Iraqi Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner as part of its long-haul network expansion plan from its Baghdad base.
So far, the airline has ordered a total of ten such aircraft. It has also recently placed orders for six 737 MAX 8 and ten 737 MAX 10: it took delivery of four airplanes of the first variant between February and March this year and expects to introduce the larger version of the narrow-body family between 2024 and 2027.
See also: #TBT: Iraqi Airways’ flights between Iraq, Portugal and Brazil in 1980
Iraqi Airways’ first Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The aircraft, registered YI-ATC, has an interior configuration of 266 seats in two classes (24 seats in Business Class and 242 in Economy).
«We are proud to be taking delivery of an airplane with the capabilities of the 787 Dreamliner», said Manaf Abdel-Monem, Director General of Iraqi Airways. «As domestic and international air traffic gains momentum, it is crucial that our fleet matches growing demand with more efficient, capable and comfortable airplanes», he remarked.
«The 787 and 737 MAX airplanes we have received are key to our fleet renewal programme which aims to ensure we can fly our passengers around the world in the safety and comfort they expect from a modern and efficient airline like Iraqi Airways», Abdel-Monem concluded.
«Today marks a new beginning for Iraqi Airways, taking delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner that will support the airline in connecting Iraq to the world», said Omar Arekat, Boeing’s VP of Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East. «Boeing is committed to supporting Iraqi Airways’ ambition to bring greater optimization and new route possibilities to the region», he added.
Iraqi Airways’ growth plan
Iraqi Airways is now committed to fleet renewal and business growth after years of decline and inconvenience as a result of the situation on Iraqi soil.
In 2008, the national government financed the purchase of forty Boeing 737-800 and ten Bombardier CRJ 900LR. Only fourteen and six aircraft were delivered, respectively. In 2010, it modified its order with Boeing and ordered one 777-200LR and ten 787 Dreamliners.
However, the airline was blocked in 2015 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which denied it authorisation to fly over European Union territory, one of its main markets.
Despite this, it has since gradually managed to recover. In 2022 it took delivery of its first four Airbus A220, while February 2023 saw the delivery of the first Boeing 737 MAX. It currently operates more than forty Boeing’s aircraft and offers more than fifty routes from Baghdad.
See also: Iraqi Airways also grounds its Airbus A220 fleet due to engine problems
