International Airlines Group (IAG) has confirmed an order of 18 Airbus A350s for BA’s long-haul fleet – an aircraft type that has yet to make its maiden flight
IAG will hope that the extra wide body A350 will not be dogged by problems similar to that experienced by Boeing’s 787, which is still grounded three months after problems with its batteries were discovered.
The deal means that BA’s future long-haul fleet will be made up of the new twin engine Airbus, plus the Boeing 777 and 787 twin jets and the four-engine Airbus A380.
The carrier has confirmed 18 A350-1000 firm orders, plus 18 options, subject to shareholder approval. The -1000 is the largest version in the A350 family and is capable of carrying 350 passengers, the same as BA’s current Boeing 747 fleet. BA plans to phase out 30 Boeing 747s out between 2017 and 2023.
In addition, IAG has agreed to commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for A350s and/or Boeing 787s for Iberia. However firm orders will not be made until Iberia is in a position to grow, following restructuring and a reduction to its cost base.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "The A350-1000 will bring many benefits to our fleet. Its size and range will be an excellent fit for our existing network and, with lower unit costs, there is an opportunity to operate a new range of destinations profitably. This will not only bring greater flexibility to our network but also more choice for our customers .
"Both aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of more than 20 per cent.”