DUBAI – Bombardier Aerospace announced today 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 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.

Captain Saad Al-Khafaji, chief executive officer and director general, Iraqi Airways, said: “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.

“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.

Ed Fast, the Canadian minister of international trade, added:“I congratulate Bombardier Aerospace and Iraqi Airways on concluding this ground-breaking CSeries aircraft letter of intent – taking their partnership to a new level.

“This LOI will add another dimension to Canada's participation in Iraq’s reconstruction and will help us continue to grow the Canada-Iraq trade and investment relationship."

Arlene Foster, minister, enterprise, trade and investment, Northern Ireland, added:  ““As Bombardier Aerospace Belfast is responsible for the design, development and manufacture of the advanced composite wings for Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft, today's letter of intent with Iraqi Airways is good news for Northern Ireland,.

"It is a tremendous endorsement of our technological expertise and I am confident that, as the CSeries aircraft program progresses, it will continue to bring significant economic benefits to Northern Ireland.'

Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, commented: “This marks a proud achievement for those who have been supporting the need for modern, efficient flying in Iraq and the surrounding region.

“The CSeries aircraft will complement Iraqi Airways’ CRJ900 NextGen aircraft operation as the airline looks to expand into new markets with fuel-efficient, comfortable, single-aisle aircraft that can reach destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Northern Africa.”