So it’s official: International Airlines Group (IAG) today confirmed a firm order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX, with an option for 100 more. Let’s take a closer look at this shift in IAG’s short/medium-haul fleet strategy.
IAG shareholders say yes to MAX
Earlier in the day, the shareholders of International Airlines Group reached an agreement with the American manufacturer Boeing to order 50 Boeing 737 MAX.
IAG’s order is split into 25 Boeing 737-8-200s and 25 Boeing 737-10s. In addition, IAG has reserved the option of ordering another 100 jets from the 737 MAX family. Last May, the IAG group announced its intention to buy the 50 MAX jets with an option for 100 more. However, the decision was subject to the approval of the group’s shareholders, which was confirmed today.
Photo: Boeing
According to IAG, 50 MAX jets are expected to be delivered from 2023 to 2027. Interestingly, being IAG an airline group, it has not yet been revealed which airline in the group the MAX jets are destined for. Indeed, the Boeing 737-8-200 and 737-10 could go to any of the member airlines: the British flag carrier British Airways, the Spanish flag carrier Iberia, the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus and the Spanish low-cost airline Vueling. .
When IAG Group first announced the Boeing order, Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG Group, said:
“The addition of new Boeing 737s is an important part of IAG’s short-haul fleet renewal. These latest-generation aircraft are more fuel-efficient than those they will replace and are in line with our commitment to zero emissions. of carbon by 2050”
What do the Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 offer?
IAG’s investment in the Boeing 737-8-200 and 737-10 is part of the renovation of the group’s short/medium-haul fleet of member airlines. What are the specificities of these planes?
In 2014, Boeing launched the Boeing 737-8-200 with a commitment from Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair for 100 aircraft. The variant originates from the 737-8, with “-200” reflecting the aircraft’s seating capacity. The improved capacity translates into a better revenue opportunity for the airlines operating it, which comes with a 5% reduction in operating costs compared to the 737-8.
Photo: Boeing
The largest variant of the MAX family, the -10, can accommodate up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration. The latest variant has a range of 3,300 nautical miles (6,111 km), which covers 99% of all single-aisle routes, including those formerly operated by the Boeing 757. In addition, the exceptionally long range opens up new possibilities for its operators to develop. their network without investing in larger aircraft. Boeing defines the 737-10 as its “rising star” because it is marketed as the most profitable aircraft in the single-aisle market, offering the lowest per-seat costs ever.
All 737 MAX Family jets are powered by the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines which, together with state-of-the-art winglets, ensure significant reductions in noise, CO2 and NOx emissions. The table below summarizes the specifics of the Boeing 737-8-200 and 737-10.
Details | Boeing 737-8-200 | Boeing 737-10 |
Seats (two classes) | 162-178 | 188 – 204 |
Maximum number of places | 210 | 230 |
Range – nautical miles (km) | 3,550 nautical miles (6,570 km) | 3,300 NM (6,110 km) – one auxiliary tank |
Length – feet (m) | 129 ft 8 in (39.52 m) | 143 ft 8 in (43.8 m) |
Wingspan – feet (m) | 117 ft 10 in (35.9 m) | 117 ft 10 in (35.9 m) |
Engine | CFM International’s Leap-1B | CFM International’s Leap-1B |
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, commented on the IAG shareholders’ decision saying:
“We welcome today’s decision by IAG shareholders to approve a firm order for 50 737-8-200s and 737-10s, with options for an additional 100, and look forward to working with IAG to reintroduce the 737 in the Group’s fleets »
The only concern for IAG now may be the potential delay Boeing faces in delivering the Boeing 737-10 if the manufacturer fails to meet an end-December deadline for certification of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) variant. .
A low blow for Airbus
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this news is the significant change the IAG order will bring to member airlines’ short/medium haul fleets.
Currently, the single-aisle market of IAG member airlines is served exclusively by Airbus 320 family aircraft. According to ch-aviation, British Airways operates 144 Airbus 320 family aircraft, Iberia and Iberia Express 92, Aer Lingus 40 and Vueling 125. Consequently, 2023 will mark an important year in the history of the IAG group, whose airlines are about to make a major change in their short/medium-haul fleet strategy.
Photo: Getty Images
#British #Airways #owner #confirms #firm #orders #Boeing #MAX