Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to buy five Bombardier CS300 mainline aircraft, in addition to options for CS300s, at the 2013 Dubai Airshow.

The firm order is valued at about $387m based on list prices, and could increase to $1.26bn if the 11 options are converted to firm orders.

Iraqi Airways chief executive officer and director general captain Saad Al-Khafaji said that over the last few years, the airline has used its CRJ900 NextGen aircraft to open routes and expand into new markets.

"Growing passenger demand in an increasingly competitive Middle East and European airline market has created a need for fuel-efficient, comfortable, technology-advanced aircraft like the CSeries jetliners," he said.

"The CSeries aircraft will complement Iraqi Airways’ CRJ900 NextGen aircraft operation as the airline looks to expand into new markets with fuel-efficient, comfortable, single-aisle aircraft."

Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft family was designed for the growing 100 to 149-seat market, and features advanced materials, technology and methods to comply with commercial airline requirements.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the aircraft family will offer a 15% operations costs advantage and a 20% improvement in fuel burn.

Iraqi Airways currently operates six CRJ900 NextGen regional jets.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Mike Arcamone said: "The CSeries aircraft will complement Iraqi Airways’ CRJ900 NextGen aircraft operation as the airline looks to expand into new markets with fuel-efficient, comfortable, single-aisle aircraft that can reach destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Northern Africa."

During the airshow, Bombadier also signed agreements with Nok Air of Thailand and Abu Dhabi Aviation for eight and two Q400 NextGen aircraft, respectively.


Image: CS300 aircraft in the livery of Iraqi Airways. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.

Defence Technology