International Airlines Group – the owners of British Airways and Iberia is planning to convert the 18 options it has for Boeing 787 aircraft into orders.
The 787’s will be used in part to replace existing Boeing 747-400 aircraft in the British Airways fleet. Deliveries are scheduled from 2017 to 2021.
Currently, IAG has orders for 24 787’s – split into eight 787-8’s and 16 787-9’s for delivery to British Airways. The conversion of the 18 options don’t specify which version of the 787 Dreamliner will be chosen – although if they’re targeting 747-400 fleet replacement, it would have to be another mixture of 787-8’s for range and 787-9’s for capacity.
IAG has selected Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines to be installed on their 787 aircraft.
The interesting side effect is for Iberia – who IAG is considering 787’s for. According to IAG they have secured commercial and delivery terms for the aircraft. However, an order will only be made when Iberia has restructured appropriately, with a reduced cost base and a position to grow.
British Airways operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing equipment, whilst Iberia is an Airbus only operator.
The order will be subject to confirmation and approval by IAG Shareholders.
British Airways are due to get their first Dreamliner in 2013 – however when is a good question due to the ongoing grounding of the 787 that is preventing airlines flying the aircraft, and Boeing from delivering the aircraft.