International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL, has placed a landmark order for 71 new long-haul aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet renewal and sustainability strategy.
This substantial order includes aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, with the group aiming to enhance fuel efficiency, replace older widebody jets, and prepare for increased long-haul demand in the coming years.
The order is distributed across several IAG airlines, with British Airways receiving the lion’s share:
British Airways will acquire 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, 6 Boeing 777-9s and 6 Airbus A350-1000s. Iberia is set to take delivery of 6 Airbus A350-900s, an additional 21 Airbus A330-900neos will be delivered to either Iberia or Aer Lingus, with allocation to be determined at a later stage.
The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2025 and 2026, enabling the group to replace older, less efficient aircraft while expanding capacity on key long-haul routes.
Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, described the order as “an important step in our long-term strategy to modernize the fleet,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The new aircraft models are among the most fuel-efficient on the market, consuming up to 25% less fuel than the aircraft they replace.
The move also reflects IAG’s growing confidence in the recovery of long-haul travel demand. The group recently reported a €198 million operating profit in Q1 2025, a sharp rise from €68 million in the same period last year.
As part of the agreement, IAG also secured options for an additional 10 Boeing aircraft and 13 Airbus aircraft, giving the group flexibility to further adapt its fleet depending on market conditions.
The group’s decision to spread orders between Boeing and Airbus underlines its strategic approach to mitigating supply chain risks and maintaining operational flexibility across its airlines.
This post was published on 9 May 2025 09:56
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