Additional long-haul planes added to IAG's fleet

International Airlines Group (IAG) Announces Major Aircraft Order

The International Airlines Group (IAG), a leading pan-European conglomerate, has made a significant move in the aviation industry by announcing plans to order 53 long-haul aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. This decision, pending approval at the IAG Annual General Meeting in June, is set to strengthen IAG's airline brands and enhance the customer offering.

The order consists of 32 Boeing 787-10s for British Airways and 21 A330-900s, which will be allocated among IAG's subsidiaries Aer Lingus, Iberia, or Level. Notably, British Airways has the option to acquire up to ten additional Boeing 787s. The Boeing 787-10s for British Airways will be powered by engines from General Electric, while the A330-900s from Airbus will be equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. Airbus also holds options for up to 13 additional A330-900s.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2033. This order marks a strategic move for IAG, as 35 of the total 53 aircraft will serve as replacements for older aircraft or replace short-term leases for Level. The remaining 18 aircraft will enable growth in IAG's core markets.

The precise costs burdening IAG for this order are not detailed in the available search results. However, it's worth noting that the typical costs for aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involve high acquisition costs offset by expected operating cost savings such as lower fuel and maintenance expenses. Significant investment subsidies in production countries amounting to billions of USD have been reported for the Boeing 787 program as a whole.

Both engine orders for the IAG aircraft include comprehensive warranty and maintenance packages. IAG, which employs around 74,000 people worldwide and operates more than 600 aircraft combined, generated revenues of approximately €32.1 billion and a net profit of €2.7 billion in 2024, with the five airlines under IAG carrying 122 million passengers in the same year.

Astrid Rönnbach, a journalist at our magazine with over 20 years of experience covering airlines, airports, and travel stories, shares her insights on this development. She has written several books, including "The Big Book of Airlines," "The Joy of Flying," and "Thai Airways - From Small Domestic Flight Service to Star Alliance Member."

This strategic move by IAG underscores the company's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the aviation industry while continuing to provide exceptional service to its passengers.