NEWS

Antonov Airlines flies into Iraq

Eagle Global Logistics launches cargo flights to Baghdad

Eagle Global Logistics (EGL) has introduced regularly scheduled, direct cargo service to Baghdad. Companies and organizations supporting the reconstruction of Iraq can now have their products and equipment delivered directly to Baghdad with EGL’s dedicated Antonov freighter service.
Cargo on the scheduled flights included construction equipment, additional power generators, portable lighting units and support materials such as spare parts for rolling stock and computers.
"This is a market that changes from day-to-day and it is up to us to react to these challenges by developing innovative services that provide customers with reliable and secure deliveries into Iraq’s main cities," said Chris Cahill, EGL’s Vice President - Middle East and India. "We continue truck operations into Iraq from Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Turkey, and we are continually monitoring customer demands for scheduled ocean services into Umm Qasr," added Cahill.
EGL has already established itself as a leading provider of transportation and logistics services into Iraq with a series of air charter, sea freight and ground services into Baghdad, Basra, Kirkuk and Rumala.
Shipments have included nearly 2,500 tons of power generation equipment, delivered by Antonov 124 charters and on board a 2,000 tons barge into the port of Umm Qasr, as well as 15,000 tons of concrete slabs moved from Dubai to Baghdad for a security fence in the city.

The first Antonov Airlines, AN124-100 aircraft, arrived into Basra, Iraq, on June 11th 2003. The flight was the first in a series of 10 in June alone. Eight flights utilising the unique capabilities of the AN124-100 with a maximum payload of 120 tonnes, followed by two flights scheduled for the AN22, the largest turboprop in the world with a payload capacity of 53 tonnes and the only one in commercial operation are proposed to be used.
The flights are carrying a total in excess of 800 tonnes of non-contentious equipment, which is to aid the

humanitarian efforts in Iraq. The flights are the first within the Antonov Airlines programme that have been allowed into Basra. Previously, flights with cargo destined for Iraq were flying into Kuwait and Abu Dhabi while permission was sought for entry into Iraq.
Vince Seeger, Vice President of Sales, stated, "The series of humanitarian flights into Iraq comes after months of flights into Kabul and Afghanistan. These projects have, so far, totaled in excess of 400 AN124-100 flights, and we hope to be flying into Baghdad very soon."