IAG confirms purchase of Boeing and Airbus jets as part of fleet expansion
- IAG finalizes orders for six Boeing 787-10s initially held as options by British Airways, with additional options added.
- Iberia's single A350-900 option is being transformed into a firm order.
- The newly acquired jets aim to restore BA and Iberia's long-haul capacities to pre-pandemic levels by 2025-2026.
LONDON — International Airlines Group (IAG) recently confirmed orders for British Airways' six Boeing 787-10s. Alongside, an extra six 787-10 options have been included in BA's aircraft repertoire.
The decision to expand the fleet is not limited to British Airways. Iberia, another major carrier under IAG, has seen its option for a single A350-900 turned into a definite order. This particular order complements Iberia's existing commitment to three A350-900s, 10 A321neos, and an A320neo.
The Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database provides a detailed look into British Airways' expanding orderbook. It includes 18 777-9s, five 787-10s, and three Airbus A350-1000s, with additional options for 24 and 10 aircraft, respectively.
Luis Gallego, IAG's CEO, outlined the group's strategic vision, emphasizing the goal for both British Airways and Iberia to regain their pre-pandemic flight capacities. These acquisitions, set to be delivered between 2025 and 2026, serve as a testament to that vision.
It's noteworthy to mention the economic astuteness of IAG during these transactions. The group has successfully secured the aircraft at prices substantially lower than their listed rates. This cost-efficient approach was also evident in IAG's previous decision this June, when they opted to solidify orders for 10 A320neos, aiming to replace the A320ceos across its member airlines by 2028. Those in the IAG umbrella include notable names such as Aer Lingus, Level, and Vueling, in addition to British Airways and Iberia.
