Vueling to Add 50 Boeing 737 Max Jets to Its Fleet Starting in 2026

Vueling, the low-cost carrier owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), will operate the 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft ordered by the group in 2022. The announcement was confirmed in IAG’s first-half earnings report, which specified that deliveries will begin in late 2026.

The order includes 25 high-density Boeing 737-8-200s and 25 Boeing 737-10s—two of the most seating-efficient variants in Boeing’s Max family. These aircraft will join Vueling’s existing fleet of 143 Airbus A320 family aircraft, only 27 of which are from the more fuel-efficient Neo series.

The decision marks a significant shift for Vueling, which until now has operated an all-Airbus fleet. It also signals the return of Boeing aircraft to the IAG Group, which previously flew Boeing narrowbodies with British Airways before transitioning exclusively to Airbus for short-haul operations.

There had been speculation that the Boeing order might be split across IAG’s other carriers, including British Airways. However, the selection of high-capacity Max 8-200 and Max 10 models suggests the group has targeted Vueling’s low-cost, high-density operational model as the most suitable fit.

The 737-8-200 is already in use by several ultra-low-cost carriers, including Ryanair, with seating configurations nearing 200 passengers. The 737-10, the largest variant in the Max family, is designed for even higher capacity and greater efficiency on short- and medium-haul routes. Though it is still awaiting certification, it is expected to be a key aircraft for budget airlines aiming to maximize revenue per flight.

By integrating these high-capacity aircraft, Vueling is positioning itself to compete more aggressively with European low-cost giants like Ryanair and Wizz Air. The fleet expansion will support the airline’s long-term growth strategy and help improve unit economics amid rising fuel costs and increasing competition.

As deliveries approach in 2026, Vueling will begin transitioning toward a mixed fleet, a notable change in strategy for a carrier that has relied solely on Airbus aircraft. The addition of the Boeing 737 Max family is expected to enhance fleet flexibility, increase seating capacity, and improve fuel efficiency—crucial advantages in the highly competitive European budget travel sector.


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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airdatanews.com