Iraqi Airways has taken delivery of twin-aisle B777-200LR, the first from 30 jets ordered, as part of its efforts to rebuild the airlines fleet.
This is the first aircraft received from Boeing in the last 30 years, marking the beginning of a renewed partnership with the manufacturer and Iraq.
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Boeing sold the last commercial aircraft, a version of the 747 jumbo jet, to Iraq in 1982.
Iraqi Minister for Transportation Hadi al-Ameri said that the new aeroplane had the proven capabilities of connecting virtually any two cities in the world non-stop, in addition to carrying a full cargo payload.
With its efficiencies, the 777-200LR will be a strategic addition to the fleet, al-Ameri said.
"We are rebuilding our country’s aviation sector and the purchase of the Boeing 777-200LR will help us begin developing the long-haul market," he added.
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By GlobalDataThe flag carrier also has placed an order for 30 smaller 737-800s and ten 787s, with the first aircraft expected to be delivered in mid-2013.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia Sales vice president Marty Bentrott said the company welcomed the new beginnings of the Iraqi aviation sector and appreciated the trust that the Republic of Iraq placed in Boeing products.
The twin-engine 777-200LR can carry more passengers and cargo load, compared with other jets in the segment, even on routes where other aircraft have payload limit; according to Boeing, it also serves as the platform for the 777 twin-engine freighter variant.
Earlier this month, the flag carrier, which also operates two A321s, took delivery of its first wide-bodied A330-200 and plans to deploy the new aircraft to service on European and other international routes.
Founded in 1938, Iraqi Airways became a state-owned firm in 1946 and is one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East.
Image: The delivery of 777-200LR marks the first airplane for Iraq from Boeing in the last three decades. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
