Branson to Baghdad

[mr.777]

Just read on VS website that they'll be starting scheduled services to Iraq "as soon as is feasible".Surely this is a joke!Or yet another prestigious destination for Virgin to rank alongside Port Harcourt and Lagos.Wonder how the crew feel about this one?!
Anyway,anyone got any further info?
777.

[CandyBender]

Yet more "spin" & hype from the bearded one.......BA still have the rights to fly to BGW & would still be flying the route had it not been for the 1st Gulf War.


BA Press Release 20apr03


Return to Baghdad

British Airways is in talks with the UK government to resume scheduled flights from London to Baghdad following a 13 year gap.

The airline served Iraq for more than 60 years until the last Gulf War.

British Airways’ Chief Executive Rod Eddington said: "We have been in discussions with the UK government for some time about relief flights and resuming scheduled services. We have a long history of flying to Iraq and are keen to re-establish regular services as soon as political stability and security return to the country.

"We have the rights to fly to Iraq and we are now awaiting confirmation from the British government that it is safe to return."

British Airways plans to operate a Boeing 767 aircraft three times a week from London Heathrow to Baghdad, which would bring the number of its services to Middle East destinations to 13 in 10 countries.

The airline flies to more destinations in the Middle East than any other European carrier.


April 20, 2003





BA Press Release 20apr03



http://www.britishairways.com/press/?source=RHG_press_en