IBBC press release on resumption of Iraqi Airways flights to London

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL. 45 Great Peter Street, SW1P 3LT

Immediate release Tuesday 5th March 2013

NEW NON-STOP BAGHDAD FLIGHTS ARE MASSIVE BOOST FOR BRITISH BUSINESS

One of the UK’s leading business groups is welcoming the resumption of direct flights between Baghdad and London for more than 20 years – the first Iraqi Airways plane will land this evening (March 5th 2013 ) at Gatwick Airport.

Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Executive Chairman of the Iraq Britain Business Council, said: “ This is terrific news. There are proven links between boosting trade between countries and direct flights.

“A non-stop Iraqi Airways service between London and Baghdad means British businessmen and women can get out there now and start winning the big contracts.

“Iraq is spending over a trillion US dollars on reconstruction and the UK is lagging behind countries like China and South Korea who are snapping up major deals. The UK needs to catch up.”

On today’s inaugural flight will be Iraq’s Transport Minister Hadi al-Amri who is making his first visit to London.

A  post- arrival press conference is being organised by Iraqi Airways at the Gatwick Hilton Airport Hotel adjacent to the South Terminal, Gatwick at approx 20.00 hours today March 5th 2013

  • The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is a group of 45 international corporations either working in Iraq or planning to.  IBBC members include oil majors such as BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Genel Energy and Kuwait Energy. Financial service firms include Deloitte,  PwC and Ernst and Young
  • For interviews with Baroness Nicholson call John Cookson 0207 222 7100 or email [email protected]