IAG and British Airways have committed to order new aircraft from the Boeing Company for up to 42 Boeing 777-9 aircraft in an announcement today.
British Airways Boeing 777-9 – Rendering, The Boeing Company
The order is built up of:
- 18 firm orders of the Boeing 777-9
- 24 options for further aircraft.
British Airways has been modernising it’s fleet, with the introduction of the 787 family, additional Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on order and the upcoming Airbus A350.
According to Boeing, the 777-9 offers a larger and slightly wider cabin than the current family of Boeing 777, which can hold up to 425 passengers in a two-class configuration (with a range of 7,600 nautical miles) – although I’ would be surprised if IAG/British Airways operated like this, and went for a standard long haul four-cabin configuration.
The 777X family will feature a redesigned cabin that will take features from the Boeing 787 family – such as larger windows, a wider cabin, new lighting and a 787 style wing.
IAG/British Airways becomes the eight customer of the Boeing 777X family, which currently stands at a total of 358 orders and commitments.
In Quotes
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive stated
“The new 777-9 is the world’s most fuel efficient longhaul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways’ fleet. It’s the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network,” .
“This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience.”
In addition, Willie Walsh has been dissatisfied with the Rolls Royce engine situation. He added:
“I have been frustrated, largely with the performance of Rolls Royce, not so much with Airbus,”
“This aircraft order is specific to the requirements of British Airways, where we needed a larger aircraft … There’s still a lot for both Boeing and Airbus to play for, and we’re pleased with the competition that we’ve seen.”
Kevin McAllister, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes states
“British Airways is one of the most iconic international carriers, now in its 100th year of connecting the world with its impressive route network. We are honored that British Airways has selected the 777X as part of its fleet for its next century. Together with the 787 Dreamliner, we are excited for the 777X to help British Airways build on its incredible legacy,”
“The 777-9, in particular, simply has no competitor in its class when it comes to efficiency and performance. It is the right-sized airplane for British Airways to efficiently serve long-range routes with heavy passenger demand.”
The 747 replacement question answered
With the rundown of the British Airways fleet starts to begin – with the type due to leave the fleet in 2023/2024 – it’s been a question what will replace it. It seems it’s come in a Boeing shaped answer, and unsurprisingly – as new generation efficient twin-engiend aircraft. With the requirements that British Airways will place on the plane (even in a four-class configuration).
Currently, IAG will use the new entrants to replace 14 Boeing 747-400s and 4 Boeing 777-200s. With room to play for the rest of the Boeing 747-400 replacement (around 24 aircraft) as well as the earlier Boeing 777-200 family,
And there’s plenty of orders to go around still.
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