The flag carrier of Iraq, Iraqi Airways, has set its sights on significant expansion as it eyes adding 31 new jets to its fleet, according to a report by the country's local media outlet Rudaw.

Fleet expansion

Intending to expand its international services, the airline has been renewing its fleet. Recent reports indicate that Iraqi Airways has finalized a purchase contract with both Airbus and Boeing, paving the way for the acquisition of 31 new aircraft.

However, specific details regarding the type of planes the airline intends to procure have not been disclosed. In a statement to Rudaw, Maitham al-Safi, Director of Media and Iraqi Government Communication, said:

"The Ministry of Transportation signed a contract with Boeing and Airbus companies regarding the purchase of modern aircraft … and 31 modern aircraft will enter service and be received sequentially until the end of 2027."

According to al-Safi, Iraqi Airways will receive new Boeing 737 MAXs, Airbus A220s, and a 787 Dreamliner with the purchase contract. As it stands, Iraqi Airways currently has a total of 39 aircraft in its fleet at an average age of 11.2 years, according to ch-aviation.com.

Photo: Airbus

The airline's fleet stands out for its diversity and comprises 15 737NGs, four 737 MAX 8s, six Bombardier CRJ900s, four A220s, three A320s, two A321s, two 747-400s, one A330, one 787-8, and one 777-200LR.

Meanwhile, the airline presently has 22 aircraft on order, including 10 737 MAX 10s, nine 787 Dreamliners, two 737 MAX 8s, and a single A220-300 jet.

Iraqi Airways received its first delivery of the 787-8 in late June 2023. The airline's latest widebody aircraft is designed with a two-class layout, accommodating up to 266 passengers, with 24 seats in business class and 242 seats in economy class. Flightradar24.com data indicates that the airline's 787 is frequently deployed on routes connecting Baghdad and Istanbul, Beirut, Jeddah, and more.

Seeking to lift the EU ban

From its Baghdad hub, Iraqi Airways presently operates flights to destinations across the Middle East and Asia. The airline is currently prohibited from operating within the European Union due to the airspace ban following its failure to secure a Third Country Operators certificate (TCO) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Photo: GingChen/Shutterstock

The Iraqi authorities have been eager to lift the EU ban. In a recent meeting held in Dubai in March 2023, EASA and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) delegations met to discuss the procedures for lifting the restrictions and starting new routes.

The Director General of Iraqi Airways stated that they had made significant steps in completing the required procedures, including complying with all local and international aviation authorities' requirements, particularly EASA's.

Sources: Rudaw, ch-aviation.com