Iraqi Airways receives its first Boeing 737 MAX

First of 5 737 MAX expected in 2023

Iraqi Airways has taken delivery of the first of sixteen Boeing 737 MAX.

The brand new aircraft was flown from Boeing’s factory in Seattle to Iraqi Airways base at Baghdad International Airport.

The new 737 MAX, registration YI-ASL, is the first of a total of sixteen 737 MAX ordered by Iraqi Airways.

Five more 737 MAX 8 are expected in 2023 and ten 737 MAX 10 are due between 2024 and 2027.

The airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet will feature Panasonic Avionics’ eX1 narrowbody IFE solution. The 737s will also get Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight Wi-Fi service.

Fleet renewal

Iraq’s national airline is undergoing a fleet renewal.

In addition to the 737 MAX , it has orders with Boeing for ten 787 Dreamliners, with the first two aircraft planned to arrive later this year. It previously operated 747s, 777s and 767s but these are stored or gone.

The airline has already received four Airbus A220-300 with one more expected in spring 2023.

Iraqi Airways first A220

About Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways is the national carrier of Iraq and is the second oldest airline in the Middle East. From its base in Baghdad, it operates a small number of domestic and international services.

The airline is currently banned from the UK and EU.

Routes: International routes from Iraq to India, China, the Gulf region, Turkey.

Fleet: The currently active fleet is about 20 aircraft, comprising:

  • 4 Airbus A220
  • 2 Airbus A320
  • 1 Airbus A321
  • 1 Airbus A330
  • 7 Boeing 737 NG / MAX
  • 3 Bombardier CRJ-900

Passengers: About 2 million in 2021.

Alliance: None

(Information is the best available at the time of writing.)


Internet links

Iraqi Airways (IA)

Boeing 737 MAX