Iraqi Airways has celebrated the arrival of its first Boeing 787. Registered as YI-ATC, the 787-8 arrived at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) earlier today, following a 13-hour delivery flight overnight from Charleston, SC (CHS).

The aircraft, which took to the skies for the first time last month on a test flight, will be operated by Iraqi Airways in a two-class configuration, carrying a maximum of 266 passengers - 24 in business class and 242 in economy class.

Image: FlightRadar24.com

The Iraqi flag carrier has nine further Boeing 787s on order - eight 787-8s and one 787-9. With its operational and economic efficiency, the Boeing 787 is well-placed to help the airline expand its long-haul route network and strengthen its presence in the international market.

The Director General of Iraqi Airways, Manaf Abdel-Monem, celebrated the news, saying,

“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. 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.”

Driving economic growth

Analysts predict that Iraq's GDP growth rate is set to hit 7% by the end of the year. By expanding and modernizing its fleet, Iraqi Airways is preparing to tap into the inevitable boom in air travel that such economic development will bring.

Boeing's President for the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, Kuljit S. Ghata-Aura also commented on the positive impact that Iraqi Airways' expansion itself could have on the country, saying,

“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."

A diverse and growing fleet

Iraqi Airways's fleet is made up of a diverse array of aircraft, with an average age of 11 years old. According to data from ch-aviation.com, this currently includes:

• 4 x Airbus A220-300
• 3 x Airbus A320
• 2 x Airbus A321
• 1 x Airbus A330-200
• 1 x Boeing 737-700
• 4 x Boeing 737 MAX 8
• 14 x Boeing 737-800
• 2 x Boeing 747-400
• 1 x Boeing 777-200LR
• 1 x Boeing 787-8
• 6 x Bombardier CRJ900LR

Photo: GingChen/Shutterstock

The airline is in the process of modernizing its fleet, and took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 in March 2023. In addition to the nine Boeing 787s now awaiting delivery, Iraqi Airways is also due to receive several additional narrowbody aircraft, including one Airbus A220-300, two 737 MAX 8s, and ten 737 MAX 10s.

Have you flown on Iraqi Airways? Which aircraft and route did you travel on? Share your experiences by commenting below.

Source: FlightRadar24.com, ch-aviation.com