Saudi Arabian Airlines has denied claims that it delivered Boeing 777 aircraft previously in its fleet to a sanctioned entity.
In a statement, the company said, "We have seen claims in the media and on social media platforms that Boeing 777-200 aircraft previously owned by us were delivered to a sanctioned entity."
The statement noted that the aircraft in question were sold on June 7, 2023, in accordance with commercial and legal frameworks, to another company registered outside Saudi Arabia. The name of the buyer was not disclosed.
The airline stressed that it has had no operational or commercial ties to these aircraft since the date of sale.
On social media and platforms including the news account "Iran in Arabic," it was claimed that Iran had purchased five Boeing 777 aircraft previously belonging to Saudi Arabian Airlines and that these planes were undergoing maintenance in Iran.
Iran has faced severe restrictions for years in accessing aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services due to US and European Union sanctions on its aviation sector.