International Airlines Group (IAG) has placed an order for brand new Boeing 777X aircraft, to be more precise, for 18 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, plus 24 options, for British Airways.

According to the statement, new aircraft will replace 14 Boeing 747-400 and four Boeing 777-200 planes in a period of 2022-2025.

“The new B777-9 is the world’s most fuel efficient longhaul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways’ fleet. It’s the ideal replacement for the Boeing 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network”, said Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive.

British Airways has 135 wide-bodied longhaul aircraft in its fleet (12 A380s, 30 B787s, 12 B777-300ERs, 46 B777-200s and 35 B747s) with 12 more B787s, four B777-300ERs and 18 A350s on order.