IAG, one of the world's largest airline groups has announced plans to build a future fleet with the grounded and crash-prone Boeing 737 MAX with the purchase of 200 of them for US$24 billion at list prices.
'We're certain these aircraft will be a great addition to IAG's short-haul fleet. We have every confidence in Boeing and expect that the aircraft will make a successful return to service,' said IAG chief executive Willie Walsh.
International Airlines Group (IAG) and Boeing said the two companies have been in discussions regarding the opportunity and signed a letter of intent at the Paris Air Show.
IAG is the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL that fly more than 113 million passengers a year combined.
The group has been a long-time operator of Boeing twin-aisle aircrft. Earlier this year, IAG group committed to and finalised a major order for Boeing's newest long-haul model, the 777X, to complement its fleet of current-generation 777s and new 787 Dreamliners.
In the single-aisle segment, IAG and its affiliates used to operate Classic 737 aircraft. Today, its fleet is almost exclusively Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Said Boeing commercial airplanes chief Kevin McAllister: 'We are truly honoured and humbled by the leadership at International Airlines Group for placing their trust and confidence in the 737 MAX and, ultimately, in the people of Boeing.'
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'We're certain these aircraft will be a great addition to IAG's short-haul fleet. We have every confidence in Boeing and expect that the aircraft will make a successful return to service,' said IAG chief executive Willie Walsh.
International Airlines Group (IAG) and Boeing said the two companies have been in discussions regarding the opportunity and signed a letter of intent at the Paris Air Show.
IAG is the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL that fly more than 113 million passengers a year combined.
The group has been a long-time operator of Boeing twin-aisle aircrft. Earlier this year, IAG group committed to and finalised a major order for Boeing's newest long-haul model, the 777X, to complement its fleet of current-generation 777s and new 787 Dreamliners.
In the single-aisle segment, IAG and its affiliates used to operate Classic 737 aircraft. Today, its fleet is almost exclusively Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Said Boeing commercial airplanes chief Kevin McAllister: 'We are truly honoured and humbled by the leadership at International Airlines Group for placing their trust and confidence in the 737 MAX and, ultimately, in the people of Boeing.'
WORLD SHIPPING