BA invites bids for new long-haul planes
British Airways announced today that it has launched a competition for new long-haul aircraft.
Airbus and Boeing, engine manufacturers Engine Alliance, General Electric and Rolls-Royce along with other key component suppliers have all been invited to bid.
The competition – called a request for proposal (RFP) – is the first stage of a lengthy process before the airline makes a decision on the growth of the fleet and replacement for the next decade.
Chief executive 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 long-haul business we now need additional long-haul aircraft. We remain committed to generating an economic return for our shareholders.”
He said launching the competition highlighted the need for BA to address its £2.1bn (€3.1bn) pension deficit.
“It is a major blocker to growth and investment in our business but I am confident we will resolve it,” he said.
“With a combination of firm orders and options, we are planning for both growth and fleet replacement into the next decade.”
He said environmental performance would be one of the key criteria in BA’s choice, ensuring greater fuel efficiency, reduced noise and emissions.
“The first aircraft to be replaced are the 20 Boeing 747s and 14 Boeing 767s, which will be around 25 years old,” he added.
