=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2003/05/02/i= nternational1020EDT0576.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, May 2, 2003 (AP) Branson, Virgin CEO, flies planeload of medical supplies to Iraq TINI TRAN, Associated Press Writer (05-02) 07:20 PDT BASRA, Iraq (AP) -- Sir Richard Branson used one of his 747s to fly 60 tons of medical supplies into Basra International Airport on Friday -- the first commercial airliner to land in Iraq since the war. The aircraft, piloted by an Iraqi exile who works for Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airways, was also believed to be the first such plane to land in Basra since international sanctions were imposed on the country 12 years ago. Well-known for his public appearances and commercials promoting his airline, Branson was greeted by dozens of British soldiers as he walked off the plane Friday morning. Branson said Iraq must deal with its humanitarian needs before addressing its manifold other problems. The plane carried medical equipment, including incubators and defibrillators, as well as drugs for tuberculosis, blood pressure and heart disease, for hospitals in Basra and the southern region. "If there's need for more, there will be more," Branson promised. Once the rebuilding process gets under way, Iraq will also need commerci= al airline service, he said. "The community needs flights. Otherwise, you can't get aid, commerce ... It's got to happen. We'd be happy to put our foot forward," he said. Branson said he would consider commercial routes from London to Baghdad and Basra. "We know there are over 100,000 Iraqi citizens abroad who want to come back in," he said. British officials, who have turned the airport into a military base, say Branson's trip sends a clear message that Basra's airport can be used for civilian flights. "We've been restoring the airfield to a safe and usable standard. We hope this will encourage other humanitarian groups to use the airport. We are open for business," said Group Capt. Ray Lock, commander of the Royal Air Force unit in charge of the airport. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2003 AP