The first domestically produced aircraft will join Iran's fleet in the next three years, the head of Civil Aviation Organization of Iran (CAOI) Mohammad Mohammadi-Bakhsh said, Mehr reported.

 "I predict that the first Iranian passenger aircraft will enter the passenger fleet in the next 36 months," he said.

He said the government has instructed the ministries of roads, industry and defense to work together and form a trilateral consortium to develop and produce the Iranian aircraft.

He added that the necessary budget has been allocated for the project, adding that the defense ministry will be in charge of production.

The official also said that Iran needs "550 aircraft, which should be available either through domestic production or through importing new aircraft or buying used aircraft."