LE BOURGET, France, June 18,
2019 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's largest airline
groups announced today it plans to build its future fleet with the
Boeing 737 MAX with an intention to purchase 200 MAX jets.
International Airlines Group (IAG) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] said the
two companies have been in discussions regarding the opportunity
and signed a letter of intent at the Paris Air Show in a deal that
would be valued at more than $24
billion, per list prices.
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 airplanes. Earlier
this year, IAG group committed to and finalized 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. IAG CEO Willie
Walsh has said the group would consider the 737 MAX as part
of diversifying its future fleet to spur competition.
"We're very pleased to sign this letter of intent with Boeing
and are certain that these aircraft will be a great addition to
IAG's short-haul fleet," said Willie
Walsh, IAG chief executive. "We have every confidence in
Boeing and expect that the aircraft will make a successful return
to service in the coming months having received approval from the
regulators."
In selecting the 737 MAX, IAG says it will fly a combination of
the 737 MAX 8, which seats up to 178 passengers in a two-class
configuration, and the larger 737 MAX 10 jet, which can accommodate
as many as 230 passengers. The airline did not disclose a specific
split between the two MAX models, though it anticipates deploying
the aircraft at a number of the group's airlines including Vueling
and LEVEL.
When a final agreement is reached, it will be posted to Boeing's
Orders & Deliveries website.
"We are truly honored 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 and our
deep commitment to quality and safety above all else," said Boeing
Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. "We are delighted that
the IAG team recognized the superior qualities of the 737 MAX and
has indicated an intention to return to the Boeing 737 family. We
look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with IAG
for many years to come."
The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International
LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other
improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and
passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX is 14
percent more fuel-efficient than today's most efficient
Next-Generation 737s, and 20 percent better than the original
Next-Generation 737s when they entered service.
IAG is one of the world's largest airline groups with 582
aircraft flying to 268 destinations, carrying 113 million
passengers in 2018.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading
provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security
systems, and global services. The company supports commercial and
government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs
more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a
global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership,
Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for
its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Contact:
Paul Bergman
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Media Relations
paul.r.bergman2@boeing.com
206.724.7292
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SOURCE Boeing