35 Facts About Iraqi Airways

History of Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has a rich history filled with interesting facts and milestones. Let's dive into some fascinating details about this airline.

1. Iraqi Airways was founded in 1945, making it one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East.
2. The airline's first flight took place on January 29, 1946, from Baghdad to Damascus.
3. Initially, Iraqi Airways used Douglas DC-3 aircraft for its operations.
4. In the 1950s, the airline expanded its fleet to include Vickers Viscount aircraft.
5. By the 1960s, Iraqi Airways had added jet aircraft to its fleet, including the Boeing 707.

Fleet and Destinations

Over the years, Iraqi Airways has grown its fleet and expanded its destinations. Here are some key points about its fleet and routes.

6. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
7. Iraqi Airways serves over 30 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
8. The airline's main hub is Baghdad International Airport.
9. In 2013, Iraqi Airways resumed flights to London after a 23-year hiatus.
10. The airline also operates domestic flights within Iraq, connecting major cities like Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah.

Challenges and Resilience

Iraqi Airways has faced numerous challenges throughout its history but has shown remarkable resilience. Here are some notable facts about the airline's struggles and comebacks.

11. The airline's operations were severely affected by the Gulf War in 1990-1991.
12. During the Iraq War in 2003, Iraqi Airways suspended all flights for several years.
13. Despite these challenges, the airline resumed operations in 2005.
14. In 2010, the European Union banned Iraqi Airways from flying to its member states due to safety concerns.
15. The ban was lifted in 2015 after the airline made significant improvements to its safety standards.

Modernization and Growth

Iraqi Airways has been working on modernizing its fleet and improving its services. Here are some facts about its recent developments.

16. In 2013, the airline received its first Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.
17. Iraqi Airways has also added new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft to its fleet.
18. The airline has invested in modernizing its in-flight entertainment systems.
19. Iraqi Airways has introduced online booking and check-in services to enhance passenger convenience.
20. The airline has also improved its frequent flyer program, offering more benefits to loyal customers.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts and interesting tidbits about Iraqi Airways that you might find intriguing.

21. The airline's logo features the golden eagle, a symbol of strength and resilience.
22. Iraqi Airways is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO).
23. The airline has a special livery on one of its aircraft to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
24. Iraqi Airways has a dedicated cargo division called Iraqi Airways Cargo.
25. The airline has a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, allowing passengers to book flights on both carriers.

Future Plans

Iraqi Airways has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to expand its network and improve its services. Here are some facts about its future goals.

26. The airline plans to add more long-haul destinations to its network, including flights to North America.
27. Iraqi Airways is considering adding more modern aircraft to its fleet, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
28. The airline aims to increase its frequency of flights to popular destinations like Dubai and Istanbul.
29. Iraqi Airways is working on improving its on-time performance and overall customer satisfaction.
30. The airline is also exploring the possibility of joining a global airline alliance to enhance its connectivity.

Fun Facts

Let's wrap up with some fun and quirky facts about Iraqi Airways that you might not know.

31. Iraqi Airways once operated a flight with an all-female crew to celebrate International Women's Day.
32. The airline has a tradition of serving traditional Iraqi cuisine on its flights.
33. Iraqi Airways has a special VIP lounge at Baghdad International Airport for its premium passengers.
34. The airline's call sign is "Iraqi," which is used by air traffic control to identify its flights.
35. Iraqi Airways has a strong social media presence, engaging with passengers and sharing updates on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Final Thoughts on Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways has a rich history and has faced many challenges. From its beginnings in 1945 to its modern fleet, the airline has shown resilience. Despite political and economic hurdles, it continues to serve passengers with dedication. The airline's fleet includes modern aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, ensuring a comfortable journey. Iraqi Airways also plays a crucial role in connecting Iraq to the world, fostering international relations and economic growth. Its commitment to safety and customer service remains a priority. With ongoing efforts to expand routes and improve services, Iraqi Airways aims to enhance passenger experience. The airline's story is one of perseverance and progress, reflecting the spirit of Iraq itself. As it looks to the future, Iraqi Airways is poised to soar to new heights, continuing its legacy of connecting people and places.