Virgin Atlantic to fly relief supplies into Iraq

Virgin Atlantic today announced that it plans to fly relief supplies to Iraq and to make a long term commitment to Iraq by reintroducing scheduled services to Baghdad.

Virgin is working with Government and aid agencies to organise relief flights to Iraq flying in much needed medical workers and supplies. Virgin  Atlantic has also told the UK Government that it is ready to reintroduce scheduled air services between Iraq and the UK, suspended since 1990, which will be crucial to the long term recovery of Iraq.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, commented;

"The first few flights we would operate into Iraq would be humanitarian flights delivering doctors, nurses and much needed aid and supplies to the  Iraqi population. We're working with aid agencies and hope to operate flights as soon as we can.

"In addition, by reintroducing scheduled air services we would play our  role in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. Flights to and from Baghdad will be a key element in helping Iraq's long term regeneration and reuniting families who have been separated for many years."

Good aviation links will play a crucial role in the transport of aid relief, supplies and workers, the resumption of trade between the UK and Iraq, the rebuilding of the Iraqi economy and Government and, above all, in  reuniting Iraqi people with friends and families across the world.

Virgin Atlantic has previously flown to Iraq. In 1990 Virgin Atlantic operated a number of aid flights and the only hostage release flight from Baghdad during the first Gulf conflict.