What is the Complete History of Zagros Airlines?- A Journey of Growth

Zagros airline is an Iranian airline with a long history which has emerged as a regional airline company to one of the most significant players in both domestic and international airline sectors. History of this airline was set in the mid of 2000s, which explains the tendencies in the Iranian airline industry in regards to innovation, perseverance, and ambition.

Early Foundations and Growth

Zagros airlines was established in 2005 in Abadan, Iran but preparations to operate started as early as 2004 with registration in the Arvand free zone and acquisition of initial aircraft. The airline was also fast to determine Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran) and Mashhad International Airport as its main bases of operation which put it on the path of domestic as well as cross-border expansion. Zagros airlines initially began as a domestic carrier but shortly after in 2007 it began first international flights between Tehran and Damascus.

Fleet Expansion and Modernization

In the following years, the airline made great steps in fleet modernization and expansion. In September, 2013, the purchase of an Airbus A320-200 was an essential step towards the Western airliners. In January 2016, Zagros Airlines took the next step of modernizing its fleet, by acquiring the first Airbus A319 in Iran, which is also a milestone in the development of the aviation industry in the country. In March 2017, Zagros introduced its first A321-200 through a wet lease that can serve longer and more frequent routes locally and internationally.

To support its expansion and capacity improvement strategies, the memorandum of understanding was signed between Zagros Airlines and Airbus in June 2017, to purchase 28 new airplanes (20 A320neo and 8 A330neo). This was heralded as a big leap to the airline and the aviation industry in the country. The final order placement was however not done due to newly added international sanctions that stalled the fleet renewal efforts.

Pioneering Achievements and Social Milestones

The addition of the first Iranian female pilot to the list of the heads of a commercial passenger aircraft in the country since the 1979 Revolution was made in July 2019 with Neshat Jahandari making the first such flight in the history of Zagros Airlines. The same year, Jahandari captained the first all-women flight in Iran and the entire Middle East region with her aircraft, which was progress and inclusiveness in the aviation industry.

Operational Reach and Impact

In May 2023, the scope of the network was extended to have international flights and its destinations are Georgia, Iraq, and Uzbekistan. By August 2025, the aircraft that constitute the fleet of the airline include Airbus A319-100, Airbus A320-200 and McDonnell Douglas MD-82/MD-83, which is a combination of the latest and dependable technology. Zagros Airlines did not cease its good performance in terms of operational reliability and coverage due to the fleet renewal issues.

Legacy and Future Outlook

The history of Zagros Airlines is characterized by the innovation of its success and adaptation to operations, starting with the first fleet choice to defying gender stereotypes in the aviation industry. Irrespective of geopolitical challenges and sanctions on growth strategies, the airline has continued with its mission of linking Iranian cities to foreign locations, modernization of its airplanes, and to be like an emblem of innovation and strength in the region.

The airline will continue to provide a legacy that will be measured not only by its fleet or routes, but also its contribution to the development of the Iranian aviation, its contribution to social development, and its commitment to reach its excellence even in times of uncertainty.

Conclusion

Zagros Airlines is a symbol of survival and creativity in the aviation industry in Iran. Since its modest origins up to such great achievements as becoming the pioneer of gender equality in the cockpit, the airline has continued to bring people together and maintain inclusiveness. Zagros Airlines is determined to push through the obstacles in its way to the future, and the future of the Iranian aviation is bright.

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