BEIRUT: Iran does not have a problem obtaining financing for its aircraft deals and the delivery of purchased aircraft is on track, its deputy transport minister Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan said on Saturday, according to state media.

The state news item noted that an Iranian media outlet, which it did not name, had reported recently that Airbus had sold aircraft intended for delivery to Iran to other customers because Iran was having trouble obtaining financing.

Fakhrieh Kashan on Saturday described that report as a “rumour and media lie”.

“The financing has been finalised ... and until now there has been no change in that situation,” Fakhrieh Kashan said. “The timing of the delivery of the airplanes is in line with the contract.”

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2017