Iberia announces order for up to 16 A330s

Iberia, which merged with British Airways into International Airlines Group in January (ATW Daily News, Jan. 24), said it reached agreement with Airbus to order eight A330-300s with options for eight more. Separately, Airbus announced the signing of an MOU with IB for the acquisition of eight A330-300s but did not mention a further eight options. It did not provide a delivery date, but IB said that deliveries will occur between fall 2012 and spring 2014, and are earmarked to replace “up to 16 A340 family aircraft.” IB's widebody fleet consists of 18 A340-300s and 17 A340-600s. Engine selection was not announced.

“The A330 is an excellent aircraft, both in terms of comfort and operational performance, and it will be a welcome addition to Iberia’s fleet.  It also provides us with considerable cost benefits due to its lower fuel consumption and commonality with Iberia’s existing long-haul aircraft,” said IAG CEO Willie Walsh in a statement. With the new aircraft and options, “IAG will have the flexibility to determine the overall size of Iberia’s long haul-fleet and capacity in future,” it added.