International Airlines Group (IAG) has confirmed an order for an additional 37 Airbus A320neo
as well as for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 and MAX 200 aircraft, along with options for a further 100.
All of this comes as a result of shareholder approval, adding to orders made earlier in
the year. Let’s take a closer look at the two major deals in today’s video.
First, when it comes to Airbus, IAG has confirmed plans to purchase an additional
37 Airbus A320neos. The airline group, which includes British Airways, Iberia,
Aer Lingus, and Vueling, has now ordered 59 single-aisle aircraft from Airbus this year,
following earlier commitments for 17 A320neos and five A321neos placed in March and June.
The agreement also includes options for a further 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International said,
"IAG operates Airbus aircraft extensively in its fleet making it one of the largest
Airbus customers globally. These latest generation aircraft will be key in IAG’s
stated environmental mission to operate the world’s most fuel efficient planes."
As was the case this summer, IAG has yet to confirm which engine it is opting for - the
choice is between the CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan.
Interestingly, IAG Group airline Iberia was recently authorized to maintain Pratt & Whitney
engines, perhaps suggesting the group may opt for the PW eleven-hundred-G.
IAG's commitment to the Airbus A320 became apparent in 2013 after placing a massive
order for 220 aircraft, many of which it has since converted to A320neo-family jets.
IAG is accelerating its short-haul fleet renewal drive with a significant order
for the Boeing 737 MAX also on tap. At this stage,
it isn't clear which of its carriers stand to receive the new A320neos, while it says
quote "the exact mix of A320neos and A321neos will be decided closer to the delivery dates."
The airline group said back in July that the 37 A320neos will start arriving between 2025
and 2028 to phase out its portfolio of Airbus A320ceos. Deliveries for
IAG's earlier order of 22 A320neos are slated to begin a little earlier in 2024.
Shareholders also approved IAG's order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets
along with options for a further 100. This divides into 25 Boeing
737-8-200s and 25 Boeing 737-10s and should be delivered from 2023 until 2027.
The order was placed back in May 2022 and will see IAG operate a mix of A320neos and 737 MAXs
across its short-haul network. Just like the Airbus narrowbodies, it’s yet to be determined
which airlines will actually operate the Boeing aircraft. Considering the group’s narrowbodies
are largely Airbus right now, there is likely a big shake-up on the horizon.
The group's fleet currently stands at over 530 aircraft. Along with its incoming A320neos,
IAG holds outstanding orders for Airbus A350s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and the Boeing 777X.
What do you think of these big orders? Do you fly IAG airlines
much these days? Let us know by leaving a comment.