Iran plans to manufacture its first wide-body aircraft following the successful launch of the domestically-built Iran-140 passenger plane, says an Iranian aviation industries official.

IRNA quoted the managing director of Iran's Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), Manouchehr Manteqi as saying that the Islamic Republic “has already taken the initial steps” for designing and building a wide-body airliner.

Manteqi made the remarks after his meeting with a delegation from the Antonov Aerospace Company in Tehran, where he added that Iran could use the Ukrainian company's assistance in the design and production of its first large passenger aircraft.

He also said that Iran is prepared to assemble new planes, including the Antonov-158 passenger plane in a joint venture with the Ukrainian company.

Iran has purchased a Ukrainian-made 100-seat Antonov-158, which was successfully tested in Tehran at the weekend.

Earlier, Manteqi said that the Islamic Republic seeks to export six domestically-built Iran-140 passenger planes in the near future. “Negotiations have been held with several countries in this regard and we have reached final agreement with one country,” Manteqi said.

Manteqi further pointed out that Iran will export six airplanes in the first stage and 30 airplanes later.

Iran is cooperating with Ukraine and Russia in assembling the 52-seat Antonov An-140 airliners, Press TV reported.