IAG Expands Fleet with Boeing and Airbus Order
IAG has expanded its fleet with a major order for 53 long-range aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, including 32 Boeing 787-10 planes for British Airways and 21 Airbus A330-900neo planes. The order also includes options to purchase up to 10 more Boeing 787s and up to 13 additional A330-900neo planes. The deal marks a strategic move to balance orders between Airbus and Boeing amid supply chain challenges and delivery delays.
Ask Aime: "Considering the recent Boeing and Airbus order, should I buy British Airways?".
International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, has announced a significant order for 53 long-range aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. The order includes 32 Boeing 787-10 planes for British Airways and 21 Airbus A330-900neo planes. Additionally, IAG holds options to purchase up to 10 more Boeing 787s and up to 13 additional A330-900neo planes. This procurement is a strategic move to balance orders between Airbus and Boeing while addressing supply chain challenges and delivery delays [1].The Boeing 787-10 planes are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2033, while the Airbus A330-900neo planes will be delivered over a similar timeframe. This order is part of IAG's ongoing effort to modernize its fleet and replace aging aircraft. The Boeing 787-10s are particularly notable as they will help British Airways to retire some of its oldest aircraft, including the Boeing 777-200ER fleet [2].
The order also marks a shift in engine choice for British Airways. The latest batch of Boeing 787-10s will come with General Electric engines, rather than Rolls-Royce engines, due to dissatisfaction with the performance of the Trent 1000s from Rolls-Royce [2]. This move will result in a split fleet for British Airways, with 12 aircraft using Rolls-Royce engines and 38 using GE engines.
In conclusion, IAG's order for 53 long-range aircraft is a significant step towards modernizing its fleet and addressing the challenges posed by aging aircraft and supply chain issues. The order also demonstrates IAG's commitment to balancing its orders between Airbus and Boeing, ensuring a diverse and efficient fleet for British Airways.
References:
[1] https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/british-airways-goes-aircraft-shopping-orders-32-more-boeing-787-10/
[2] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2850154/iag-to-modernize-fleet-with-order-of-boeing-and-airbus-aircraft