IAG Explores Replacement Options for British Airways Boeing 777s in Talks with Airbus and Boeing

International Airlines Group (IAG) is reportedly in preliminary discussions with Airbus and Boeing for a potential order of at least 20 widebody jets, aiming to replace some of the aging Boeing 777s currently operated by British Airways, according to insider sources cited by Bloomberg.

While talks are in the early stages, no imminent order announcement is expected, indicating that negotiations are ongoing between IAG and the aircraft manufacturers.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module reveals that British Airways presently operates forty-three B777-200ERs, averaging 23.6 years in age, alongside a more youthful subfleet of sixteen B777-300(ER)s with an average age of 9.1 years. The airline’s widebody fleet also includes sixteen A350-900s (with two more on order), twelve A380-800s, twelve B787-8s, eighteen B787-9s, and seven B787-10s. Additionally, British Airways has eleven B787-10s and eighteen B777-9s on firm orders from Boeing.

IAG’s widebody fleet extends beyond British Airways and encompasses A330-200s and A330-300s flown by both Iberia (including under the LEVEL brand) and Aer Lingus, as well as A350-900s operated by Iberia.

The potential replacement order underlines IAG’s strategic efforts to modernize and optimize its fleet, ensuring operational efficiency and aligning with environmental goals. As discussions progress, the aviation industry will be watching for further developments on IAG’s decision for the next generation of aircraft for British Airways.