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British Airways fans are in luck, as the airline receives two wide-body aircraft. Along with its seventh Airbus A350, the airline will also take its first Boeing 777 in six years.
Many airlines around the world have delayed aircraft deliveries in response to the current situation. Some, like Qatar, have even warned both Airbus and Boeing that if they don’t accept delays, they may not get business in the future. However, one airline that has happily continued with deliveries is the British flag carrier, British Airways.
First Boeing 777 in six years
British Airways has already received its first Boeing 777 in six years today. G-STBM departed the Boeing plant in Everett at 5:18 p.m. yesterday. After an eight hour and 38 minute flight to the UK, the plane touched down at its new home in London Heathrow at 09:56 this morning.
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The Boeing 777-300ER will initially be unique to the British Airways fleet. It is the first aircraft to be equipped with the airline’s new First suite. Essentially, the seat is expected to be reasonably similar to the airline’s current first-class seat. However, it would also have a door that would allow it to be competitive with the airline’s new business class product.
An A350 to join
As if a shiny new Boeing 777 weren’t enough for British Airways, deliveries won’t stop there. Over the past year, British Airways has been consistently receiving deliveries of Airbus A350 aircraft.
Today, the British airline will receive its seventh Airbus A350, registered as G-XWBG. At the time of this writing, the plane was on the ground in Toulouse, according to data from FlightRadar24.com. The aircraft is expected to arrive at its new Heathrow base in London this afternoon.
Out with the old and in with the new
Before the current situation, British Airways was already in the middle of a fleet renewal. The airline had been phasing out its large and inefficient Boeing 747s to make way for the next generation of aircraft, such as the A350 and the upcoming Boeing 777X. However, as we all know by now, the airline has decided to recall its remaining 747s immediately.
In fact, this action will help British Airways adjust the size of its fleet during the current crisis. Previously, the plan was to operate on a roughly individual basis. However, by retiring all 747s now, the airline’s fleet is currently smaller than before the crisis. This would allow the airline to rebuild its fleet slowly as demand returns in the coming years.
The airline had been expecting its first Boeing 777X delivery in 2022. However, it is unclear if this date will be delayed due to delays in the 777X project at the end of Boeing.
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