New aircraft will replace existing Boeing 747-400 and 777-200 fleet

British Airway’s parent company IAG has placed an order for 18 new Boeing 777-9 aircraft, together with 24 options.

The new aircraft will be fitted with 325 seats across four cabins, and will be powered by General Electric GE9X engines. The planes replace 14 of British Airways’ existing Boeing fleet of 14 747-400 aircraft and four Boeing 777-200. The new aircraft will be put into service between 2022 and 2025.

IAG also has orders for 12 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners, four B777-300ERs and 18 A350s.

Cost efficiencies and environmental benefits

IAG Chief Executive Willie Walsh, said: “The new B777-9 is the world’s most fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways’ fleet.

“It’s the ideal replacement for the Boeing 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network.

“This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the Boeing 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience.”

Centenary

British Airways is marking its centenary by giving some of its fleet heritage makeovers. One of its Boeing 747s has been painted in the livery of predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), in a design which featured on the airline’s fleet between 1964 and 1974. The aircraft will retain the livery until 2023 when it is retired.

An Airbus 319 will also be painted in the colours of the airline’s short-haul predecessor, British European Airways (BEA).

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