Iraqi Airways Signs LOI with Bombardier

Officials from Bombardier Aerospace have announced that Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire five CS300 mainline jetliners. The LOI includes options on 11 CS300 aircraft.

 

Based on CS300 airliner list price, a firm order would be valued at approximately US$387 million US and could increase to US$1.26 billion if the 11 options are converted to firm orders. Iraqi Airways operates six CRJ900 NextGen regional jets.

 

"Over the last few years, Iraqi Airways has successfully utilized its CRJ900 NextGen aircraft to open routes and expand into new markets, and today we are pleased to be taking the next step by expanding and complementing our network operations with the addition of the CS300 aircraft," says Captain Saad Al-Khafaji, Chief Executive Officer and Director General, Iraqi Airways. "Growing passenger demand in an increasingly competitive Middle East and European airline market has created a need for fuel-efficient, comfortable, technology-advanced aircraft like the CSeries jetliners."

 

The LOI was executed at the Dubai Airshow during a visit that included government officials from Iraq, Canada, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

 

Designed for the 100- to 149-seat market, the new CSeries aircraft family is powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines.

 

Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 419 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 177 CSeries airliners. Some 16 customers and lessees have joined the CSeries aircraft program.