chain logistics are critical; an “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) event due to a missing part can cause significant disruptions.
Under the terms of the Pool Program, Airnorth gains access to a large stock of components at Embraer’s distribution centers. This arrangement allows the airline to minimize upfront capital investment in high-value repairable inventories. Instead of purchasing and warehousing expensive spare parts, Airnorth utilizes Embraer’s exchange service, converting fixed inventory costs into predictable operating expenses.
In a statement regarding the extension, Bradley Norrish, Airnorth’s Supply Chain Manager, emphasized the critical nature of OEM support for regional connectivity:
“Reliability is everything for a regional airline like Airnorth. This agreement gives us confidence that our Embraer fleet is backed by world-class OEM support, with fast access to components and technical expertise when and where we need it. It also allows us to manage costs more effectively… and keep our focus where it belongs, safely connecting communities.”
The relationship between the two entities spans nearly two decades. Airnorth was the launch customer for the Embraer E170 in Australia, introducing the type in 2007 to replace smaller turboprops on key routes. The airline later expanded its jet capacity by introducing the larger E190 to handle increased passenger volumes on trunk routes such as Darwin-Perth and Darwin-Cairns.
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, highlighted the durability of the partnership in the company’s press release: “We are proud to mark a decade of partnership with Airnorth and appreciate their renewed confidence in Embraer through this agreement. Operating in some of the region’s most challenging conditions, Airnorth plays a vital role in connecting communities.”
From our perspective at AirPro News, this renewal highlights a broader trend among regional operators to lean heavily on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support programs as their fleets mature. The E170, while a robust airframe, has been out of production for some time as the industry shifts toward the E2 variants. By locking in a Pool Program agreement, Airnorth effectively insulates itself from the volatility of the secondary parts market.
Furthermore, for an airline owned by the Bristow Group, which specializes in vertical flight solutions and demands high safety standards, guaranteed component availability is a strategic necessity rather than a luxury. The ability to access a global pool of parts ensures that Airnorth can maintain high dispatch reliability despite operating in a region known for extreme weather and logistical isolation.
According to the details provided by Embraer, the Pool Program extension includes the following key services:
This agreement ensures that Airnorth remains a dominant force in Northern Australian aviation, capable of maintaining the rigorous schedules required to serve both resource sector clients and remote communities.
Sources:
Airnorth Secures Fleet Reliability with Extended Embraer Pool Program Deal
Enhancing Operational Stability in Remote Regions
A Decade of Partnership
AirPro News Analysis
Summary of Services
Photo Credit: Embraer
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