The Iraqi government has ordered 30 Boeing 737 commercial airplanes in a deal worth up to $2.2 billion and taken options on 10 more, the two parties announced May 5. Iraq also is "finalizing an agreement" to buy 10 of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliners.
Iraq's order for 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft marked "the first step in re-establishing that country's scheduled commercial aviation operations," they said in a joint statement. Iraq has also contracted options for 10 additional 737s, at a list price of $747,500. In addition, Iraq and Boeing are finalizing an agreement for 10 of Boeing's new 787 fuel-efficient Dreamliners, the statement said. That deal would be worth $1.6 billion.
The new 787 Dreamliners will allow an Iraqi national airline to provide longer-range commercial service and will be added to Boeing's order book when the contract is completed, the Iraqi government and Boeing said. The two parties said they have been in discussions in recent months about how Boeing can assist with the reconstruction of Iraq's aviation infrastructure and prepare for delivery and operation of new airplanes. Boeing's role will include consulting in the planning and development of airport infrastructure throughout the country, training and other support services.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2008
