Basra Airlines Prepares for March Launch with New CRJ-1000 Jets

Aircraft broker Jetcraft Commercial continues to strengthen its presence in the Middle East with the delivery of two Bombardier CRJ-1000 regional jets to newly launched Iraqi carrier Basra Airlines. The aircraft delivery, announced Jan. 20, played a critical role in Basra Airlines securing its air operator certificate (AOC) on Dec. 24, 2025. With certification now complete, the airline is preparing to begin commercial flights in March. The CRJ-1000 fleet will initially serve domestic routes from Baghdad, with plans to expand into regional services connecting Iraq to key destinations including Amman, Beirut, and Dubai. Jetcraft Commercial President Raphael Haddad said the transaction reflects Jetcraft Commercial’s “ability to deliver tailored fleet solutions that meet the specific needs of new market entrants.” “The CRJ-1000 is a proven regional jet with strong operating economics, making it ideally suited to supporting efficient, reliable connectivity in emerging and underserved markets,” he added. Baghdad-headquartered Basra Airlines plans to focus first on high-demand domestic routes, regional connectivity, and charter operations. The airline intends to expand into scheduled international and dedicated cargo services later in 2026. Moffak Sabir Hamad, chairman and CEO of Basra Airlines, said the arrival of the two aircraft represents a “significant step forward” for the carrier. “Their efficiency, range and performance are well aligned with our phased launch approach, enabling us to establish reliable regional connectivity while laying the foundations for future international expansion,” Hamad said. The airline has also outlined plans for fleet expansion, with Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft and Airbus A330 freighters expected to join operations in early 2026. Jetcraft Commercial is the commercial aircraft division of global aviation trading firm Jetcraft, supporting airlines and operators in the fields of buying, selling, leasing, marketing and financing their aircraft.