Aerospace giant Airbus has described an order for 31 aircraft from British Airways parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) as “very significant” and testament to the world-leading efficiency of its planes.
IAG is buying 11 wide-body aircraft – eight A350-900s, three A330-200s – along with 20 A320neos (new engine option) for its Spanish flag carrier Iberia. 
The A350s and A330s will be used in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme and to open new long-haul routes while the A320neos will replacement existing short-haul aircraft.
Airbus chief operating officer – customers, John Leahy, said: “IAG’s additional order for A350s and A330s is very significant for us and highlights the appeal of our leading wide-body family.
“It always fills us with great pride when one of our biggest and most influential customers recognises the superior operating economics and passenger experience of our aircraft.
“The repeat selection of the A320neo is also a great endorsement of the world’s preferred single aisle family among the world’s most prestigious carriers.”
IAG now has a total of nearly 450 aircraft on order from Airbus. IAG’s airlines British Airways, Iberia and Vueling between them operate nearly every aircraft in Airbus’ product range from the smallest single aisle A318 to the world’s largest wide-body, the A380 superjumbo.
The order is significant for Airbus’s Filton plant, which designs wings for all Airbus aircraft, including the innovative ‘sharklets’ fitted to the wings to the A320neo which cut fuel use.
Also benefiting will be engineering group GKN, which makes wing parts for Airbus at Filton and produces A350 wing sections made from pioneering composite material at its Severnside plant.
Mr Leahy said the A350 XWB was the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family. Over 780 aircraft had been ordered and five delivered.
“Since entering into service in January 2015, the fleet of five A350 XWBs had demonstrated high operational reliability and passenger appeal,” he said.
“The A330 is one of the most popular and versatile widebody aircraft ever and has to date won over 1,500 orders, with over 1,200 delivered to some 110 operators worldwide.”
The A330, the A350 XWB and A380 make up the Airbus widebody aircraft family, which spans the 250 to 500-plus seats segment.
The A320neo family aircraft offers the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft with a 15% fuel burn reduction at entry into service, and 20% by 2020, achieved through cabin innovations, latest engine technologies, and overall efficiency improvements. The A320 family has won more than 11,800 orders and 6,600-plus aircraft delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide.
