British Airways Orders 12 Airbus A-380s, 24 Boeing 787s

British Airways has announced it will take delivery of 12 Airbus A-380s... In the largest order it has placed for nine years, British Airways is set to purchase 36 new airliners. The order comprises 12 examples of the Airbus A-380, which will serve alongside 24 examples of Boeing's yet-to-be-flown 787 Dreamliner. The value of the deal is understood to be approximately $8 billion, with the 36 airliners to be delivered over a four-year period starting in 2010. Within the deal are options to buy additional A-380s/787s further down the line.

In a statement issued by the UK's flagship carrier, it highlighted how the two new airliners now set to join its fleet would be "greener, quieter and more fuel efficient", and would generate much less in respect of CO2 emissions. Focus was also placed on the efficiency benefits provided by both, with the promise of "significant economic benefits with lower costs per seat".

As per Willie Walsh - the Chief Executive of British Airways - "These new aircraft will continue our commitment to deliver the best travel experience to our customers. This order builds upon our recent investment in improving the customer experience through (Heathrow) Terminal 5, the new Club World cabin, in-flight entertainment system and ba.com."

...and 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by 2014 The Airbus A-380s and Boeing 787s will take the place of 34 older airliners currently within British Airways' ranks. If the options are taken into account, then, overall, the airline said, its capacity will be increased by four per cent per annum.

The Airbus design will be employed on British Airways' prime routes, allowing higher numbers of passengers to be carried on a single sortie. By way of contrast, BA intends to open up new routes in respect of the 787.

Both aircraft types have received significant coverage in Airport International in recent weeks and months. The Airbus A-380 itself first flew in April 2005, but its entry into service has been delayed. As this words were typed, it was still expected that Singapore Airlines - the A-380's launch customer - would make its initial commercial flight with the "Superjumbo" - as it has been dubbed - by the end of October 2007.

The Boeing Dreamliner, meanwhile, was rolled out for the first time on July 8^th this year. Its first flight is still expected to take place before the end of 2007.

Source - Airport International's Aviation Expert