IAG converts A330 options for Iberia

IAG has decided to convert eight A330-200 options, previously announced, into firm orders for Spain’s flag carrier Iberia, which will become a new operator of the A330-200.  The aircraft will be delivered from the end 2015 and will be equipped with GE CF6 engines. Iberia’s all Airbus fleet already includes eight A330-300s.

The new A330s were announced alongside an order for eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft. In total they will replace 16 A340 family aircraft in Iberia’s longhaul fleet. In addition, IAG has taken out options for a further ten A330s to provide fleet flexibility for the Group.

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. Retaining an all Airbus longhaul fleet will also generate cost savings in maintenance and crewing“.

Airbus, IAG