Emirates has marked its 110th international destination with its inaugural flight to Basra, the airline’s first service into Iraq. As from this month, Emirates is operating both passenger and cargo services to and from Basra with an estimated 130 tonnes of freight per week between Dubai and Basra.

Emirates is the largest international carrier to operate services into Iraq, helping link the country to the rest of the world through its convenient connections in Dubai.

“Iraq is experiencing a surge in growth and it is our goal to help the country prosper and flourish. Emirates is committed to working alongside the Iraqi authorities to make Basra a success,” said Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline.

Basra is the first new destination for Emirates in 2011 with Geneva to launch on June 1, followed by Copenhagen on August 1.

In addition to transporting equipment for oil and petroleum companies Emirates expects to carry a diverse range of goods from all corners of the globe, including perishable foodstuffs, medical products, car parts, garments, textiles and various electronic items such as mobile phones. Goods travelling in the other direction – to the likes of the United States, USA, China, India and the UK - will include petroleum products, grains, wool and dates.