European Airctraft Industry: British Airways order won by Airbus

Airbus A350

International Airlines Group – the parent company of British Airways and Iberia – has unveiled firm orders for 18 Airbus A350 long-haul jets for BA, with options for 18 more.

It also said it was talking with both Airbus and Boeing about buying more planes for the Spanish side of the business. Firm orders would only follow when Iberia is in a position to grow profitably after restructuring, IAG said.

One industry watcher called it a blow for Boeing in the lucrative “mini-jumbo” plane market, which is almost entirely dominated by the US manufacturer’s wide-bodied 777.

That comment came from Adam Pilarski, senior vice president at aviation consultants Avitas and former chief economist at Douglas Aircraft, which is now part of Boeing.

Read more: British Airways order won by Airbus | euronews, corporate