Technical Issue Grounds Iraqi Airways’ Sole Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Baghdad International Airport, Iraq – The operations of Iraqi Airways’ exclusive Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with registration YI-ATC, have been temporarily suspended due to a technical glitch. This state-of-the-art aircraft arrived at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on July 27, 2023, after completing a round trip from Istanbul Airport (IST).

As reported by Iraqi Airplanes, a dedicated Twitter account that tracks the airline’s latest developments, the Boeing 787-8 encountered a malfunction in its brake system computer. The aircraft will remain inactive for approximately two weeks, during which Boeing is expected to replace the faulty component.

In June 2023, Boeing proudly delivered the 787-8 to Iraqi Airways, which inaugurated its first flight on May 9, 2023, based on data from ch-aviation.com. Since its deployment to BGW, the Dreamliner has successfully operated flights connecting various destinations including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), and IST.

Iraqi Airways has strategically utilized the aircraft on the exclusive route between BGW and IST, featuring a daily frequency of two flights. Analyzing data from flightradar24.com, it can be observed that the Dreamliner averages a daily flight time of approximately four hours and 24 minutes since July 23, 2023.

Upon the initial delivery of the twin-aisle jet, Manaf Abdel-Monem, the Director General of Iraqi Airways, emphasized the importance of modernizing their fleet to meet the increasing demand. He stated, “The introduction of the 787 and 737 MAX airplanes is pivotal to our fleet renewal initiative, ensuring that Iraqi Airways can provide passengers with the safety, efficiency, and comfort they expect.”

Omar Arekat, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East at Boeing, also acknowledged the significance of this milestone delivery. He commented, “The handover signifies a fresh start for Iraqi Airways, and Boeing remains dedicated to supporting their aspirations for improved operations and expanded route options in the region.”

During this temporary grounding, Iraqi Airways looks forward to resuming the Boeing 787-8’s operations soon and continuing to provide efficient and comfortable air travel experiences to its passengers.