Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq has submitted a major order for U.S. civilian
aircraft.

The Iraqi government said it signed an agreement for the purchase of 40
civilian aircraft from the U.S. firm Boeing.

The Iraqi government said it would receive the Boeing 737-800 as well as the 787 in 2012.

“Delivery would take place by December [2012],” Iraqi Deputy
Transportation Minister Karim Al Nouri said.

[On April 19, at least 30 people were killed in a wave of bombings in
Iraqi cities. Nine attacks were reported in Baghdad as well as the northern communities of Dibis, Kirkuk and Taji.]

Al Nouri said the Iraqi ministry was working with Boeing to train air
crews for the jets. The 737-800 was meant for cargo flights while the 787 was designed for long-range passenger flights.

The government said it also ordered 10 jets from Canada’s Bombardier. The combined orders were reported to be worth $5.9 billion.

The statement came as the Iraq Air Force was preparing to receive F-16
multi-role fighters from the U.S. firm Lockheed Martin. Baghdad has
submitted orders for 36 F-16s in two batches. Boeing has also been preparing
to supply combat helicopters to the Iraqi military.

  Boeing 737-800 and 787, Canada’s Bombardier, Deputy Transportation Minister Karim Al Nouri, Iraq Air Force, Iraq orders 40 civilian aircraft from Boeing, Lockheed Martin F-16s