Iran's Simorgh aircraft enters certification phase

Tehran - BORNA - Hossein Shokri, Secretary of the Headquarters for Aerospace, Transportation and Urban Development, said the project has advanced to one of its most critical stages following continued government support.

"The Simorgh aircraft project has now entered the process of obtaining standards, permits and certification—a decisive stage that will determine its entry into the operational cycle," Shokri said.

He noted that the company leading the project is working closely with Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) and the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran to accelerate the certification process.

"We hope that, through closer cooperation, the process of obtaining certification—whether in the form of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) or a Type Certificate (TC)—will move forward more rapidly," he added.

Developed on the platform of the Iran-140 aircraft, Simorgh has been designed primarily as a domestically built cargo aircraft aimed at strengthening Iran's air freight and logistics capabilities while advancing the country's expertise in aircraft design, testing, certification and manufacturing.

Iranian officials view the project as part of broader efforts to expand indigenous capabilities in the aviation sector amid longstanding restrictions on access to foreign aviation technologies and equipment due to decades-long, unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran.

The project also relies on the participation of knowledge-based companies in areas ranging from subsystem design and manufacturing to testing, technical compliance, documentation, standardization and certification support.

Officials describe Simorgh as an example of cooperation between Iran's aviation industry and its innovation ecosystem, with the potential to increase the role of domestic technology firms in major national aerospace projects.

Shokri said the Vice Presidency for Science continued its financial and technical support for the project throughout the past year in line with agreements reached with the knowledge-based company involved.

"In accordance with the directives of the Vice President for Science, the project received full support last year, and we hope this backing will continue as implementation progresses," he said.

Shokri emphasized that the Vice Presidency acts solely as a facilitator and supporter rather than the owner of the project.

Regarding the project's timeline, Shokri said current estimates still point to 1406 for commercial entry, although delays caused by interruptions last year could slightly affect the schedule.

"Our estimates are still focused on 1406, although a short delay is possible due to the disruptions that occurred last year. Nevertheless, experts and specialists are pursuing the project seriously," he said.

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