Being an avid aviation fan, I'm always on the lookout for rare and special flights. Josef Furst, a friend from Austria, recently flew to Iraq to try to fly on the last remaining Iraqi Airways B747-4400. Below is his incredible experience, which he generously shares with us."My favorite aircrafts are the Russian B747 and its various versions. The B747 from Iraqi Airways is always at the top of my "To Fly List". Josef FurstTwo B747-400s are available from Iraqi Airways: YIASA (ex Malaysian), and YIAQQ (ex JAL). YI-AQQ was just released from maintenance in Jakarta this spring. YIASA was discontinued in 2018 due to two engines failing. Also, a number electronic devices were taken from her while she was in GMF AERO ASIA, Jakarta, as spare parts for YIAQQ.There is one remaining 747-400, but it won't be long. Starting in 2022, Iraqi Airways will receive the first 10 787-8s they have ordered.It was now time to take action!Thank goodness I had Yasir Muhammad Ali Al-Khafaji, an Iraqi friend who was very helpful! He is an avid Iraqi aviation fan and has many connections within Iraqi Airways. He also has lots of valuable information.The Iraqi Visa was another hurdle to overcome in order for the flight to take place. It used to take around 4 weeks to obtain one. However, after the Pope visited, they changed their Visa policy to allow for many countries. It is now possible to get a visa on arrival. This makes it very easy to visit.I was monitoring the movements of the aircraft using Flight Radar, and checking the Website for Iraqi Airways almost daily to different destinations. At the beginning July, YI-AQQ began regular operations to Minsk.It is a popular tourist spot for Iraqis looking to escape the heat in summer. It was also available to Beirut during the Islamic Eid Al Adha holidays. Due to the short flight to Beirut (just a little over an hour), I chose to concentrate on the Minsk flight (flight time almost 4 hours).My friend Raad Al Qassimi (20-years experience as a tour guide in Iraq) asked me to book the Baghdad-Minsk flight for Thursday 28th July. Within minutes, I received my ticket and confirmation that a 747 was operating.I arrived in Baghdad 2 days before my flight and obtained a visa upon arrival (cost $80). Before my big day on Wednesday 28th of July, I did some sightseeing.The Big Day - 5 Security PointsRaad picked us up at the hotel at 06:00 to take us to our flight departure at 09:00. This would be too early for normal airports, but it is not for Baghdad International Airport.You will find a large checkpoint about five kilometers from the terminal.Raad's car was not permitted to take us to the main terminal. Only special Taxis such as Al Mumayez were allowed so we had to transfer to another taxi.Another checkpoint is located after two more kilometers.You will need to get out of your car and go through a security checkpoint, similar to at the airport. You will need to have your documents checked and an Xray taken. After that, you can proceed to the main terminal.A second document check will take place at the terminal. Your luggage will also be checked for explosives by a dog.Baghdad Int'l AirportAnother security check and X-ray are performed on the way to the terminal.A further security and document check is required before you can proceed to the Check-in Counter. This also includes an additional X-ray.Baghdad Int'l AirportThere is another passport and ticket check at the Minsk check-in counter.When I finally reached the check-in counter, I was relieved that it was a normal process. It was not anything special and was no different from any other airport. Within minutes, I was issued a boarding pass. After that, I had to go through passport control before finally getting into the departure area. It took me about an hour to complete the entire process. You will most likely miss your flight if you arrive late!Baghdad Int'l AirportYasir Muhammad Ali Al-Khafaji, who was the Captain of the flight, told me the day before that he had spoken to Mr. Laith Khaled al Omar and told him about me. Capt. Capt.At the boarding gate, another document was required and additional security (incl. X-ray) check.Cap. Omar and his colleague walked by, and I caught their attention. He approached me.He said he would speak with security to see if they could take me to the apron for some photos. Security wouldn't allow it so he offered to take photos and send them to me later.Iraqi Airways B747-4400Boarding the Iraqi 747-4400When boarding started, Capt. Capt. Omar returned to me and said I should go to the Upper Deck (Business Class section). The crew knew everything about me already!Wow! What a wonderful offer! We had to go through one last document check before we could board the plane. Never have I had to go through that many checks before I took off!A very kind purser greeted me upon my entry and guided me to my upper deck seat! I was offered tea and water immediately!Iraqi Airways B747-4400 Business ClassrptBased on my experiences with other special flights, it's always in the best interest of the crew to have small gifts.This time, I had two bags with smaller contents for the cockpit crew and one large box of Mozartkugeln. They were extremely happy and thanked me for the gifts. Although it was small, it is a great door opener.I was not permitted to go on the flight deck due to security. However, Capt. Omar offered to take photos for me again and said he would film takeoff and landing. This was very kind and amazing to me.Soon after takeoff, I was served a hot and cold breakfast. I assumed it was a crew meal since all other passengers were given a snack box.It contained cheese, marmalade and butter. It was very filling and tasty.All the other pax received a snackboxTour of the Iraqi QueenAfter my meal, I began exploring the main cabin. I went down again and was greeted by the kind purser who gave me a guided tour.The purser was able to explain almost every aspect of the cabin, including the kitchen, from the front to back of the main deck. It was easy to take pictures as we went.There were 384 passengers on the flight and 18 crew. Most of the passengers were on a package trip to Minsk (Belarus) The package cost $600, including round-trip tickets.Plane still has its former owner (JAL). Japanese language signsAfter the tour, we settled down for tea and mamool (Arabic pastries) in the middle of the kitchen. I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the friendly and kind crew.You could get endless food and beverages from them! Even the homemade food they brought on the flight.Landing in MinskCapt. Omar was again at my side to film the landing and taxing.Minsk's landing was easy on runway 31L. We taxiied to a distant stand and were passed by a private United Arab Emirates B-747-4400 along with an Air China 747-4400 Cargo.Captain Omar had one last surprise for me before I left the plane. Omar had one more surprise for me before I left the aircraft. Omar opened the upper deck door, giving me a fantastic view of the wings and back.rptCap. I said goodbye. Omar and his crew departed the 747 via the stairs. Shukran/Thanks to Capt. Omar and the crew, thank you for an unforgettable experience.Josef Furst Report
