Bombardier Aerospace announced that Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire five CS300 mainline jetliners.

The agreement, which also includes options on 11 CS300 aircraft, follows a letter of intent (LOI) to purchase the aircraft that was announced by Bombardier on November 19 during the Dubai Airshow (photo).

As previously announced, based on the list price for the CS300 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $387 million US and could increase to $1.26 billion US if the 11 options are converted to firm orders.

“Following the successful utilization of our six CRJ900 NextGen aircraft over the past few years, the acquisition of the CS300 aircraft will complement our network operations and allow us to expand into new markets,” said Captain Saad Al-Khafaji, Chief Executive Officer and Director General, Iraqi Airways.

“The CS300 aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency and comfortable, widebody-like cabin will permit us to respond to growing passenger demand and reach destinations across the Middle East, Northern Africa and Europe,” he added.

“The CS300 aircraft is ideally suited to Iraqi Airways’ expanding operations, providing the right mix of performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort to support the airline’s ongoing success in its increasingly competitive markets,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“We are delighted to be participating in Iraq’s reconstruction by delivering the best aircraft to support Iraqi Airways’ growth and development,” Arcamone added.