UK-based airline, British Airways, has confirmed the order that it will be placing with US airplane builder, Boeing, for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
BA has confirmed an order for 18 Dreamliners, with a total order value in the region of $4 billion. BA’s parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), has already ordered 24 of the aircraft as well as 12 Airbus A380’s as part of the fleet modernisation plan that it initiated six years ago. The new aircraft will be replacing some of BA’s Boeing 747-400 fleet between 2017 and 2021, according to IAG.
BA’s order has been confirmed as Boeing comes close to completing tests on a new lithium-ion battery system for the Dreamliner to replace the original system that was prone to overheating. Resolving the problem will not only mean that operational aircraft that have been grounded since the problem arose should soon be able to resume service again, but also that Boeing will be able to recommence deliveries from its current order book of 841 Dreamliners.
Speaking today, Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said, ‘British Airways has 24 Boeing 787s on order already and we plan to boost this by a further 18 aircraft by exercising our options. The aircraft offers a step change in fuel burn efficiency versus our existing aircraft with improvements in fuel cost per seat of more than 20 per cent. New technology engines and improved aerodynamics will lower fuel burn leading to reduced carbon and NOx emissions.
‘The creation of IAG has resulted in greater buying power for both airlines through joint procurement and we have been able to obtain delivery slots for Iberia as part of British Airways’ order.’
