The first new Boeing jetliner sold to Iraq in 30 years touched down in Baghdad today, signalling the country's determination to rebuild its economy after decades of war and sanctions.
Iraq is eager to improve its creaky aviation industry, which lags far behind that of its energy-rich neighbours. Boeing's delivery of the twin-aisle 777-200LR plane comes less than two weeks after the company's chief rival Airbus announced the delivery of one of its own wide-body planes to Iraq.
"The arrival of this plane represents a big chance for Iraqi Airways to turn around," the Iraqi transportation minister Hadi Al Amiri said.
More planes are coming. Iraq has ordered another 30 of Boeing's smaller 737-800 model and 10 of its new 787. The first of the 737s will be delivered in the middle of next year, according to the Chicago-based plane maker.
Airbus in early December said it had delivered its first A330-200 to Iraq. Iraqi Airways, which plans to use that plane on European and other international routes, already operates two Airbus A321s.
Boeing last sold Iraq a commercial plane – a version of the 747 jumbo jet – in 1982, said Donald Galvanin, the company's sales director for the Middle East. He said this weekend's delivery is an important step toward improving Iraq's economy.
"To bring in business, you need a connection with outside ... and a viable airline," he said.
Iraq was able to get the 777 delivered now because another customer was unable to take it, Mr Galvanin said. He said he expects Baghdad may be interested in buying more of the long-range jets down the road because "they realise they would need a few more."
Iraqi Airways' efforts to turn itself around have been hobbled by ageing equipment, a lack of adequately trained staff and a long-running dispute with Kuwait stemming from Saddam Hussein's invasion in 1990.
* AP