News

British Airways (BA) has taken the first steps towards renewing its longhaul fleet of aircraft.

Officials at the airline have confirmed that four new Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft have been ordered and should be delivered by 2009.

The order is just the beginning of a mass overhaul planned by BA, with four more 777-200 ERs likely to be delivered by 2010 as well.

BA says that the new aircraft will help the airline as it plans to expand alongside the opening of Terminal Five at Heathrow.

Commercial director at BA, Robert Doyle, said that US firm Boeing was chosen over the European-based Airbus due to ease of integration.

'It was a close decision between the Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s,' he said. 'However, the ease of assimilating up to eight aircraft into our existing 777 fleet, rather than having a small number of A330s, swung the balance in Boeing's favour.

'We are confident of a similarly competitive approach from both manufacturers as we move towards our major longhaul fleet renewal and expansion order later this year,' added Mr Doyle.

BA has also announced that over the next ten years, 20 Boeing 747s and 14 Boeing 767s will be replaced.

© Adfero Ltd