Growing Fleet Signals Dreams of Middle Eastern Expansion

Boeing tendered the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Iraqi Airways, making it the first of 10 eventual aircraft in the carrier's fleet.

The delivery follows 4 737 MAX aircraft handed over since February of this year, with more on the way. Iraqi Airways has ordered a total of six 737-8s and 10 737-10s, providing its single-aisle fleet with more capability across its regional and medium-haul routes. The line currently offers service to 45 destinations from its home base in Baghdad, with plans to capitalize on Iraqi growth. Its competitors have seen a 40% increase in traffic from 2022 numbers, and with a 7% climb in domestic GDP, Iraqi Airways thinks it has a fine shot at chewing out increased market share throughout the Middle East.

“We are proud to be taking delivery of an airplane with the capabilities of the 787 Dreamliner. As domestic and international air traffic gains momentum, it’s crucial that our Iraqi Airways fleet matches growing demand with more efficient, capable and comfortable airplanes,” said Manaf Abdel-Monem, Director General of Iraqi Airways. “The 787 and 737 MAX airplanes we have received are key to our fleet renewal program 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.”

“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 vice president 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.”

“Air transport is at the heart of economic growth. It creates employment, facilitates trade, enables tourism and supports sustainable development. The arrival of the Boeing 787 today is an important step in connecting the Iraqi people to the region and the world,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, Boeing. “We look forward to supporting the Iraqi government and the Iraqi private sector as they grow Iraq’s commercial fleet and modernize the country’s commercial aviation infrastructure.”

FMI: www.flyiraqiairways.com