Spoiler alert: British Airways isn’t retiring the A380 but is going on a long-haul shopping spree. IAG, the parent company of BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL, just placed a jumbo-sized aircraft order with Boeing and Airbus that screams “growth mode… but make it fuel efficient.”
In This Post
The Deal at 38,000 Feet
On 9 May 2025, IAG announced orders for 53 new long-haul aircraft:
- 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners — destination: British Airways
- 21 Airbus A330-900neos — likely heading to Iberia or Aer Lingus, or maybe sprinkled across LEVEL’s Euro-sun routes
Deliveries kick off in 2028 and continue until 2033. Yes, it’s a long-haul strategy for long-haul jets.
Options? Oh Yes:
- BA gets options for 10 more 787s
- IAG gets 13 more A330neos in the locker, just in case things get spicy
What’s Being Replaced?
According to IAG, 35 of the new aircraft are replacements. It’s no surprise that BA still flies 777-200s, and Iberia’s A330-200s aren’t exactly sipping fuel like a Prius.
The remaining 18 jets are for expansion, which is a polite way of saying: “We want more slots at JFK and a piece of the India action.”
Quick Recap: IAG’s Fleet Shopping List (as of now)
| Aircraft Type | Airline Likely Receiving | Quantity Ordered | Delivery Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 787-10 | British Airways | 32 | 2028–2033 |
| Airbus A330-900neo | Iberia / Aer Lingus | 21 | 2028–2033 |
| Boeing 777-9 | British Airways | 18 | 2025+ |
| Airbus A350-1000 | British Airways | 6 | 2025+ |
| Airbus A350-900 | Iberia | 6 | 2025+ |
Plus dozens of A320neos, 737 MAXs, and A321XLRs on the short-haul side.
Why This Matters
- Fuel Burn: New jets = less kerosene, fewer emissions, and better PR.
- Commonality: Sticking with 787s, A350s, and A330neos means easier pilot training and fewer maintenance headaches.
- Flexibility: Widebodies that sip fuel = profit on thinner long-haul routes. Think BA to secondary US cities, or LEVEL pushing deeper into South America.
BA’s Widebody Future?
Let’s read between the fuselage lines:
- No A350-1000 orders beyond the six confirmed.
- A380s still fly, but with no replacement on order.
- 787-10s will likely replace ageing 777-200s and A350s will do the heavy lifting
IAG is betting on a Dreamliner-A350 tag team with A330neos to round out Iberia and Aer Lingus, all of which is aimed at a more efficient, premium-heavy future.
Final Approach
IAG latest aircraft order isn’t just a flex — it’s a statement of intent. They’re planning for growth, hungry for premium passengers, and laser-focused on streamlining ops across their fleet. Whether that results in better actual service remains to be seen. But from an aircraft nerd’s view?
It’s a fleet refresh worth geeking out over.
Next Stop…
