International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, has secured an order for 53 new long-haul aircraft. This includes 32 Boeing 787-10 jets for British Airways, with the remaining 21 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft potentially serving one of its other subsidiaries: Aer Lingus, Iberia, or LEVEL. This significant fleet expansion reflects IAG’s commitment to updating its long-haul capabilities.
The order comes on the heels of recent negotiations with Airbus and Boeing over wide-body aircraft acquisitions. Notably, the move also coincides with a newly signed trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the Financial Times, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed support for the Boeing portion of the deal. Despite the broader economic challenges, IAG maintains a positive outlook on long-haul travel demand, while also noting a recent dip in economy-class bookings from U.S. holiday travelers.
Scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026, these new aircraft will aid in IAG's strategic initiative to modernize its fleet and support its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As a part of its broader business strategy, the company aims to meet the anticipated rise in international travel needs, demonstrating confidence in the future of long-haul aviation.