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International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL, has placed a major aircraft order with both Boeing and Airbus worth a combined $13 billion – a move that will shape the group’s long-haul fleets well into the next decade.
Announced on May 9, the order includes 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for British Airways and 21 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft destined for other IAG carriers, including Iberia, Aer Lingus, and potentially LEVEL. All aircraft are due for delivery between 2028 and 2033, and the deal includes options for an additional 10 Boeing 787s and 13 Airbus A330neos, bringing the potential total to 76 aircraft.
The Boeing 787-10s will be powered by General Electric engines, while the A330-900neos will be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, taking advantage of the UK’s renewed transatlantic trade position which recently saw tariffs on Rolls-Royce engines lifted.
Of the 53 firm orders, IAG confirmed that 35 will be used as replacements for older widebody aircraft – some on short-term lease at LEVEL – while 18 are allocated for fleet growth, expanding capacity in the group’s key long-haul markets.
Luis Gallego, IAG’s CEO, commented, “Looking ahead to the next decade, these new aircraft will enable us to strengthen our core markets and further improve our customer experience, while continuing to drive long-term value for our shareholders.”
This latest announcement follows IAG’s earlier widebody commitments in March 2025, including six Airbus A350-900s for Iberia, six A350-1000s, and six Boeing 777-9s for British Airways – pointing to a consistent strategy of modernisation and expansion.
The deals were signed shortly after a UK-US trade agreement that removed certain tariffs on aerospace goods, boosting market confidence and leading to a noticeable lift in shares of associated firms like Rolls-Royce.
As these next-generation airliners begin arriving from 2028, IAG’s long-haul operations will become one of the most modern and efficient in Europe – a fascinating development for enthusiasts watching the evolution of airline fleets.
