Iraqi Airways welcomes first Dreamliner
On 22 June 2023, Iraqi Airways celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a special event in Baghdad, to welcome the flag-carrier’s super-efficient widebody jet. The Iraqi flag carrier has taken the first of ten Dreamliners on order, to profitably grow its long-haul network and connect Iraq to more international destinations. B787-8 YI-ATC (40108) arrived at Baghdad with the appropriate flight number IA7878, straight from the Boeing-factory in Charleston (SC).
The delivery of Iraqi Airways’ first 787 follows delivery of four Boeing 737 MAXs since February. The airline has ordered a total of six 737-8s and ten 737-10s, providing its single-aisle fleet with more capability across its regional and medium-haul routes.
Iraqi Airways currently serves more than fifty destinations from Baghdad and is expanding and renewing its fleet to support the anticipated increase in international business and leisure travel to and from the country. Iraq is seeing increased stability and economic growth, with the country’s annual gross domestic product growth rate expected to reach 7% by the end of 2023. With global air traffic rebounding, Middle Eastern airlines are seeing more than a 40% traffic increase compared to last year.
In addition to the 737-8 and 787-8, Iraqi Airways operates a fleet of more than forty Boeings, including 737-800s, 747s and 777s, serving more than fifty destinations from Baghdad.
Photo: Aeronews