IAG (International Airlines Group) is in confidential talks with Airbus and Boeing to announce a large order for widebody jets, Bloomberg reported on Friday.
The potential order has no deadline to be closed and must involve at least 20 aircraft. Sources at the outlet stated that the order’s main goal is to replace the old Boeing 777s in service.
Currently, IAG has 59 Boeing 777s, all allocated to British Airways. Of these, 43 are from the 777-200 version and would be the target of the intended replacement. These aircraft have a high average age of almost 24 years, according to Planespotters.
Follow ADN: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
IAG’s long-haul jet fleet is quite diverse, with 777, 787 and A380 models at British Airways and A330 at Iberia. The only aircraft shared by the two largest subsidiaries of IAG is the A350.
According to Bloomberg, IAG has purchase options for around 30 Boeing jets and 50 A350s.
In recent weeks, major carriers have announced sizable orders for widebodies amid surging demand for long-haul travel.
The Air France-KLM group announced plans to order 50 Airbus A350s while United Airlines placed a similar order for Boeing 787-9s.
