FlightGlobal reports that Iraq Airways is preparing to auction off two Boeing B747s that have been stationed in Tunisia for an extremely long time. The Jumbojets involved are the Government B747SP-70 YI-ALM (22858) and the Iraqi Airways B747-270C YI-AGP (22366).
The two planes had departed Baghdad in January 1991 before the beginning of the Gulf War to take refuge in Tozeur-Nefta in Tunisia where they have remained since. Wrapped in a white livery to offer them anonymity, they are not in flight condition. According to the Flight article, they are estimated at almost US$500,000 per plane.
The date of the sale was initially set for August 16, 2023, and then delayed to the 26th of the same month. Payment will be made within seven days of winning the auction.
It should be stated that the Iraqi authorities agreed in early February 2020 to pay Tunisia 4.8 million euros for ground service arrears for the two Iraqi aircraft.
The two Boeing 747s that landed on a runway at Tozeur airport from Iraq belonged to the Iraqi airline Iraqi Airways, one of which belonged to former President Saddam Hussein.
The agreement inked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided for a deadline of May 1, 2020, to move them.
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