An Iraqi Airways Boeing 787-8 was recently spotted at Boeing facilities in Charleston. The aircraft will be the airline’s first Dreamliner, joining a diverse existing fleet, including narrowbodies and widebodies from both Boeing and Airbus. The airline is expecting a total of nine 787-8s and a single -9.
Spotted on March 16th
Spotted by Twitter user @IntelOmarion and posted to social media, the Iraqi Airways 787-8 appears to be registered YI-ATC. Data from BOE Family Flights notes that there is currently some debate as to whether this jet has line number 1159 or 1146. It’s worth noting, however, that ch-aviation.com’s list of the airline’s nine undelivered 787-8s shows one jet as 1159 (all other airframes lack any more information). Whatever the case, the finer details should be revealed in time.
Regarding other data available through ch-aviation.com, we see that 1159’s estimated delivery date is January 2024 and that Iraqi Airways is listed as the aircraft’s owner and manager. This information is likely outdated as other sources note that the airline expects its first 787 this year. The airline has been eyeing the 787s for quite some time, as a 2008 report by the Sydney Morning Herald notes that Iraq was finalizing its agreement for ten Dreamliners at the time.
The new aircraft expected at Iraqi Airways
Iraqi Airways is in the process of modernizing its fleet and adding newer-generation jets to its collection. According to ch-aviation.com data, the airline is expecting to take delivery of the following airframes at the time of publication:
- 1x Airbus A220-300
- 10x Boeing 737-10
- 5x Boeing 737-8
- 9x Boeing 787-8
- and 1 Boeing 787-9
Unfortunately, there is still very little detail available about the airline’s plans for the cabins of its widebodies. However, according to Satellite Evolution Group, Iraqi Airways has selected Panasonic Avionics to provide inflight entertainment systems for its narrowbody and widebody jets – including the new Boeing 787-8s and -9s.
Photo: Airbus
More specifically, these systems will be line-fitted with Panasonic’s eX3 (X Series), which is said to offer full HD seatback monitors, complete with capacitive touch displays. It’s also reported that passengers can access USB and laptop charging power points at every seat. Panasonic Avionics will also provide global high-speed connectivity services onboard the Dreamliners.
“Iraqi Airways celebrates its partnership with Panasonic Avionics on its new fleet, as it will provide passengers with entertainment services as well as add unique internet services, and it will be an enjoyable experience for passengers during their flights with Iraqi Airways.” -Farazdaq Al-Qazaz, Configuration and EIS Program Manager, Iraqi Airways via Satellite Evolution Group
So are you excited to see Iraqi Airways get its first Dreamliner? Is this an airline you’d like to try at some point? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment!
Sources: BOE Family Flights, ch-aviation.com, Planespotters.net, Sydney Morning Herald, Satellite Evolution Group
