IRAQI AIRWAYS A330-300

[LaudaB777]

After 23 YEARS, Iraqi Airways started its non-stop service between LGW and Baghdad...was anyone on board? Any flight experience? What was the food like? Any updates would be great?! Shame the plane was without any colour scheme...its a wet leased A330-300.


Iraqi Airways launches Baghdad-London flights (http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/iraqi-airways-launches-baghdad-london-flights-383131/)

[vctenderness]

One of the first passengers could be Abu Hamza! I am willing to bung a few bob in for his fare. It's not far for him to get a taxi to Jordan either .

[LaudaB777]

Ha! Thanks...any serious replies please?!

[rolaaand]

Abu Hamza was extradited to the USA. He's in jail in New York awaiting trial.

[Mr A Tis]

Guess you got your Abu's mixed up.
Abu Hamza is in USA.
Maybe you meant Abu Qatada ?

I'd stick to aviation related facts, which after all is what this BB is for.
Where's the A330 leased from ?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Nostalgia.. I remember Iraqi Viscounts and Tridents at Heathrow. God, I must be old.

[fantom]

I'm interested to learn who was flying it.

[LaudaB777]

Nostalgia indeed....and the 727s and the 747SPs

I believe they leased the aircraft from RJ.

Here it is

Photos: Airbus A330-202 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Iraqi-Airways/Airbus-A330-202/2235485/L/&sid=1d035ba2c19e0bd6dc1626380cb9fcce)

Wouldn't the pilot be Boutrous Boutrous Boutrous Ghali?! (just kidding)

[Fly380]

I remember our wet lease with Iraqi Airways. Donaldson International operated 2 707's 1973/74. It was hard work as every LHR - Baghdad flight was 4 sectors. We also served Moscow, a 6 sector night around the Gulf, Paris and Delhi. We were always put in the best hotels and life in Baghdad was very pleasant but a bit hot at times. Good beer, a great British Club and there was even an inbound duty free shop. I had some very good times there and it was very safe in those days. A great shame things changed.:{

[crewmeal]

According to Airliners world the flight went via Malmo for a security stop. What's this all about? Surely a service like this won't attract to may customers.

[iraqi]

Guys, this was an A332. It was purchased and not leased. I believe it was initially ordered by Air Asia but the deal was cancelled.
Currently IAW are using Egyptian pilots for their newly acquired airbus fleet, which consists of 2x A320, 2xA321 and the A332.
IAW also purchased a B772, originally it was ordered by Air Austral, but they did not compete the purchase. This plane is currently sitting at BIAP with no planned routes.