Bulletin Aviation Overview 030724

OVERVIEW OF IRAQ AIR MATTERS

1. The fixed passenger flight schedule has suffered some disruption as a result of the bomb at the UN Headquarters in Baghdad. Flights to Basrah and Erbil have been maintained as near to original schedule as possible. The intention is to maintain the Baghdad scheduled flights but some changes are to be expected. Flight details, updated as necessary, will be maintained on this website as before . The standard baggage allowance remains at 25kgs. If passengers have a requirement to carry more than the standard allowance, SPECIAL APPLICATION MUST BE MADE AT THE TIME OF PASSENGER SEAT BOOKING.

2. It seems unlikely that Baghdad International Airport will open to commercial traffic in the foreseeable future.

3. The Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) has been updated with effect from 18 Aug 03. Among other changes are an increased selection of higher flight levels and overflights for those operators approved by the Airspace Control Authority. Work continues in respect of other restrictions namely: an easing of the need to arrive at destination within +/- 5 minutes; more direct routing between the Jordanian and Syrian entry points and Northern and Southern destinations; and early availability of aviation fuel.

4. In recognition of the recent increased need for official travel to Jordan by Contractors, US DoD, and Office of the Coalition Provisional Authority (OCPA) personnel, OCPA has authorised a pay-as-you-go charter between Baghdad (BIAP) and Amman (Marka Airport) for OCPA authorised travellers. The service is planned to depart from Amman at 08:00, arrive BIAP at 11:00, depart BIAP at 12:00 and arrive Amman at 13:00 local times. Initially, the charter service will fly up to 48 passengers on Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Travellers can register for the flight by contacting Chuck Litzleman of the Iraqi Assistance Centre, Jordan at ChuckLitz@hotmail.com or + 962 7748 5998. In conjunction with the flight arrival and departure times, CusterBattles will offer a pick-up and drop-off service between BIAP the Republican Palace, the Sheraton/Palestine hotels and the IAC/Al-Rasheed. Please consult with Chuck Litzleman for details.

UNHAS AIRCRAFT ASSETS AND UTILISATION

5. The UNHAS fleet currently consists of:

a. Passenger Aircraft. Two Beechcraft 1900 and an ATR 42. The ATR 42 now operates 6 times a week between Amman and Baghdad. In theory this aircraft can carry 48 passengers with 25kg of baggage each and one tonne of cargo. However, lack of availability of fuel together with restrictions on passengers processing in Baghdad, limits the planned passenger load to 30 for the time being. Detailed information about the ATR 42 is at Annex B.

b. Cargo Aircraft. Apart from the limited capacity offered by the Beechcraft and ATR aircraft, nil. However, for very urgently required cargo destined for Iraq, UNHAS will arrange for special charter flights.

PASSENGER AND CARGO PROCEDURES

6. A comprehensive guide to passenger booking procedures is on this website under “procedures” .

7. With effect from 13 Aug 03, responsibility for air cargo bookings has passed to UNHAS see para 11. Oversight of application of priorities as defined in UNHAS Standard Operating and Administrative Procedures (SAOPs) will be performed by UNJLC. The established procedures remain in place as does the requirement for use the “Cargo Movreq” form with both pages complete in all respects. The Cargo Movreq must be accompanied by a packing list showing weights and dimensions of all pieces in the consignment. There are 4 important reasons for this all of which have the customer’s best interests in mind:

a. The requirement is fully understood and can thus be met.

b. The (properly documented) consignment can be traced throughout its journey to destination.

c. Legal requirements (eg customs) are met and the consignment does not get delayed or impounded en route.

d. Finally, but most importantly, mandatory safety regulations are observed.

8. In addition, as has always been the case, it is necessary for consignors to arrange for the delivery to departure airport and consignees to arrange collection from the destination. At departure, these include: detailed packing list, proper packing and labelling, preparation of airway bills, outbound customs declaration/clearance, palletisation and loading. Similarly at the destination, it is necessary to arrange for: unloading (particularly in Iraq now that the Coalition Forces have withdrawn the service), customs clearance, warehousing and transportation to final destination. There is much specialised knowledge required for many of these activities and air cargo users may well wish to employ the services of a specialist agency.

UNJLC/UNHAS LOCATIONS

9. UNHAS Duty Officer. UNHAS now has a duty officer who can be contacted in case of EMERGENCIES ONLY. It is NOT a number for passenger enquires which may be made at the times and with the points of contact listed at para 12 below. The Duty Officer's phone number is + 962 796 726 723.

10. NHAS and UNJLC Offices. The UNJLC and UNHAS are located in Amman at: PO Box 941631, Amman 11194. The UNJLC is very near (50m to the East) to the UNDP building and in what is known to some as the old UNHCR building. There is no house number but there is a UNJLC sign on the gate. UNHAS and the UNJLC Air Cell are in the WFP Annex B building which is also close to the UNDP building; see address at para 11 below. Both locations are in the district of Shmeisani. Points of contact are as follows.

12. UNHAS - Passenger and Cargo Bookings:

• For entitled passengers and cargo users only (see UNHAS SAOPs)
• Opening days/hours: Sunday – Thursday/0900 - 1300
• Kjersti Bang, Omar Abdullah, Saba Jamil and Jackline Saad

• Paul Steiner