Iran has reached a deal to buy jetliners from U.S. planemaker Boeing (BA), the country’s minister of roads and urban development was quoted on Tuesday as saying.
“In coming days details of the deal with this company will be announced,” Abbas Akhoundi said, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.
Boeing’s Middle East headquarters said it did not have any immediate comment.
Reuters reported last week that Iran was edging towards a historic deal to buy jetliners from Boeing for the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, potentially matching an order for over 100 jets from Europe’s Airbus.
The chairman of flag carrier Iranair told Reuters it was also talking to Boeing about providing support for its fleet under a deal between Tehran and six major powers to ease sanctions in return for curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iranair agreed in January to buy 118 jets worth $27 billion at list prices from Airbus. The deal was conditional on U.S. export licences because of the quantity of U.S.-built parts.