New longhaul aircraft for Iberia

International Airlines Group (IAG) is converting eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft options into firm orders and securing eight A330-200 aircraft for Iberia. These aircraft will replace 16 A340 family aircraft in Iberia’s longhaul fleet and will be delivered between 2015 and 2020. The aircraft will be equipped with efficient Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines

Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: „Iberia has taken significant steps to restructure its business and the progress made so far means that we can bring new longhaul aircraft into the airline’s fleet. These orders demonstrate our commitment to make Iberia competitive.

“We are very proud that IAG has chosen the A350-900 aircraft for Iberia. We welcome a new operator of the most efficient mid-size long-haul aircraft in the market,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A350XWB is the aircraft of choice in its category and set to become a reference among passengers for its unrivalled cabin comfort and quietness.“ ‎

IAG secured commercial terms for the A350 aircraft as part of the Group longhaul order announced in April 2013. The A350 XWB is the latest addition to the Airbus Widebody product line. Offering its customers a 25 per cent reduction in fuel-burn, the all-new mid-size long-range A350 XWB Family comprises three versions from 276 to 369 seats. The A350 has carbon fibre fuselage and wings and sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The eight A330 aircraft will be obtained either by converting existing options from the 2011 Airbus order or from the operating lease market, depending on financial and delivery terms.