LONDON – In the second bit of IAG news today, the conglomerate has approved an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 200 and MAX10 aircraft, with options for another 100.

This is the formulation of an agreement originally made back in May 2022, with the firm 50 due to be added to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries in November.

Commenting on the approval was Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s Senior VP of Commercial Sales & Marketing:

“We welcome today’s decision by IAG’s shareholders to approve a firm order for 50 737-8-200s and 737-10s, with options for 100 more, and we look forward to working with IAG on reintroducing the 737 into the Group’s fleets”.

Recap: IAG Also Approved Airbus Orders Today…

IAG has been busy today with the ordering of aircraft, having signed a deal with Airbus for 37 A320neo Family aircraft, bringing their total commitment to 59.

The 59 total commitment comes following a previous agreement for 22 A320neo Family aircraft, consisting of 17 A320neos and five A321neos.

Commenting on the deal was Christian Scherer, Airbus’ Sales Chief:

“IAG operates Airbus aircraft extensively in its fleet, making it one of the largest Airbus customers globally. These latest generation aircraft will be key in IAG’s stated environmental mission to operate the world’s most fuel-efficient planes”.

The Mini Airshow Continues…

Orders seem to be flying out to the press this week, offering a perspective amongst journalists that we are beginning to see some form of a mini airshow.

On the Airbus front, Air Canada placed an order for 15 more A220-300 aircraft, bringing their total commitment to 60 aircraft.

Commenting on the deal was Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer & Head of International:

“We are honored that Air Canada is coming back for more A220s. This demonstrates the value the aircraft is bringing, and we are proud to provide our customer with a high level of flexibility, great economics, and a real passenger appeal”.

“With already over 30 aircraft in service with the airline, the A220 has established itself as an efficient route-opener, as well as a mainline workhorse, strengthening the carriers’ continental network while delivering on Air Canada’s ambitious decarbonization targets.”

“We thank Air Canada for their continued trust in Airbus.”

Also commenting on the deal was Mark Galardo, the Senior VP of Network Planning & Revenue Management at Air Canada:

“The A220 has become an important component in the modernization of Air Canada’s fleet and a key part of our narrowbody fleet, thanks to its performance and passenger comfort.”

“Our customers truly enjoy the benefits of the A220, from its quieter cabin, larger overhead bins, and comfortable seating.”

“The A220 is the perfect aircraft for our North American network thanks to its economics, and its fuel efficiency also supports Air Canada’s commitment to reduce emissions on the way to its goal of net zero emissions from all global operations by 2050,”

On the Boeing front, Alaska Airlines signed a deal for 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, bringing their total purchasing commitment to 146 aircraft.

It is understood that deliveries will commence in 2024 and roll up all of the way through to 2027, with Alaska securing rights for 105 more aircraft through 2030, should they choose to exercise that.

Commenting on the deal was Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci:

“This investment secures aircraft to optimize our growth through the next decade, which we know will be a formidable competitive advantage”.

“We’re proud of the strong financial foundation that uniquely positions Alaska to make this commitment to our future and of the fantastic partnership we share with our hometown aircraft manufacturer at Boeing.”

Also commenting on the deal was Stan Deal, President & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes:

“As Alaska Airlines sustainably grows its fleet, the 737 MAX family offers environmental performance and flexibility to expand service across its route network”.

“Built in our Renton factory near Alaska’s headquarters in Washington state, these airplanes will carry passengers to destinations for years to come.”

Coming back to the 2030 point, this allows Alaska to operate up to 250 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by 2030, with the agreement allowing flexibility depending on economic conditions.

By 2023, a new 737 MAX will join the Alaska Airlines fleet every 10 days, which is quite a staggering feat.

Either way, this will be good news for both sides, especially as they aim to continue their sales momentum ahead of the Bahrain Air Show coming up soon.

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