In separate statements issued by the worlds two largest aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing have both received firm orders for a combined total of 87 aircraft with options for a further 100 from International Airlines Group (IAG).
Boeing received the lions share with an order for 50 737-8-200s and 737-10s combined, the order having been initially announced back in May this year. IAG has included 100 options in the deal with Boeing. The largest model in the family, the 737-10 seats up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration and can fly up to 3,300 miles. The fuel-efficient jet can cover 99% of single-aisle routes, including routes served by 757s. The 737-8-200 will enable IAG to configure the airplane with up to 200 seats, increasing revenue potential and reducing fuel consumption. The 737 incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver, according to Boeing, the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
Furthermore, IAG shareholders have agreed to the purchase of an additional 37 Airbus A320neo jets, following on from orders earlier in the year for 17 A320neos and five A321neos, taking the year's total orders from IAG to 59 single-aisle jets. The A320neo family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20% fuel saving.
