When two Boeing 787s and the first Airbus SAS A380 arrive in England later this month British Airways will become the first European airline to fly the two wide-bodied liners as part of its line-up of planes.
The Boeing 787s are due to join British Airways (IAG) in two weeks on June 26th and 27th, and the Airbus one week later, on July 4th. IAG is spending 5 million pounds ($7.8 million) upgrading its subsidiary’s fleet.
The Dreamliners were originally scheduled to arrive in the UK in May, but due to issues with the batteries Boeing had to delay deliveries until the problems were resolved. British Air said that the routes of the planes will be “unveiled shortly.” But they did confirm that the A380 will have the route to Los Angeles beginning on October 15, while another route will be added to Hong Kong on November 15.
“Over the next 12 months, we will take delivery of new long-haul aircraft at an average rate of one every two weeks,” BA Chief Executive Officer Keith Williams said.
The A380 is more fuel efficient, and the 787 is made of composite plastic, making both planes more environmentally friendly while also helping to keep costs to a minimum. The more expensive-to-operate Boeing 747-400 jumbos will be phased out as more up-to-date planes join the fleet.