File this under "something which has about as good of a shot as getting off the ground as Baltia Air Lines." Anyway, via Rudaw, Iraq's national carrier has announced that they plan on launching flights between Baghdad and Washington next year, per Iraqi Airways' Director General: "Iraq’s national flag carrier will begin its first direct…
Continue reading: Iraqi Airways To Launch Baghdad To Washington Flight In 2016?
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Although you've used a pretty picture of a 747, the press release says they are receiving new aircraft. I'm confident in predicting the Iraqis are not attmpting to fly that route with a 747.
Several European carriers were flying to bdad and Erbil before the latest conflict. The facilities themselves are compliant with international standards. The bigger question is whether Iraq itself can get more stable.
Last time i flew Iraq Airways it was a B727 between Budapest and Baghdad. It was a one class configuration. The coffeee maker exploded in the back with such a huge bang during flight that I dumped my dinner between my legs as I was sitting . I was wearing white jeans and dinner was chicken with thick dark brown mushroom sauce. When I got up, it was clear to others that I crapped myself. I didn't even try to explain.....
The Fly America Act (applicable for US Gov funded travel) allows travel on foreign flagged carriers where a segment isn't serviced by USA flagged (or USA codeshare) flights or where such USA flagged/codeshared flights don't meet mission requirements - e.g., an unreasonable delay or other legitimate reason. (There are other exceptions with countries where we have Open Skies agreements that meet requirements of the Act - though Iraq isn't one of those right now).
Why do you pretend that you'll actually review it - we've been waiting for the air India review for years now
Yep you must review it, and then Kuwait airways London to New York please. And then ARIK air please.
Your reviewing this has as good a shot as getting off the ground Baltia Air Lines. Stick to Emirates or Cathay F!
Why does anyone think you have any credibility? You don't know a damn thing about anything!
I saw an Iraqi Airlines (new) Boeing jet at the Boeing factory in Seattle last month.
You always take such great pleasure in mocking other countries and their people. Can't wait until you get to actually experience some of those people you treat with such contempt.
@Kurt
Ben doesn't try to know everything, but in the world of international airline service knows quite a bit. No one didn't say Iraq Airways doesn't have some new planes on order. But just that a very long haul route such as this is most likely just PR talk on the airline's wish side. These type of routes are complex with tons of regulation and he was just saying it was unlikely.
They'd be far better off working out a codeshare deal with one of the Gulf carriers.
Considering they're only able to operate to Europe via wetlease, I don't see them being able to serve the US market with their 'new aircraft' regardless of the economic viability of the service.
Interesting that you mention Baltia. Their B747 N706BL had a flight just yesterday, so I guess it is "off the ground" technically speaking. 🙂
Iraqi Air’s safety record is 2/7 and are banned from flying in the EU. Is there a way to see if they are endorsed by the FAA as a safe airline for US Citizens?