News

BA converts additional Dreamliner options

4 Apr 2013 by BusinessTraveller

International Airlines Group (IAG) has exercised options on the purchase of 18 additional B787 aircraft for member carrier British Airways, adding to an existing order for 24 Dreamliners.

The aircraft will be used to replace “some of the airline's Boeing 747-400 aircraft between 2017 and 2021”, and bring BA’s total Dreamliner orders to 42 aircraft.

In addition IAG says it has “reached agreement with Boeing to secure commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to an order for Boeing 787s”, although is added that “Firm orders will only be made when Iberia has restructured and reduced its cost base and is in a position grow profitably”.

Announcing the new Dreamliner order IAG’s CEO Willie Walsh said:

“The aircraft offers a step change in fuel burn efficiency versus our existing aircraft with improvements in fuel cost per seat of more than 20 per cent. New technology engines and improved aerodynamics will lower fuel burn leading to reduced carbon and NOx emissions. 

"The creation of IAG has resulted in greater buying power for both airlines through joint procurement and we have been able to obtain delivery slots for Iberia as part of British Airways' order".

Meanwhile Boeing’s Dreamliners continue to be grounded over concerns regarding onboard batteries.

Norwegian has already put in place contingency plans for a delay to the delivery of its first Dreamliner aircraft, which had been due to enter service in May (see online news March 22).

BA has previously stated that it would take delivery of its first B787 in May – when Business Traveller contacted the carrier on March 5, a spokesperson stated that “We have not received any notification from Boeing of a delay to our delivery of the 787” – no further update has been communicated since this date.

For more information visit iairgroup.com, ba.com, boeing.com.

Report by Mark Caswell

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