IAG and BA Sign MOU for 18 Airbus A350-1000s

International Airline Group, and British Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to buy 18 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft plus 18 options.

IAG, owner of both British Airways and Iberia, has also secured commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for Iberia.

The choice of the A350-1000 follows British Airways’ decision in 2007 to buy 12 Airbus A380s, the first of which will be delivered this summer. The airline has already confirmed that one of its Airbus A380s will fly to Hong Kong.

“The A350-1000 will bring many benefits to our fleet. Its size and range will be an excellent fit for our existing network and, with lower unit costs, there is an opportunity to operate a new range of destinations profitably. This will not only bring greater flexibility to our network but also more choice for our customer,” said Willie Walsh, IAG Chief Executive.

The A350-1000 is the largest member of the A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family seating up to 350 passengers in three classes, with a range capability of 8,400 nautical miles (15,500 km).

The A350 XWB Family includes the A350-900 and A350-800 seating 314 and 270 passengers respectively.