The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) has awarded the contract for the delivery of a full suite of ground handling, cargo and fuelling services at Baghdad International Airport to Menzies’ joint venture with Iraqi Airways, trading as MASIL.
Listed as the United Iraqi Company for Airports and Ground Handling Services Limited, MASIL is a joint venture between Iraqi Airways, Air bp, Menzies Aviation and Al Burhan Group. This is the first license of its kind to be awarded by the ICAA to a foreign aviation services company and one of the key aims of the joint venture will be to train and develop Iraqi nationals to assume key positions.
According to Menzies, the award comes as Iraq looks to global industry players to help grow its aviation industry, which is seen as a key driver for the economy, with plans to upgrade key infrastructure and services at Baghdad Airport. In addition to being the hub for Iraqi Airways and Fly Baghdad, the airport currently handles all aircraft movements for airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.
“We are pleased to have been awarded the exclusive contract at Baghdad International Airport and we look forward to supporting the development of Iraq’s world class operating procedures and training schemes,” said Charles Wyley, EVP Middle East and Africa at Menzies Aviation.
“Menzies provides passenger, ramp and cargo services at over 200 airports globally and we’re excited to share our unparalleled experience to help build knowledge and competence within the workforce in Baghdad,” Wyley added.
