IAG (International Airlines Group) is to place an order with Airbus for 18 A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 18 more aircraft.
The order is part of IAG’s long-haul aircraft fleet renewal and modernisation strategy (which saw a big 787 order earlier this year). In addition, the order has secured commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for Iberia (subject to the airline improving its performance and cost base).
The A350-1000 is the largest member of the A350 XWB Family, which according to Airbus can seat up to 350 passengers in a three class configuration with a range of 8,400 nautical miles (15,500 km).
Like all members of the Airbus A350 family, they will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines.
Willie Walsh – Willie Walsh, IAG Chief Executive states:
“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 customer,”
First deliveries are due in 2018.
British Airways in terms of long haul aircraft has up to now been nearly an “All Boeing” shop, currently running Boeing 747-400’s, 767-300ER’s, 777-200’s, 777-200ER’s and 777-300ER’s – whilst it has switched to Airbus for short haul out of London Heathrow (London Gatwick has 5 A319’s, with the rest of the short haul fleet being 737-400’s).
This is changing with the introduction of the A380 fleet into the British Airways fleet – as well as now the notice that A350’s will join the cadre of aircraft.
Iberia is pretty much an “all Airbus” shop, running A340’s A330’s, A321’s, A320’s and A319’s.
In terms of fleet replacement – I think we all know which aircraft will be heading away from this, and that’s the 747-400’s. Whilst these frames are serviceable, the costs are growing with these ageing aircraft. Some 787’s will be covering 747 routes, whilst the A350 and A380’s will be covering the rest. This will replace 30 of the existing 54 Boeing 747 aircraft.
The first of IAG’s new A350 aircraft would be delivered by 2018, and the order is subject to approval by IAG shareholders.
I thought they would’ve waited for 777-9x to be finalized before making the decision
Well, it’s interesting to note that IAG haven’t decided which version of the 787 they wish to fly in their laser order. Whilst it could be a 787-9, I’d be surprised.
It smells to me that IAG could well be the launch customer of the 787-10X when it’s announced…