International Airlines Group has confirmed an order for 20 single-aisled A320 aircraft for British Airways' short-haul fleet.
The Airbus jets, which have a combined cost of over $1 billion at list prices, are intended to replace 21 of BA's short-haul aircraft.
Airbus chief operating officer John Leahy said: "IAG's selection of the A320 neo family for its single aisle fleet is a significant win for Airbus.
"This order strengthens the A320 neo family as the single-aisle aircraft of choice for the world's leading airlines."
BA already operates 120 Airbus single-aisle aircraft, covering the full family range from the smallest A318 to the largest A321.
Last month, the airline announced that the old first class cabin still in operation on its ageing Boeing 747-400 jumbos will be sold as Club World (see news, June 19).
Graham Smith
