Summary
- Iraqi Airways has received its fifth Airbus A220, completing its order for five A220-300s and progressing its fleet modernization plans.
- The airline’s initial letter of intent for as much as 16 Airbus A220s in 2013 has now materialized into five firm orders.
- Iraqi Airways goals to have a complete of 31 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft in its fleet by 2027 and recently welcomed its first Boeing 787, with more deliveries expected in the longer term.
Iraqi Airways has taken delivery of its fifth Airbus A220, registered as YI-ARH. With this latest arrival, the Iraqi flag carrier’s order for five A220-300s has been fulfilled, and its ambitious fleet modernization plans are underway.
Iraqi Airways signed a letter of intent for as much as 16 Airbus A220s in 2013 when the aircraft was referred to as the Bombardier CSeries. On the time, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Director General, Saad Al-Khafaji, highlighted the benefits that the aircraft would bring, saying,
“The CS300 aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency, and comfy, widebody-like cabin will permit us to reply to growing passenger demand and reach destinations across the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Europe.”
Ferry flight from Canada to Iraq, via Norway
Iraqi Airways’ latest A220-300 touched down at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) within the afternoon of August twenty seventh. The aircraft’s ferry flight took it from Montreal-Mirabel International Airport (YXM) via Oslo Airport (OSL), with the routing visible on the flight tracking website, FlightRadar24.com:
Photo: Dmitry Rogachev | Shutterstock
Iraqi Airways recently revealed its ambition to have 31 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft in its fleet by 2027. The airline received its first of nine Boeing 787s in June 2023 and hopes to take delivery of its second in September. Once all of the Dreamliner deliveries are complete, Iraqi Airways could have eight 787-8s and one 787-9 in its fleet.
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
They’ll join the airline’s sole Boeing 777-200LR in operating the carrier’s limited long-haul network. Currently, the furthest destination that Iraqi Airways operates to is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia.
Have you ever flown on certainly one of Iraqi Airways’ Airbus A220s? Which route did you travel on? Share your experiences by commenting below.