British Airways owner confirms 50 firm Boeing 737 MAX orders

So now it’s official: International Airlines Group (IAG) has today confirmed a firm order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, with an additional 100 options. Let’s take a closer look at this change of direction in IAG’s short/medium haul fleet strategy.

IAG shareholders say yes to MAX

Earlier today, the shareholders of International Airlines Group reached an agreement with the US-based Boeing to order 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets.

IAG’s order is divided into 25 Boeing 737-8-200s and 25 Boeing 737-10s. In addition, IAG has reserved the option to order another 100 jets from the 737 MAX family. Already in May, the IAG Group announced its intention to purchase 50 MAX jets with 100 additional options. However, the decision requires the approval of the group’s shareholders, which was confirmed today.

According to IAG, 50 MAX jets should be delivered between 2023 and 2027. Interestingly, as IAG is an airline group, it has not yet been revealed which airline within the group the MAX jets are intended for. In fact, the Boeing 737-8-200 and 737-10 could go to any of the member airlines: UK flag carrier British Airways, Spanish national carrier Iberia, Irish national carrier Aer Lingus and Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling. .

When IAG Group first announced the Boeing order, IAG Group CEO Luis Gallego said:

“The addition of the new Boeing 737 aircraft is an important part of IAG’s short-haul fleet renewal. These latest generation aircraft are more fuel efficient than the ones they replace and meet our commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

What do the Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 offer?

IAG’s investment in Boeing 737-8-200 and 737-10 aircraft is part of the renewal of the short/medium-haul fleet of the group’s member airlines. What are the special features of these aircraft?

In 2014, Boeing launched the Boeing 737-8-200 aircraft with the commitment of the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair for 100 aircraft. The variant originates from the 737-8, where the “-200” reflects the aircraft’s seating capacity. The improved capacity means an improved revenue opportunity for the airlines that operate it, combining operating costs of 5% compared to the 737-8.

The largest variant of the MAX family, the -10, can accommodate up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration. The latest variant has a range of 3,300 nautical miles (6,111 km), covering 99% of all single-aisle routes, including routes once operated by the Boeing 757. In addition, the exceptionally long range opens up new opportunities for operators to expand. its network without investing in larger aircraft. Boeing defines the 737-10 as a “rising star” because it is marketed as the most profitable aircraft in the single-aisle market, offering the lowest cost per seat ever.

All jets in the 737 MAX family are equipped with the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, which together with advanced technology wings significantly reduce noise, CO2 and NOx emissions. The table below summarizes the features of the Boeing 737-8-200 and 737-10.

Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s director of commercial sales and marketing, commented on the decision by IAG’s shareholders, stating:

“We are pleased with today’s decision by IAG shareholders to accept a firm order for 50 737-8-200s and 737-10s with 100 additional options, and we look forward to working with IAG to return the 737 to the Group’s fleet.”

IAG’s only concern now may be the potential delay Boeing faces in delivering the Boeing 737-10 if the manufacturer misses a late December deadline for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) version.

Cheap flight for Airbus

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this news is the significant change that IAG’s order will bring to member airlines’ short/medium haul fleets.

Currently, the single-aisle market of IAG member airlines is served exclusively by Airbus 320 family aircraft. According to ch-aviation, British Airways flies 144 Airbus 320 family aircraft, Iberia and Iberia Express 92, Aer Lingus 40 and Vueling 125. The year 2023 will therefore be a significant year in the history of the IAG Group, whose airlines are starting to fundamentally change their short/medium-haul fleet strategy.

• Boeing

  Stock code:

  B.A

  Date of establishment:

  15.7.1916

  MANAGING DIRECTOR:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Main product lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Company Type:

  Planemaker