British Airways has launched a competition for new longhaul aircraft by issuing tender documents to aircraft and engine manufacturers.
Airbus and Boeing, and engine manufacturers, Engine Alliance, General Electric and Rolls Royce plus other key component suppliers, have been invited to bid. British Airways’ CEO, Willie Walsh, said: “For the past four years, we have grown capacity by using our aircraft more efficiently.
In order to continue to grow our longhaul business we now need additional longhaul aircraft. We remain committed to generating an economic return for our shareholders. Launching the competition highlights the need for us to address our GBP 2.1 billion pension deficit.
With a combination of firm orders and options, we are planning for both growth and fleet replacement into the next decade. Environmental performance will be one of the key criteria in our choice ensuring greater fuel efficiency, reduced noise and emissions.”
Walsh said that the first aircraft to be replaced are the 20 B747s and 14 B767s, which will be around 25 years old. Subject to the outcome of the RFP competition, orders are expected to be placed during next year. Aircraft being considered for the airline’s longhaul fleet are the A330, A350, A380 and B787, B777 and B747-8. www.ba.com
