Iraq's First No-Frills Airline Takes Flight (no Iraqis allowed)

[sabra]

Source: ABC News

Expat Airways Draws Criticism With Its Westerners-Only Policy

An upstart airline operating weekly flights between Baghdad and Amman, Jordan, is billing itself as the first no-frills airline to operate out of Iraq, but the company is restricting more than just food and booze on its flights.

The airline is also banning Iraqis, Indians, Pakistanis and other non-Westerners from traveling.

Expat Airways said it is only accepting U.S. and Western citizens on its flights as it tries to capitalize on the thousands of U.S. contractors traveling in and out of the Iraqi capital each month. The airline, which landed its first 42-seat Russian Antonov turboprop at Baghdad International Airport Monday, is thought to be the first to bar passengers based on nationality.

U.S. and European carriers are restricted from the practice, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Ahmed al Musawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi Transportation Ministry, called Expat's flight restrictions ''immoral'' but said there are no federal laws in Iraq banning such actions.

Read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=3455090&page=1

[Xipe Totec]

1. The Onion is green with envy

Irony can't compete with reality anymore.

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. Thank goodness we are exporting American freedom!

I mean... er... that is to say, uh.....

:blush:

[Chipper Chat]

3. Is the airline logo a bullseye?

And does each plane have a different-colored bullseye on its belly?
I would NEVER get on one of those death-traps.

[lyonn]

9. No kidding, imagine how Bad a contractor wants outa there

to climb aboard that once a week special flight...

[redqueen]

4. What the ...

*sigh*

[dipsydoodle]

5. Wankers

x(

[wellst0nev0ter]

6. Good God, These Bushies Could Teach Henry James About Irony (eom)

[Parche]

7. Iraqi airways

[superconnected]

8. One more reason to be horrified.

And I am.

- about the iraqis being banned from the airline in their own country.

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. They're looking for the contract to operate the helicopters

from the roofs of embassies in a short while. Their current policy is just practice.

[leveymg]

11. There aren't any laws in Iraq, period. That goes for aircraft maintenance requirements, as well.

No food, no booze, no frills. You even have to pay to rent the Soviet-surplus parachutes and life rafts -- highly recommended for all passengers and crew flying Expat Iraq Air.

Destination, Baghdad, and all stops in-between.

Added bonus, EIA even takes you at the beach. Direct flight!