IAG places large order with Airbus - includes the new Airbus A350 and Airbus A320Neo

The order includes eight new Airbus A350-900s and three Airbus A330-200s that are to be delivered to Iberia as part of its fleet modernisation. Iberia announced this week that it intends to open a large number of long-haul routes and it is these additional routes in which the aircraft are to be used. Among the routes being considered by Iberia are Tokyo, Doha, Johannesburg, Toronto, Guadalajara, Managua, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Brasilia and Asuncion. In addition to long-haul aircraft, IAG has also ordered 20 Airbus A320Neo that are to be allocated between the three airlines. The Neo series is a further development of the existing Airbus fleet. NEO stands for New Engine Option and the aircraft features a new type of engine and innovative new ’sharklets’ on the wings that help to reduce fuel consumption. According to Airbus, this saves 20 percent more fuel, equivalent to 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year per Airbus A320 and two million litres of fuel.