Global aviation logistics firm Menzies has expanded its partnership with Iraqi Airways (MASIL) to provide passenger services at Baghdad International Airport

Menzies and MASIL have expanded their joint venture (JV) to include ground handling services and workforce training at Baghdad. The airline has assumed operational control of passenger service amenities in the Nineveh terminal at Iraq’s largest hub as part of the JT.

In addition to the 400 employees working on the ground, MASIL will deploy a further 155 of its staff to provide customer services for the carrier.

“We’re delighted that MASIL is going from strength to strength in Baghdad, from the launch of our Cargo Go Live initiative a few months ago to the commencement of passenger service activities,” said Charles Wyley, executive vice president of Menzies for the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

“One of MASIL’s priorities is to support the development of Iraqi nationals to assume key positions within the business and we’re pleased to see our advanced training programmes are already underway. This partnership comes at an exciting and important juncture in Iraq’s aviation history as the country looks to upgrade infrastructure and services at Baghdad International Airport to enable growth and return to being a key regional and international hub for aviation.”

The collaboration will see ground handling support provided to clients such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, flydubai and Middle East Airlines.

Menzies also plans to implement programmes to enhance the skills of the local workforce, improve customer experience, boost safety and security standards and ensure Baghdad operations remain in line with global recommendations.